Are you looking to refine the stance of your Mercedes-Benz W212 and enhance its sporty appeal? Many owners feel the factory ride height, especially on models with the sport package, sits a bit too high. Fortunately, if you have access to a Mercedes Benz Xentry Sds system, you can easily adjust the ride height of your W212 equipped with Airmatic suspension. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough on how to lower your W212 using Mercedes Benz Xentry SDS, allowing you to achieve a more aggressive look and potentially improve handling.
Before we dive into the process, it’s important to understand what Mercedes Benz Xentry SDS is and why it’s the tool for this job. Xentry (also known as SDS – Star Diagnosis System in older versions) is the official diagnostic software used by Mercedes-Benz technicians. It offers comprehensive access to your vehicle’s control units, enabling diagnostics, coding, adaptations, and various service functions – including Airmatic suspension calibration. While aftermarket solutions like adjustable air ride links exist, using Mercedes Benz Xentry SDS allows for precise, computer-controlled adjustments within the system’s safe parameters.
This guide is tailored for Mercedes-Benz W212 owners who are comfortable with DIY car modifications and have access to a Mercedes Benz Xentry SDS system, ideally with a C3 Multiplexer. While the process is relatively straightforward, it requires careful attention to detail and adherence to safety precautions. Incorrect procedures can lead to electronic malfunctions, so proceed with caution and ensure you understand each step before executing it.
Let’s get started on lowering your W212 using Mercedes Benz Xentry SDS.
Before we begin the electronic adjustments, take a moment to assess your current ride height. These before pictures illustrate the initial wheel gap on the W212, highlighting the motivation for many owners to lower their vehicles.
Important Considerations Before Lowering with Mercedes Benz Xentry SDS
While Mercedes Benz Xentry SDS provides a convenient way to lower your W212, it’s crucial to understand its limitations and safety requirements:
- Lowering Limits: Mercedes Benz Xentry SDS allows for moderate lowering, typically in the range of 30-40mm. If you aim for an extremely low “slammed” look, this method might not be sufficient. Adjustable air ride links are better suited for drastic lowering as they mechanically alter sensor readings.
- Not for Slammed Stance: This procedure is designed for subtle adjustments, not for achieving a slammed or “in the weeds” stance. Exceeding the software’s limits can negatively impact suspension performance and vehicle dynamics.
- Pre-Adjustment Procedure: Before connecting to Mercedes Benz Xentry SDS, it’s essential to prepare your car’s Airmatic system. Press the “raise” button and allow the car to fully elevate. Then, disengage the raise function and let the suspension settle for at least 2-3 minutes. This ensures the system is in a neutral starting position for calibration.
- Power Supply is Critical: Maintaining a stable 12V power supply throughout the process is paramount. Voltage drops can cause electronic damage or module failures. Always connect your Mercedes-Benz W212 to an external battery charger during Mercedes Benz Xentry SDS operations. Similarly, ensure your laptop running Mercedes Benz Xentry SDS is also connected to a stable power source to prevent interruptions.
Step-by-Step Guide: Lowering Your W212 with Mercedes Benz Xentry SDS
Now, let’s proceed with the detailed steps to lower your Mercedes-Benz W212 using Mercedes Benz Xentry SDS.
Step 1: Prepare and Connect External Power
Begin by connecting your Mercedes-Benz W212 to a battery charger. Locate the charging post under the hood (common in V8 models). Connect a charger capable of providing a stable 10A charge to ensure consistent power during the procedure.
Step 2: Connect Mercedes Benz Xentry SDS System
Power on your laptop and boot up the Mercedes Benz Xentry SDS software. Connect your C3 Multiplexer (or compatible interface) to the OBD-II port in your W212.
Position the multiplexer safely (e.g., on the driver’s seat) and route the cables to your laptop, ensuring they don’t obstruct your workspace. A stable setup is crucial for uninterrupted communication.
Step 3: Launch Mercedes Benz Xentry SDS and Vehicle Identification
Start the Mercedes Benz Xentry SDS software on your laptop. Allow Xentry to perform its initial system checks and automatic vehicle identification. It’s essential to let Xentry automatically read the VIN to correctly identify your W212. Avoid manual vehicle selection unless absolutely necessary, as incorrect selection can lead to errors.
Step 4: Acknowledge Warnings and Proceed
Once your W212 is identified, Mercedes Benz Xentry SDS will display a screen with important warnings. Carefully review these warnings before proceeding. On W212 models, ensure the COMAND system is turned ON to enable communication. Press “Continue” to advance to the next step.
Step 5: Navigate to Airmatic Control Unit Adaptations
In Mercedes Benz Xentry SDS, navigate to the control unit selection screen. The quickest method is to use the search function and type “airmatic”. Select the AIRMATIC (N51/3) control unit specific to the W212.
Once in the Airmatic control unit, select the “Adaptations” tab. Then, under “Teach-in processes,” click the “+” sign and choose “Level calibration.” Press “Continue” to proceed with the calibration process. You may receive a message indicating that calibration data already exists; confirm that you want to erase the existing calibration and continue.
Step 6: Adjusting Ride Height Levels
You will now see the level calibration screen. The values displayed represent sensor readings, not direct height measurements. Use the “+” and “-” buttons in Mercedes Benz Xentry SDS to adjust each corner’s ride height. Crucially, do not just tap the buttons. Instead, click and hold the mouse button down on the “+” or “-” keys to continuously raise or lower each corner. You will hear the Airmatic system adjusting.
Visually assess the ride height and wheel gap as you adjust. Aim for even wheel gaps on all four corners to ensure a level stance. Keep all sensor values within the green range displayed in Mercedes Benz Xentry SDS. If any sensor reading goes into the red, you must adjust it back into the green before proceeding. The system will not allow calibration with out-of-range sensor values. Note that adjusting the front will influence the rear height and vice versa, so take your time and make incremental adjustments until you achieve your desired ride height. For reference, a 1.5-finger gap is a commonly desired result.
Step 7: Final Calibration and Completion
Once you are satisfied with the ride height and all sensor values are within the green range, click “Continue.” Mercedes Benz Xentry SDS will prompt you to enter inclination angles for each wheel. This is for fine-tuning calibration based on the floor’s level, typically measured with specialized equipment in a workshop. If you are working on a reasonably level surface, you can use a uniform value (e.g., -1.3 degrees as in the original example) for all wheels as an estimated compensation. Enter the values and click “Continue” to finalize and calibrate the new ride height settings.
Mercedes Benz Xentry SDS will process the calibration. Ensure you receive a “Level calibration successful” message. If you encounter errors, you may need to repeat the process. Note that the system usually saves previous values, so restarting might require re-entering adjustments.
Step 8: Post-Calibration Procedures and Verification
After successful calibration, disconnect the multiplexer and battery charger. Start your Mercedes-Benz W212. Activate the Airmatic raise function, let the car lift, then disengage raise mode and allow it to settle into its new ride height. Take the car for a short test drive. The suspension might initially feel slightly firmer, but this will normalize as the system adjusts. Repeat the raise-and-settle process a couple of times to allow the Airmatic to fully adapt to the new settings.
The Result: Lowered Mercedes-Benz W212
These “after” pictures showcase the noticeable improvement in stance achieved by lowering the W212 using Mercedes Benz Xentry SDS. The reduced wheel gap significantly enhances the vehicle’s appearance, giving it a sportier and more refined look, closer to how many enthusiasts believe it should have come from the factory.
Conclusion
Lowering your Mercedes-Benz W212 with Mercedes Benz Xentry SDS is a relatively straightforward process that can significantly enhance your car’s aesthetics. By following these steps carefully and adhering to safety precautions, you can achieve a more desirable ride height and a sportier stance. Remember to always prioritize safety, ensure a stable power supply, and work within the limitations of the Mercedes Benz Xentry SDS system. This DIY guide provides a valuable resource for Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts looking to personalize their W212 and improve its visual appeal using professional diagnostic tools.
