Electronic Lowering Modules: Are all equal?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: 2 star town
R350
Electronic Lowering Modules: Are all equal?
I've done a lot of searching and can't seem to find the answer i'm looking for.
I'm finally biting the bullet and going to pull the trig on a lowering module but can't decide on the brand... the consensus is Renntech though i'm wondering if anyone has tried other brands Kleemann, Carlsson, Lorinser, Brabus etc. and compared back to back.
The literature states that dampening is "increased" but otherwise it's pretty vague. I think these airmatic cars handle like a bag of sht and would like the best handling solution.
Thoughts?
Also, does anyone know the main differences between the v2 and v3 variants of Renntech's ELM?
I'm finally biting the bullet and going to pull the trig on a lowering module but can't decide on the brand... the consensus is Renntech though i'm wondering if anyone has tried other brands Kleemann, Carlsson, Lorinser, Brabus etc. and compared back to back.
The literature states that dampening is "increased" but otherwise it's pretty vague. I think these airmatic cars handle like a bag of sht and would like the best handling solution.
Thoughts?
Also, does anyone know the main differences between the v2 and v3 variants of Renntech's ELM?
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 971
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From: D.C. METRO AREA
CLS55 AMG
I've done a lot of searching and can't seem to find the answer i'm looking for.
I'm finally biting the bullet and going to pull the trig on a lowering module but can't decide on the brand... the consensus is Renntech though i'm wondering if anyone has tried other brands Kleemann, Carlsson, Lorinser, Brabus etc. and compared back to back.
The literature states that dampening is "increased" but otherwise it's pretty vague. I think these airmatic cars handle like a bag of sht and would like the best handling solution.
Thoughts?
Also, does anyone know the main differences between the v2 and v3 variants of Renntech's ELM?
I'm finally biting the bullet and going to pull the trig on a lowering module but can't decide on the brand... the consensus is Renntech though i'm wondering if anyone has tried other brands Kleemann, Carlsson, Lorinser, Brabus etc. and compared back to back.
The literature states that dampening is "increased" but otherwise it's pretty vague. I think these airmatic cars handle like a bag of sht and would like the best handling solution.
Thoughts?
Also, does anyone know the main differences between the v2 and v3 variants of Renntech's ELM?
Get the Carlsson 100% plug N Play great stance and you dont have to fool with it all the time. I installed mine last June it took 5 minutes and i have not looked back or given it a second thought.
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Saskatchewan
1969 280S, 1991 300E
I've done a lot of searching and can't seem to find the answer i'm looking for.
I'm finally biting the bullet and going to pull the trig on a lowering module but can't decide on the brand... the consensus is Renntech though i'm wondering if anyone has tried other brands Kleemann, Carlsson, Lorinser, Brabus etc. and compared back to back.
The literature states that dampening is "increased" but otherwise it's pretty vague. I think these airmatic cars handle like a bag of sht and would like the best handling solution.
Thoughts?
Also, does anyone know the main differences between the v2 and v3 variants of Renntech's ELM?
I'm finally biting the bullet and going to pull the trig on a lowering module but can't decide on the brand... the consensus is Renntech though i'm wondering if anyone has tried other brands Kleemann, Carlsson, Lorinser, Brabus etc. and compared back to back.
The literature states that dampening is "increased" but otherwise it's pretty vague. I think these airmatic cars handle like a bag of sht and would like the best handling solution.
Thoughts?
Also, does anyone know the main differences between the v2 and v3 variants of Renntech's ELM?
The main differences: V3 can be plugged in to a laptop to change heights. V2, you can get the remote for.
Is the Carlsson one adjustable?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 607
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From: 2 star town
R350
Can you get a remote with v3 or is laptop only?
If i go v2 how much approx is the remote?
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From: Bay Area
E500 Sport
I have V2. V2 is adjustable from the module. Remote retails for $600, IIRC, not worth it, IMO. My module is hidden in the passenger foot well
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From: Northern VA
W211
I have the v3 elm and can change height settings from usb to laptop. i have mine set at 2.2f and 1.95 r. i'm trying to reach renntech when they are back from holiday break. Not sure why, but when my car is at a redlight/idle, it drops lower...so not sure what height it is when its moving.....drop on renntech is up to 4inches
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From: el clinico magnifico
E63, S550
I assume this is the lowering module you have http://www.motiontrends.com/2006/200...lowering.shtml
I was reading your thread and a few others about the Carlsson and it looks very easy to install. However, how do you make all the height adjustments (via laptop or knobs on the ELM)?
Most critically, I am concerned about the car lowering itself above 60mph because according to Sonic MS my tire may rub the fender if I lower the car and it lowers itself at 60mph.
I was reading your thread and a few others about the Carlsson and it looks very easy to install. However, how do you make all the height adjustments (via laptop or knobs on the ELM)?
Most critically, I am concerned about the car lowering itself above 60mph because according to Sonic MS my tire may rub the fender if I lower the car and it lowers itself at 60mph.
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From: D.C. METRO AREA
CLS55 AMG
I assume this is the lowering module you have http://www.motiontrends.com/2006/200...lowering.shtml
I was reading your thread and a few others about the Carlsson and it looks very easy to install. However, how do you make all the height adjustments (via laptop or knobs on the ELM)?
Most critically, I am concerned about the car lowering itself above 60mph because according to Sonic MS my tire may rub the fender if I lower the car and it lowers itself at 60mph.
I was reading your thread and a few others about the Carlsson and it looks very easy to install. However, how do you make all the height adjustments (via laptop or knobs on the ELM)?
Most critically, I am concerned about the car lowering itself above 60mph because according to Sonic MS my tire may rub the fender if I lower the car and it lowers itself at 60mph.
Last edited by Full Throttle; Dec 31, 2009 at 05:30 PM.
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From: Bay Area
E500 Sport
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From: el clinico magnifico
E63, S550
There are dip switches on the heads of the unit. My car has never rubbed at any speed and i have 20x11's on the back of my car. The whole idea of ToOning your air shocks is amusing to me. You set the ride height you want and use the setting on the console to do the rest. I just don't get the fascination with laptop shock tuning and $600 dash mounted air shock adjusters.
Basically it sounds like all you do is plug it in, adjust the height & settings, and button her up. That's all I want, set it and forget it.
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From: D.C. METRO AREA
CLS55 AMG
I'm not sure about the rubbing on my car, I thought the CLS' fenders can swallow a larger rim/tire size than an E. Right now I have the VRO5's with 285/30/20 in the back, I'm not sure about the offsets.
Basically it sounds like all you do is plug it in, adjust the height & settings, and button her up. That's all I want, set it and forget it.
Basically it sounds like all you do is plug it in, adjust the height & settings, and button her up. That's all I want, set it and forget it.
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Bay Area
E500 Sport
I'm not sure about the rubbing on my car, I thought the CLS' fenders can swallow a larger rim/tire size than an E. Right now I have the VRO5's with 285/30/20 in the back, I'm not sure about the offsets.
Basically it sounds like all you do is plug it in, adjust the height & settings, and button her up. That's all I want, set it and forget it.
Basically it sounds like all you do is plug it in, adjust the height & settings, and button her up. That's all I want, set it and forget it.
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Joined: Feb 2008
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From: el clinico magnifico
E63, S550
I just checked, it's 285/25. I don't want to dump it, just a nice one finger gap. Do you think it will work?
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From: Bay Area
E500 Sport
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From: Quincy, IL
'06 E55, '03 996TT, '07 Ridgeline
Love your car, FT! Those wheels look killer and the drop really compliments it...good job!
As far as the lowering module goes, I've got the Renntech V2, and I couldn't be happier. Install took about an hour and a half, but that included soldering and heat shrinking. I have it mounted in my center console underneath the cup holder, and I pretty much set it and forget it. A word to the wise...if you install this module, be sure to mount it in the center console BEFORE you solder all the wires. I didn't do it that way, and then had to cut all the wires and re-solder them.
Good luck!
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From: el clinico magnifico
E63, S550
I'm sure the off-sets are fine. I'll lower it just a little at a time.
The good thing is that Carlsson unit is plug and play. I am mechanically inclined but I don't feel like dealing with the cutting/splicing/soldering of wires that the Renntech unit requires. Moreover, according to Carlsson the lower module will also work on the W212
The good thing is that Carlsson unit is plug and play. I am mechanically inclined but I don't feel like dealing with the cutting/splicing/soldering of wires that the Renntech unit requires. Moreover, according to Carlsson the lower module will also work on the W212
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ML550
The Renntech unit is capable of greater adjustment and fine tuning than any of the other brands of ELMs out there. I don't get why anyone would incur the cost of any brand ELM only to set it once and never adjust it again; go with the lowering links if that's your plan.
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: So Cal
2009 E63
I have the v3 elm and can change height settings from usb to laptop. i have mine set at 2.2f and 1.95 r. i'm trying to reach renntech when they are back from holiday break. Not sure why, but when my car is at a redlight/idle, it drops lower...so not sure what height it is when its moving.....drop on renntech is up to 4inches
The Renntech V3 unit has a second tab in the program that says "enable speed setting". Go to that tab, enable and say yes to the disclaimer, and raise it to like 200 mph. Basically, it states at what speed your car goes back to stock height (read the tab). When the car gets to about 10mph+, it will start raising back to stock height. I have mine set on 110 mph and around 80-90mpg, it starts it way back to stock- try 200 mph- give it a shot and chime back.
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From: el clinico magnifico
E63, S550
On the Renntech ELM, version 2 and 3, no cutting, splicing or soldering or wires is required to do the install. That's is simply misinformation. Numerous owners have done their own installs of the Renntech unit.
The Renntech unit is capable of greater adjustment and fine tuning than any of the other brands of ELMs out there. I don't get why anyone would incur the cost of any brand ELM only to set it once and never adjust it again; go with the lowering links if that's your plan.
The Renntech unit is capable of greater adjustment and fine tuning than any of the other brands of ELMs out there. I don't get why anyone would incur the cost of any brand ELM only to set it once and never adjust it again; go with the lowering links if that's your plan.
I remember a few months ago I saw an MB mechanic installing a Renntech ELM and he was busy splicing wires and exchanging harness wires to install it.
Is version three a plug and play like the Carlsson? Also, I don't want to have to use a laptop to set it up since I don't have one.
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From: el clinico magnifico
E63, S550
So does the V3 need splicing/rewiring? The Carlsson looks like it has its own connector between the wires from the car and the suspension control unit thereby making it a much easier install. I've reached the point where I am too lazy to mess with wiring, but that's just me.
I'm not anti-Renntech, I just want:
1. Easy plug and play (without splicing or rewiring).
2. Does not require a laptop.
3. Ability to cancel the speed-dependent lowering.
