Replacing ABC with a regular strut or coilover setup
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 939
Likes: 5
From: Del Mar, CA
2003 CL600 2005 745Li
Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 192
Likes: 1
'04 E55 AMG
Yes, i sent my policy details to Bruce with Becker. He looked at it and said my extended warranty plan was GREAT covered everything just super expensive. $4k for 2 years 20k miles. he says its better off to save $4k and self insure.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 939
Likes: 5
From: Del Mar, CA
2003 CL600 2005 745Li
I have hear some guys are starting to do this, I found this local CL add....
S430 S500 S55 Mercedes Parts***and all others - $1
Date: 2011-12-17, 10:56AM PST
Reply to: sale-v7aqg-2758028679@craigslist.org
S430 S500 S55 and all other Mercedes Benz. We have transmissions 722.6, All body parts, door, AMG bumper, 600 V12 black leather interior, Rear clip, Seat modules, vacuum pump, wood steering wheel, ABC suspension pump, ABC block valves, ABC struts, rebuilt. Complete Conversion kit from the expensive ABC suspension to European coil struts which never fails, all computer including coding, shifter, throttle body, instrument cluster, Crash parts, several cars to choose from, we also have a full line of re-manufactured parts. We service service these cars here!!! (561)305-1315
Link to add
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/pts/2758028679.html
.
S430 S500 S55 Mercedes Parts***and all others - $1
Date: 2011-12-17, 10:56AM PST
Reply to: sale-v7aqg-2758028679@craigslist.org
S430 S500 S55 and all other Mercedes Benz. We have transmissions 722.6, All body parts, door, AMG bumper, 600 V12 black leather interior, Rear clip, Seat modules, vacuum pump, wood steering wheel, ABC suspension pump, ABC block valves, ABC struts, rebuilt. Complete Conversion kit from the expensive ABC suspension to European coil struts which never fails, all computer including coding, shifter, throttle body, instrument cluster, Crash parts, several cars to choose from, we also have a full line of re-manufactured parts. We service service these cars here!!! (561)305-1315
Link to add
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/pts/2758028679.html
.
Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 192
Likes: 1
'04 E55 AMG
aite i just spoke with the guy in that ad. apparently they're in FL and ship the coil over kit for the CL for $3800 and a return of $1800 for your old struts and parts for rebuilding. So it would cost out of pocket $2000. He said they install in FL for $800 about 8 hours of labor including getting rid of the ABC. I spoke with a guy that has a pretty heavy german accent. he says the cars are already programmed and all they need to do is go in with the star system to change the suspension from ABC to coil over. I guess he said in germany the CL came with coil over kits too not just ABC. They also have all kinds of parts for the S, SL, and CL if you need. Sounds legit anyone wanna be the first guinea pig? LOL i wanted to wait for my ABC to give before i messed with it.
he says there are 3 options one is a chinese made suspension. option 2 is german parts built in the USA. and option 3 is german parts built in germany. I got the quote for option 2. the guy said its pretty much the same crap. he also said option 2 and 3 came with the ability to convert with or without sway bars. i got the quote for with sway bars. sounds almost too good to be true but. he says the car already was built for sway bars so everything is an easy install. apparently did it to his 2001 cl500
he says there are 3 options one is a chinese made suspension. option 2 is german parts built in the USA. and option 3 is german parts built in germany. I got the quote for option 2. the guy said its pretty much the same crap. he also said option 2 and 3 came with the ability to convert with or without sway bars. i got the quote for with sway bars. sounds almost too good to be true but. he says the car already was built for sway bars so everything is an easy install. apparently did it to his 2001 cl500
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 939
Likes: 5
From: Del Mar, CA
2003 CL600 2005 745Li
aite i just spoke with the guy in that ad. apparently they're in FL and ship the coil over kit for the CL for $3800 and a return of $1800 for your old struts and parts for rebuilding. So it would cost out of pocket $2000. He said they install in FL for $800 about 8 hours of labor including getting rid of the ABC. I spoke with a guy that has a pretty heavy german accent. he says the cars are already programmed and all they need to do is go in with the star system to change the suspension from ABC to coil over. I guess he said in germany the CL came with coil over kits too not just ABC. They also have all kinds of parts for the S, SL, and CL if you need. Sounds legit anyone wanna be the first guinea pig? LOL i wanted to wait for my ABC to give before i messed with it.
he says there are 3 options one is a chinese made suspension. option 2 is german parts built in the USA. and option 3 is german parts built in germany. I got the quote for option 2. the guy said its pretty much the same crap. he also said option 2 and 3 came with the ability to convert with or without sway bars. i got the quote for with sway bars. sounds almost too good to be true but. he says the car already was built for sway bars so everything is an easy install. apparently did it to his 2001 cl500
he says there are 3 options one is a chinese made suspension. option 2 is german parts built in the USA. and option 3 is german parts built in germany. I got the quote for option 2. the guy said its pretty much the same crap. he also said option 2 and 3 came with the ability to convert with or without sway bars. i got the quote for with sway bars. sounds almost too good to be true but. he says the car already was built for sway bars so everything is an easy install. apparently did it to his 2001 cl500
Calling sergs99m3, I know you are doing something like this, what do you think of this ??
.
Last edited by 1995E320Cab; Dec 19, 2011 at 03:24 PM.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
2005 CL65 (current), 2001 CL600 (chopped)
No CL (w215), in Europe or USA, ever came with anything other than ABC. Probably just a bunch of parts he put together to make it work. Should probably try to figure out what brand the parts are. The 3-option thing is a common gimmick salespeople use to get you to buy the 2nd or 3rd option. By throwing negative connotation towards the "Chinese" suspension, he tries to steer you towards options 2 or 3, when in fact he probably only has one package labeled 3 different ways.
Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 192
Likes: 1
'04 E55 AMG
^lol you're probably right. he said bilstein or the OEM brand that mercedes uses. again cause his heavy accent i couldn't really understand. I just bought my CL like 1 month ago so if someone else with better knowledge can call him and ask the right questions and get back to us, that'd be great!
Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
2005 CL65 (current), 2001 CL600 (chopped)
Bilstein is a good brand, but they don't make anything specifically W215, which means this guy has to have it retrofitted, which is hard to do a good job. If anyone's in FL I would probably recommend asking to ride in his car to see how it rides and handles before buying. If OEM there should be a part number, but Mercedes EPC Europe doesn't show anything other than ABC struts.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,197
Likes: 5
From: Miami, FL
06 CLS55 Renntech stage 5, 04 CL600 ( will miss ),02e55 , 11 R350
unfortunately I have seen so many snake oil salesmen in FL ! You would think it is the other way around since there are so many great cars here but with that comes a lot of BS ... if he is in FL why is he selling a car in CA Craigslist ? Bilstein NEVER made any coilover parts for the W215! ( AT LEAST NONE THAT I KNOW OF ) , how on earth would anyone be able to adapt a sway bar on a car that never had one ! Sorry .. accent or no accent , I know of no decent techie who would be able to tackle such a project without proper explanation , part numbers , pictures , etc.... this is no different than " I had to be out of town for work but I have the shipping company ready to ship you the car for your inspection and if you dont like it , I will refund your money " crap that is Craiglsist !
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 939
Likes: 5
From: Del Mar, CA
2003 CL600 2005 745Li
unfortunately I have seen so many snake oil salesmen in FL ! You would think it is the other way around since there are so many great cars here but with that comes a lot of BS ... if he is in FL why is he selling a car in CA Craigslist ? Bilstein NEVER made any coilover parts for the W215! ( AT LEAST NONE THAT I KNOW OF ) , how on earth would anyone be able to adapt a sway bar on a car that never had one ! Sorry .. accent or no accent , I know of no decent techie who would be able to tackle such a project without proper explanation , part numbers , pictures , etc.... this is no different than " I had to be out of town for work but I have the shipping company ready to ship you the car for your inspection and if you dont like it , I will refund your money " crap that is Craiglsist !
Check out this Thread toward the end, Serge (the real deal) in So Cal is starting to do this...
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...art-3-a-5.html
.
Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 192
Likes: 1
'04 E55 AMG
LOL i believe you guys. I don't really have any experience in with this stuff because as I just said i picked up my 2003 cl500 a month ago and i'm already having issues with what was supposed to be a "bullet proof" car except the suspension. but i'm in love with the car and luckily everything was fixed for free by the stealer...anyone else try calling the guy? (561) 305-1315
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,197
Likes: 5
From: Miami, FL
06 CLS55 Renntech stage 5, 04 CL600 ( will miss ),02e55 , 11 R350
There are guys doing this, ABC to Coil, REAL SHOPS with REAL TALENTED TECHS, I was really just wondering if it was getting more common
Check out this Thread toward the end, Serge (the real deal) in So Cal is starting to do this...
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...art-3-a-5.html
.
Check out this Thread toward the end, Serge (the real deal) in So Cal is starting to do this...
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...art-3-a-5.html
.
speaking with my indie who had quite few inquires regarding that , the hardest part is programming the ECU not to " wonder " where the ABC is , and what to do with the signal coming from the sensors on top of the struts .
I Know there is a gentleman in our group who apparently had done a full conversion on his own , but he hasnt posted the details yet .. judging but what I have read from him , he obviously is quite a techie DIYer ...the work is not for the faint of heart !
Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 192
Likes: 4
From: Western New York, USA
2004 CL500
not sure why everyone's so anxious for this swap out- the ABC suspension is why this car handles so amazing. IMO it's what sets the W215 apart from other cars. The manufacturer claims that this car can make a 90 degree turn at 60 MPH without "significant wheelspin". You gonna do that with your coil springs? I've owned my CL500 for 3 years with no ABC problems or warning lights. The pump was replaced (under warranty) before I bought it. There have been improvements to several of the ABC components- the system can hold up if it's fixed right.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 939
Likes: 5
From: Del Mar, CA
2003 CL600 2005 745Li
not sure why everyone's so anxious for this swap out- the ABC suspension is why this car handles so amazing. IMO it's what sets the W215 apart from other cars. The manufacturer claims that this car can make a 90 degree turn at 60 MPH without "significant wheelspin". You gonna do that with your coil springs? I've owned my CL500 for 3 years with no ABC problems or warning lights. The pump was replaced (under warranty) before I bought it. There have been improvements to several of the ABC components- the system can hold up if it's fixed right.
I always liked the below quote taken from the Car and Driver top line coupe test - 2005 Aston Martin DB9 vs. Bentley Continental GT, Ferrari 612 Scaglietti F1, M-B CL600 ...
"Then there's the semiactive hydraulic suspension. It's a system of sensors and computer-controlled hydraulic rams and shocks at all four corners. It can instantly adjust from cushy soft for soaking up bumps to sports-car stiff to reduce body lean in corners. It's not perfect--some abrupt freeway impacts send jitters through the body--but in general, it works fantastically. The CL digs into corners with a surprising amount of bite and enthusiasm. One tester wrote, "Wow, very impressive in the turns, feels almost as agile and frisky as the Ferrari." The Benz also has a wonderful talent for inhaling large dips and wallops and exhaling mere nudges to the occupants."
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...mparison-tests
Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 192
Likes: 1
'04 E55 AMG
well personally for me i love the way the car looks. will i ever need to do 60mph going around the corner...short answer is no. I'm not a speed junky. most you catch me going on the freeway is 60 mph haha. id rather not have to spend 4 figures every time i have to take it in for suspension problems. the ride is great but if i can save myself $10 in maintenance during the life of this car...id rather have a little crappier ride. my my opinion
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 12
From: Charleston, SC
GL450
I think somewhere earlier in this thread was a question about the ABC pump. The parts catalog shows 2 pump versions, one for active suspension (ABC) and one without. They are both listed as fitting the S600. I don't really know why, but that makes it sound like you can put the non-ABC power steering pump onto the V12, so that is one part down. It also says it fits the CL500, so I'm guessing it would work on the CL55.
Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 107
Likes: 7
From: Austin, TX
21 E450 Wagon and 07 SL55
Though I do not care for the Idea of neutering these cars
If you are going to build a kit to handle the ABC to a standard spring/strut system I would keep the lack of sway bars in mind.
The front sway bar would be a minimum requirement in my eyes and I would not want to have to run a spring rate stiff enough to eliminate the need for the sway bars
The Airmatic cars use a different lower control are that has a ball joint that the sway bar links mount to. That would be your first requirement if you want to use a stock S500 sway bar. That also allows you to run a much less expensive lower control arm with a simpler way of attaching the front shock/strut. Remember these cars will still be hard on front control are bushings and ball joints.
The front sway bar would be a minimum requirement in my eyes and I would not want to have to run a spring rate stiff enough to eliminate the need for the sway bars
The Airmatic cars use a different lower control are that has a ball joint that the sway bar links mount to. That would be your first requirement if you want to use a stock S500 sway bar. That also allows you to run a much less expensive lower control arm with a simpler way of attaching the front shock/strut. Remember these cars will still be hard on front control are bushings and ball joints.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,197
Likes: 5
From: Miami, FL
06 CLS55 Renntech stage 5, 04 CL600 ( will miss ),02e55 , 11 R350
