I recently purchased a '99 C43 and would like to lower it -- nothing drastic, there's just too much space between the wells and the wheels. The dealer has recommended against this, and has made some vague comments about voiding my warranty, something I am apprehensive about.

I guess I have two general questions:
First, what would be the best parts to use for lowering it (brand name, supplier, etc.), and how do I go about finding a local shop who will do quality work (the dealership where I bought the car won't do it)?
Second, how can I find out what *specific* warranty problems exist? In other words, if I lower the car, do void only the suspension warranty, or does a lot of other stuff get voided too?

Thanks,

Ian

Hey Ace,

That eternal question "will lowering my car void my warranty?". I don't really know the answer. People say it will some say it won't, some say it will only void the warranty if the dealer can prove that the modified part was the casue of the problem. I had that debate too but have come to the conclusion that Looks, for now, offsets the performance aspects of the stock suspension. i mean, AMG set up the suspension so there must be something right there right? Oh well, which ever way you choose, good luck.

Rocky

1997 AMG C36

If you have the dough to burn, I would recommand you go for Mercedes Tuners(AMG, Brabus, Lorinser)because...

1. They design parts specific for MBs, and parts will fit perfectly.

2. Because they are specially designed for MBs, and fit perfectly, there shouldn't be any issue of "caused damage by modifications" and therefore, would not void the warranty.

Happy Motoring.....
Andy Kuo
'92 400SE

Go with a tuner like Brabus or Renntech. Using a specialized tuner product ensures the highest quality, perfect fit, and much improved product support. You may want to fill out a Brabus inquiry and see what they can offer you.

As for the warranty issue: to my understanding the manufacturer can only void a warranty if they can prove that the aftermarket product caused a problem.

Installation: depending on where you live (?) there should be at least one top-notch indpendent shop that can do the work. Perhaps someone can recommend a place near where you live? In any case, a independent will be more likely to do the work if A) you use an exclusive part so you are not "bringing eggs to wafflehouse" and B) the part is of the highest quality available. Any place that takes pride in their work will only want to install the best possible parts. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

Hope this helps...Lee

Here are the links...

Brabus
http://www.brabus.com

Lorinser
http://www.lorinser.com

AMG, Performance Group, Canada
http://www.performances.com

And as Lee suggested, write a part request/email to Brabus, and they will return your mail ASAP. I send a letter regarding Brabus in Canada, and I actually receive their letter the day after. It's IMPRESSIVE....

Happy Motoring...
Andy Kuo
'92 400SE

Caution - The C43 suspension is already a little lower than a standard C230/C280. Make sure that the lowering springs are specifically for a C43. Putting lowering springs designed for the C230/C280 will probably put you at the same height you already have.

[This message has been edited by Kevin (edited 10-03-1999).]

Andy,

Can you give me that info about Brabus in Canada? Specifically, authorized location(s) in Southern Ontario (if any)?

Thanks,
Sly

Since AMG puts high quality parts in the car, how about removing the rubber spring pads at the top of each spring. .5" at the spring will equal about 1" at wheel opening.

------------------
MERCEDES BENZ MASTER GUILD TECHNICIAN
ASE MASTER TECHNICIAN
27 YEARS DEALER M.B. TECH
190E 2.3 ITS RACECAR

SlyDunbar,

I am sorry, but there's no Brabus dealers in Canada yet. But if you don't mind order stuff online, you may want to check out the Brabus website.

Brabus
http://www.brabus.com

Or try AMG parts. There's one AMG dealer in Vancouver
http://www.performances.com

Hope this helps....
Andy Kuo

------------------

• 1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
  
• Moonstone Grey/Black Leather
  
• Blue/Red Headlights
  
• Xenon-Look Foglights
  
• AMG Shocks/Springs
  

[This message has been edited by akry (edited 10-29-1999).]

All M.B.'s use a rubber spring pad to size the spring for correct height. The pad is at the top of the spring, they come in 3-4 sizes from 9-22mm. By removing them the car will be lowered. The pads have 1,2,3, or 4 bumps on them to show how thick they are. 1=9mm 2=14mm 3=19mm 4=22mm.

M.B. DOC, I have a 98 E430 will I also be able to lower the car by removing the rubber spring pad versus buying aftermarket lowering springs? Can this be done and not violate the warranty? Does PartShop carry these parts? What are the downsides or additional work to be done when the pads are exchanged for smaller ones? Thanks.

Also, are there any side-effects I should be worry about, if I remove the pad?? Thnx...

Happy Motoring...
Andy Kuo


------------------

• 1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
  
• Moonstone Grey/Black Leather
  
• Blue/Red Headlights
  
• Xenon-Look Foglights
  
• AMG Shocks/Springs
  

One reason they use rubber is dampen metal to metal noises. However I've ran at least 5 MB's w/o pads & never noticed any "extra" noise. remember that if the pads are the thinnest (1bump 9mm) that you won't see much of a change.

Ian, did you find shorter springs? Did you change your wheels/tires?

thanks

------------------
Noah
1999 C43
4Noah.homepage.com

Thanks to everyone for the many responses - I've been "out of touch" lately.

No, I haven't yet lowered my C43. I plan to do it, but other things have cropped up and have prevented me from researching it further. I will be sure to share my experience with you when (if) I finally get around to it.

Again, thanks to all for the many thoughtful responses.

Ian



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acefraley
'99 C43