Riverflyer

I have a 2007 SL55 030 package car, very nice low miles condition. I took it in for an annual service and shop determined that one of the hydralic shocks was leaking lightly. In replacing it, the new one failed during the test procedure. Local dealer sent away for a replacement and ....there are none of these units available.

Blows me away, no such part available. MB assures me they are trying to expedite the situation but can give me no e.t.a. on having one made.

I just have never heard of anything like this on a modern car.

Thought I would post this and update it as I learn more.

whatthe5

These cars were quite limited in production with a lot of specifics just to the model, so it's not too surprising the parts are hard to find.

Could consider getting rid of ABC and going with easier to find coilover setup...

No idea if this ebay seller is any good, but link is just an example.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/COILOVER-CONV...-/231818595043

RaceHorse

Your car is 10 years old now and Mercedes could care less about making parts, they would rather you buy a new car instead. You should consider a refund and go with an aftermarket replacement strut, Arnott makes them.

carguyshu

arnott's website only shows the left 2 struts being currently available from them...

Riverflyer

thank you for the link, looks reputable. I will have to consider this move as I really like the car and would rather keep it. This time all the repairs were under warranty but the bill is over $11k!!!

whatthe5

No problem... $11,000 repair is definitely getting up there... hopefully that's not all just on shocks. Pretty sure I could fly down there, have a holiday, and still do it cheaper.

There are some good weight savings going to coilovers. Found this thread here that talks more about that as well.

https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...s-finally.html

compaddict

iTrader: (1)

I would find a good indy mechanic and have him send the offending shock to Arrnot. Problem solved and less than 2k. I think!

Riverflyer

Well MB told us it would be shipped Dec. 14th. That date has come and gone and no promise for even a shipping date yet.

This kind of customer service sucks and I hope someone from MB is listening and not just providing lip service to the problem. What if this was my only car??

okbarnett

doesnt arnott just rebuild these shocks? why not send the old ones in and have them rebuilt

Riverflyer

its a warranty job that works through MB dealer, otherwise its out of pocket.

I guess next time there is a problem it will bring on a move to coilovers.

V12TTenthusiast

Theres alot of coilovers out there now for SL500/550/55 and swaping the parts and coding it out isnt that difficult. I have the VVK set up since theres is a 30 way adjustable setup, but none of the coilover companys made a setup for a 600/65 thats 100%. Everything fits on mine except front sway bar which still needs to be made and I have to loop my tandum pump instead of going to a power steering due to the engine setup. From what I can tell you my springs def hold the weight up on my heavy nose end 65 and the ride is actually pretty good with no front sway bar and few clicks left on the dampeners till I max out, and still have lots of room to lower or raise the car. But it seems the V8 models are 100% figured out for coilovers. And when I say coding was really simple I mean you could do it in less than 2 mins and no more ABC lights at all. I posted a DIY thread somewhere for anyone that has SDS developer mode to code out ABC.

okbarnett

if its a MB warrantee job they have to give you a car