Geo3

I have located a strut conversion kit (including the "light fix" module), for the 2000 to 2012 SL500 (R230).

Here are installation videos for front and rear :

Front SL500 Install :

Rear SL500 Install :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=SpDdOG--hEQ

Kit for SL500 (us$ 1,795 including "Light Fix" module), using Eibach springs and parts.

I have a 2003 SL55, but not sure if this will work, as there may be subtle differences. Any advice?

Geo3

Just been in contact with Strutmasters, and unfortunately kit is not available yet for the SL55 AMG, but it's hoped to soon be ready (obviously a few changes over the SL500).

I'm on their waiting list.....

kustom2k1

Nice find.

wjg23g

Will you be changing the power steering as well so that it doesn't run with the ABC stuff?

Are you going to strip out all of the old ABC system?

Considering this move myself

Geo3

Unfortunately, Strutmasters as yet, don't have the kit for my SL55 AMG, so I have to be patient and wait.

However, the kits are currently available for SL500 and CL500 models. Currently, I'm trying to get feedback from SL500 owners who have already performed the conversion.

It appears you can retain the tandem ABC and power steering pump. However, if it needs replacement, you may have a cheaper option of replacement with a single pump, say off a non-ABC Mercedes.

I believe the rest of the ABC remains intact to preserve some of the other sensors from sending warnings (seems module stops strut signals only). I guess in theory that it should be possible to fully remove the ABC (as Mercedes-Benz already did it themselves for the SL65 Black Series with coil-overs).

As an aside, when a SL65 BS goes to the dealer, and they do a "quick test" via the Star Diagnosis, there are current fault codes in control units that have "this fault code can be ignored in Black Series models" after the DTC.

Sorry, I can't be more helpful.

tete00001

A mechanic friend of mine helped me install the strutmasters coil-over conversion kit on my 2003 sl500 (I mostly just assisted). It took us about a day. It works great! I truly feel like I have a new vehicle again and I don't worry about paying $3800 (per repair!) on a regular basis for an abc system that should be much more reliable than it is for the cost. My vehicle stays just as level on turns as it did with the abc system. There were a few "creaking" sounds from the coils at first, but there are less and less each day as they settle more. So far there are only a few drawbacks. 1) The install takes longer and is not as easy as the strutmasters videos make them out to be. 2) My car sits slightly higher than I'm used to seeing it (worth it b.t.w.). And 3) I have yet to figure out how to wire that light fix module correctly, as the wires in the manual do not match up with those under my dash. I don't have an endless amount of funds, so, all in all, I am satisfied with the conversion since it makes for 1 less bill on a vehicle that is a joy to own, but is very expensive to maintain. Still searching for the proper wiring for that light fix though. Any help with that would be greatly appreciated.

Geo3

Thanks for feedback on Strutmasters installation. Any pics or vids would be much appreciated.

As there are no sway bars on the SL500, I wonder if Strutmasters use stiffer springs to off-set lean in corners, at the expense of ride height? Does anyone know?

Ride height may be reduced by a shorter/softer spring from Strutmasters, having a spring shop alter effective spring length, or install "clamp-on" spring reducers (not best idea).

As for the "light fix" module, I would contact Strutmasters for more help on correct wiring.

Good luck and please keep us informed......Geo3

egwu

OK. This is getting interesting. You have my attention ...... .

techB

Does anyone know how to attach a front sway bar for this kit? I'm pretty sure that will be necessary...

tajabaho1

I too, would like to know more about this, anyone else got this kit?

Proccoevo

Any word on any other conversion kit
Cuz Strutmaster discontinue this kit

sawwrench

I was looking into this. What are you trying to do exactly?


https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...50-struts.html

Proccoevo

I am going to do the complete conversion to coilover


Here's another sl500 owner that already has done it and it work for the best... https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...imate-faq.html

The only problem now is that Strutmasters has temporarily discontinue the struts

Alecu001

I caled strutmasters about 2 months ago and they did have the kit discontinued at that time also. They did not tell me why.

I think that if we get enough people to call them & request the kit, they might hurry up and sell it again.

It might even be a better kit than the first one.

Proccoevo

Maybe..... I spoke to a friend last night his an engineer and his going to help me get all the 3D specks & design to send them out to Penske snooks , BC suspension and other company's to see who would like to take this open market that is here and ready to take off

sawwrench

Make sure you don't forget about the sway bars. STRUTMASTERS did,, Also a light module is not needed you can reprogram with "STAR" to a non ABC car.

Hung Hua

just got the major leaks from the passenger rear strut area, with the red ABC warning light on. Need to know where to get the ABC conversion kits. Does any one have any idea where to obtain the kit? Thanks!

Alecu001

Strutmasters was not selling the kit when the last member inquired - about 2 weeks ago or so - I would suggest calling them again to check if they may have started selling it again. That was the only company we know about as of right now.

Where are you located?

Hung Hua

Thank you Alecu001. I am in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Would Arnott's struts a good option? Should I only replace the leaky shock or I may as well replace all four shocks with Arnott or Strutmasters, the car is 2003 and has about 65K miles. Does anyone have any recommend shop that work on MB, beside going to the dealers.

Alecu001

If you go with Arnott, replace only the leaky strut or the pair on the same axle. I wouldn't replace all 4 yet. The arnotts come with lifetime warranty I think. I haven't replaced a strut on my car yet so I can't confirm the warranty.

If you go with strutmasters, you have to do all 4. Why don't you try calling strutmasters tomorrow in the morning and also let us know if they started selling the kit again.

I would also call around a few european independent shops in your area to see if they can get you any other after market coil over kits. I'm in Atlanta, can't recommend anyone in Colorado.

Please let us know what you find out. A lot of people are looking into these kits.

seven_out

A dealer tech over on peachparts.com has stated that only the leaky shock needs to be replaced.

Arnott components are sold at a discount here. An ABC strut with a limited lifetime warranty can be had for $391.98. At these prices the purchase of an aftermarket coil-over suspension setup that lacks a sway bar looks seriously foolish, IMHO.

bha

My thinking exactly. Rather than trying to fit a Strutmasters kit which may or may not retain the amazing ride and handling and safety of your R230 SL, just replace parts as they fail with Arnott ones.

You can replace all 4 struts for $1500 (see price as posted by Rod_84). Labour isn't much as they are easy to install your self, or even if you pay someone it will be the same amount (or less) than the install cost of the Strutmasters kit.

The hydraulic oil is cheap these days too.. I can't recall the exact price, but think I paid $11/liter?

Rebuilt pumps are appearing now too.. have seen them on eBay.

The system is getting cheaper to maintain as it gets older and parts become more available (rebuilt, cheaper new parts than dealer, lower cost oils, etc.)

Don't bother ripping it out.. I have a 2003 SL with 3 of 4 original struts (and the 4th was only replaced because of a minor leak). All of the system is original except for one valve block too. Original pump, lines, etc. The fluid was NEVER flushed until I got the car in 2012. But I flushed it, replaced the filter with the new style (lower micron filter), and it runs perfectly. I'll probably flush it again this year since it has been 2 years since I flushed the 12-year-old BLACK oil out of it when I got the car!

If I haven't mentioned it before, flush the oil every 2 years and you'll never have a problem. It's cheap and easy to do. Replace the filter while you're there and it's all done. Yes, MB does not have a service interval for the fluid, but they do that with transmissions too and have actually reversed their position on certain models in the past (oh, actually you do need to service it.. we messed up)

V12TTenthusiast

I knew about the struts but rebuilt pumps now too? That's amazing, I even heard there were some people rebuilding valve blocks too. But it def seems that ABC in our cars are becoming cheaper to fix then when they first came out

bha

Yup, there is a thread about this right here at MBWorld from a year ago:
https://mbworld.org/forums/mercedes-...build-kit.html

The poster mentioned a pump (rebuilt) that was available for $675, vs the $1600 price of a new one.

I looked around a year two ago and remember seeing new ones for $950-1000. Not a bad option for a brand new pump. Remember the original pumps lasted 10+ years and nobody was changing the fluid, and had the old style filter that wasn't as good as the current filter. With fluid changes and better filter, for sure you would get 15+ years out of a new pump...

Also, the first post has a link to a rebuild kit (all of the seals and o-rings) that costs $89 if you think you can rebuild it yourself.

diablo2112

And a collective tip of the hat to all the forum members here who have made self-service of many components of the ABC system possible. All the DIY threads on ABC fluid change, strut replacement, valve block rebuild, and pump replacement have opened up the R230 to the dedicated DIYer that wants to experience this amazing car without breaking the bank. And I'm not forgetting all the other DIY threads for other aspects of the car as well (trunk closure repair, anyone?)

Seriously, there's some fantastic owners and contributors here that I appreciate every time I enjoy my SL550. THANK YOU.