My w215 CL55 ABC Delete Thread - Yellow Speed Racing Coilover Conversion and Review
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2003 CL55AMG
spring rates
Is your car up and running now with the conversion? Any initial
observations? I have my coilovers on order now and am hoping for the best on spring rates. Went with F20/F14 after many go arounds with the distributor as well as Yellowspeed UK. I found the best price at TRU Motorsports out of Indianapolis. Got my struts off and am planning to sell, unfortuneately all 4 struts have ripped boots. Starting to remove all ABC lines and valving, beyond the point of return. Also bought a 2001 S500 oil pump, looks like a challenge to install.
observations? I have my coilovers on order now and am hoping for the best on spring rates. Went with F20/F14 after many go arounds with the distributor as well as Yellowspeed UK. I found the best price at TRU Motorsports out of Indianapolis. Got my struts off and am planning to sell, unfortuneately all 4 struts have ripped boots. Starting to remove all ABC lines and valving, beyond the point of return. Also bought a 2001 S500 oil pump, looks like a challenge to install.
I tell them I drive prefer a bit hard and They confirmed again that the spring F14/R10 is really enough for Road driving. The F20/R14 is really hard and near Track setting.
alskompressor "A look at the UK Yellowspeed dealer says their package is F22/R18. "
I think that number may be mistaken. I ask my friends for suggestion and referring to the figures from other cars. There are rare for car with spring rate higher then F12/R10 and those car weight around ~1400kg and the drivers are driving reallly hard on street. of course these cars have different suspension geometry. But I guest F14/R10 should be enough for our ~1800kg car and it's coherent with what I got from yellow speed.
I think of the harder rear as suggested by aarkaah. but as he mentioned that he set the damper on really hard side. and I am afraid the damper cannot provide enough damping for higher spring rate.
alskompressor "A look at the UK Yellowspeed dealer says their package is F22/R18. "
I think that number may be mistaken. I ask my friends for suggestion and referring to the figures from other cars. There are rare for car with spring rate higher then F12/R10 and those car weight around ~1400kg and the drivers are driving reallly hard on street. of course these cars have different suspension geometry. But I guest F14/R10 should be enough for our ~1800kg car and it's coherent with what I got from yellow speed.
I think of the harder rear as suggested by aarkaah. but as he mentioned that he set the damper on really hard side. and I am afraid the damper cannot provide enough damping for higher spring rate.
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Thread Starter
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There are no sway bars on the CL's. I have no personal experience with any suspension conversion but others have stated the car feels heavy and does in fact have body roll issues without the ABC. I'd advise keeping the ABC on your CL65. Keep the fluid clean and drive it regularly.
Please note that the prior feedback on noticeable roll had to do with Strutmasters and not Yellow Speed. I have tried to explain my driving experience as best as I can above and i am highly critical of any suspension on all my cars. So as far as body roll goes on Yellow Speed - I do not expect it to be better or on Par with the ABC system - but it is pretty darned good. The other items I graded as sub-par should be your focus and not body roll.
That being said, and just as I stated in the opening post, if your ABC is working fine, flush-and-rodeo annually is the key. Proactive Preventive Care is the key. If it fails you then you have a decision to make.
Last edited by RA71025; Sep 16, 2016 at 11:25 AM.
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Hi,
Thanks for this very interesting thread
We own a 2004 CL 65 AMG since 8 years and absolutely love it
The car has 55 000 miles and so far (knock on wood) we didn't get any ABC problem.
But I have some questions :
- Is the car with Yellowspeed struts as comfortable as an original one with the ABC ?
[AA] Yes. But ABC is better in some areas and YellowSpeed is better in others. See driving impressions above. IMHO the ABC was twitchy and I never felt 100% planted and connected to the road (standard struts feel). I do now.
- Did you need to replace the sway bars or you kept the original ones ?
[AA] W215 CL's have no sway bars. I planned to install some using W220 parts - never got around to it. The car is stable enough for me.
- Did you need to replace the power steering pump ?
[AA] No. I never got to step two of the conversion - installing sways and then removing ABC components. If I did, I would replace the pump with the W220 single purpose one. The ABC lines are capped on all four sides. And, the ABC was disabled at the dealership for me.
- Does the car feel lighter after the replacement ?
[AA] The car feels more planted. True road feel is back. As an example - my ABC sucked when I went over a road with several rivets/ripple... Yellowspeed goes over it smooth. Counter-statement: ABC adjusted quickly, Yellow Speed will not.
- Is there more body roll than before ?
[AA] I am certain there is but I cannot honestly notice it.
The advantage of the ABC is that you get a crazy comfort level but also the complete lack of body roll
[AA] ABC also lets you raise and lower the car etc... all advantages... however, for a car now worth 10-15k or less....the disadvantage of the ABC is the cost to repair and the potential cascade of repair costs. A shock replacement cost is nuts... and literally 1/4 of the value of the car.
[AA] In all honesty, the car's value continues to drop... the maintenance cost is its own undoing. I love my car - but I am being practical. The yellow speed advantage is cost, height level and damper control. The yellow speed disadvantage is that it is new to market and we do not quite know the quality of the product (w215 instance specifically) how robust the solution is.
Thank you !
Cheers
Thanks for this very interesting thread
We own a 2004 CL 65 AMG since 8 years and absolutely love it
The car has 55 000 miles and so far (knock on wood) we didn't get any ABC problem.
But I have some questions :
- Is the car with Yellowspeed struts as comfortable as an original one with the ABC ?
[AA] Yes. But ABC is better in some areas and YellowSpeed is better in others. See driving impressions above. IMHO the ABC was twitchy and I never felt 100% planted and connected to the road (standard struts feel). I do now.
- Did you need to replace the sway bars or you kept the original ones ?
[AA] W215 CL's have no sway bars. I planned to install some using W220 parts - never got around to it. The car is stable enough for me.
- Did you need to replace the power steering pump ?
[AA] No. I never got to step two of the conversion - installing sways and then removing ABC components. If I did, I would replace the pump with the W220 single purpose one. The ABC lines are capped on all four sides. And, the ABC was disabled at the dealership for me.
- Does the car feel lighter after the replacement ?
[AA] The car feels more planted. True road feel is back. As an example - my ABC sucked when I went over a road with several rivets/ripple... Yellowspeed goes over it smooth. Counter-statement: ABC adjusted quickly, Yellow Speed will not.
- Is there more body roll than before ?
[AA] I am certain there is but I cannot honestly notice it.
The advantage of the ABC is that you get a crazy comfort level but also the complete lack of body roll
[AA] ABC also lets you raise and lower the car etc... all advantages... however, for a car now worth 10-15k or less....the disadvantage of the ABC is the cost to repair and the potential cascade of repair costs. A shock replacement cost is nuts... and literally 1/4 of the value of the car.
[AA] In all honesty, the car's value continues to drop... the maintenance cost is its own undoing. I love my car - but I am being practical. The yellow speed advantage is cost, height level and damper control. The yellow speed disadvantage is that it is new to market and we do not quite know the quality of the product (w215 instance specifically) how robust the solution is.
Thank you !
Cheers
Comments in line with your quote above... hope this helps.
All I am trying to be as impartial as possible and would really like to meet up with with a skeptic in the north-east region so that we can compare our cars ABC vs. Non-ABC... let's do this for the community. Seriously.
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From: Paris, France
C63 507 Wagon
aarkaah,
Thank you very much for your precise reply, that helps a lot !
I'd be curious to know the long-term reliability and build quality of the Yellow Speed.
In France, I guess that one ABC strut is around $1700 without labor.
So, for sure the Yellow Speed is a much more economical solution.
If the car feels more planted that's a big plus.
We'll see in the future. Until now, ABC is doing fine.
Enjoy your ride !
Thank you very much for your precise reply, that helps a lot !
I'd be curious to know the long-term reliability and build quality of the Yellow Speed.
In France, I guess that one ABC strut is around $1700 without labor.
So, for sure the Yellow Speed is a much more economical solution.
If the car feels more planted that's a big plus.
We'll see in the future. Until now, ABC is doing fine.
Enjoy your ride !
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CL55, CL500
https://mbworld.org/forums/cl55-amg-...tallation.html
aarkaah: Can you please quote if there any number print on your springs?
Thank you
aarkaah: Can you please quote if there any number print on your springs?
Thank you
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https://mbworld.org/forums/cl55-amg-...tallation.html
aarkaah: Can you please quote if there any number print on your springs?
Thank you
aarkaah: Can you please quote if there any number print on your springs?
Thank you
Tried to take a quick look - nothing visible. Next time wheels are off (due for a balance) - I will check and report back.
Nice work in your parallel thread. Will PM you.
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From: WA
2005 CL65 AMG / Eurocharged ECU/TCU tune / Weistec meth injection + Weistec BOVs.
I notice you say to NOT preload the springs. My springs were preloaded out of the box. the included instructions say to not adjust the factory preload settings, were you saying the same? or let the preload out of the springs?
Also for the ride height. Are your measurements of the entire length of the strut? What is 27 inches exactly?
regards,
Also for the ride height. Are your measurements of the entire length of the strut? What is 27 inches exactly?
regards,
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Posts: 46
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From: WA
2005 CL65 AMG / Eurocharged ECU/TCU tune / Weistec meth injection + Weistec BOVs.
Just an FYI to anyone considering this conversion:
Good luck getting valuable information out of yellow speed. I emailed a few different service reps and they couldn't answer any of my questions or help me in any way.
I got a real laugh when the rep asked me if my car is an extended wheelbase model.. in response to me asking what spring rate options are available for the w215 kit.
Thankfully I was sent the stiffer F20/R14 springs.
I'm almost positive the slanted top mount is the only correct option for these cars. I haven't found anyone who has used the flat top version. Just go on eBay and look at w215 abc struts. All of the fronts have a slanted top mount.
Good luck getting valuable information out of yellow speed. I emailed a few different service reps and they couldn't answer any of my questions or help me in any way.
I got a real laugh when the rep asked me if my car is an extended wheelbase model.. in response to me asking what spring rate options are available for the w215 kit.
Thankfully I was sent the stiffer F20/R14 springs.
I'm almost positive the slanted top mount is the only correct option for these cars. I haven't found anyone who has used the flat top version. Just go on eBay and look at w215 abc struts. All of the fronts have a slanted top mount.
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I notice you say to NOT preload the springs. My springs were preloaded out of the box. the included instructions say to not adjust the factory preload settings, were you saying the same? or let the preload out of the springs?
Also for the ride height. Are your measurements of the entire length of the strut? What is 27 inches exactly?
regards,
Also for the ride height. Are your measurements of the entire length of the strut? What is 27 inches exactly?
regards,
I kept the factory setting. 27" was measured from the ground to top of wheel well.
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Just an FYI to anyone considering this conversion:
Good luck getting valuable information out of yellow speed. I emailed a few different service reps and they couldn't answer any of my questions or help me in any way.
I got a real laugh when the rep asked me if my car is an extended wheelbase model.. in response to me asking what spring rate options are available for the w215 kit.
Thankfully I was sent the stiffer F20/R14 springs.
I'm almost positive the slanted top mount is the only correct option for these cars. I haven't found anyone who has used the flat top version. Just go on eBay and look at w215 abc struts. All of the fronts have a slanted top mount.
Good luck getting valuable information out of yellow speed. I emailed a few different service reps and they couldn't answer any of my questions or help me in any way.
I got a real laugh when the rep asked me if my car is an extended wheelbase model.. in response to me asking what spring rate options are available for the w215 kit.
Thankfully I was sent the stiffer F20/R14 springs.
I'm almost positive the slanted top mount is the only correct option for these cars. I haven't found anyone who has used the flat top version. Just go on eBay and look at w215 abc struts. All of the fronts have a slanted top mount.
customer service is not great. Took me a while to get to someone also via email. And they are missing in the weekends.
Have you installed?
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S55 AMG
Does this coilover conversion kit exist for the W220? I would imagine that the S600 would be too heavy for it even if it does exist. Also, I was checking out their website, and it said that it is only dampening adjustable and not height adjustable? The ABC suspension is very complex and unreliable, so I wanna be prepared for the inevitable failure... I know this is a W215 thread, but any weigh-ins for the W220 would be appreciated. This is a great thread, it sheds some light on people who are suffering with ABC. Keep it up!
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German vehicles stink, will never buy again. Moved on to Toyota and BYD.
Does this coilover conversion kit exist for the W220? I would imagine that the S600 would be too heavy for it even if it does exist. Also, I was checking out their website, and it said that it is only dampening adjustable and not height adjustable? The ABC suspension is very complex and unreliable, so I wanna be prepared for the inevitable failure... I know this is a W215 thread, but any weigh-ins for the W220 would be appreciated. This is a great thread, it sheds some light on people who are suffering with ABC. Keep it up!
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From: WA
2005 CL65 AMG / Eurocharged ECU/TCU tune / Weistec meth injection + Weistec BOVs.
the install went well! I'm very pleased with the quality and performance these struts offer. These coilovers put the strutmasters kit to shame (speaking from first hand experience) there is no comparison. To achieve my current ride height I have the dampening set on the stiffest setting on all 4 corners. I will soon increase preload so I can reduce the dampening and it will be perfect for my taste / driving style.
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2003 CL55AMG
stance
T0 DGIBS: Love the stance! I beleive it really transforms the look of these cars! What spring rates did you get from yellowspeed, is the ride really stiff at these settings? How long did it take to get your coilovers from yellowspeed? I am now 2 weeks on and very anxious for mine to arrive.
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the install went well! I'm very pleased with the quality and performance these struts offer. These coilovers put the strutmasters kit to shame (speaking from first hand experience) there is no comparison. To achieve my current ride height I have the dampening set on the stiffest setting on all 4 corners. I will soon increase preload so I can reduce the dampening and it will be perfect for my taste / driving style.
Please take measurements of your preload load settings if you do adjust. I suspect you are rubbing at this current setting? What size wheels and what is your measurement to top of wheel well from ground?
looking good man. Thanks for the update.
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2003 CL55AMG
early findings
Just got my Yellowspeeds installed and have some early findings. I got the F20 / R/14 spring rates and have them installed with 26.5 inches to the fenderlip front and rear and at 26 clicks from the softest front and rear on the standard 19 rubber. Looks like I have to increase my hieght as it has bottomed out once and I get tire rub at full lock. Ride is excellent with little sense of body lean despite no sway bars ( yet!). May try more stiffness but suspect a move to 27 inch to fender lip is in the cards. Ride is very smooth and I beleive I could tolerate some additional stiffness / preload as well.
I wish changing rear strut length was easier but suppose this is a short term issue until I get ride height set. Did like the looks of the lower stance!
I have my abc pump recirculating which is working fine. Was going to switch to S430 single cavity pump but this was much easier for time being.
I wish changing rear strut length was easier but suppose this is a short term issue until I get ride height set. Did like the looks of the lower stance!
I have my abc pump recirculating which is working fine. Was going to switch to S430 single cavity pump but this was much easier for time being.
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Just got my Yellowspeeds installed and have some early findings. I got the F20 / R/14 spring rates and have them installed with 26.5 inches to the fenderlip front and rear and at 26 clicks from the softest front and rear on the standard 19 rubber. Looks like I have to increase my hieght as it has bottomed out once and I get tire rub at full lock. Ride is excellent with little sense of body lean despite no sway bars ( yet!). May try more stiffness but suspect a move to 27 inch to fender lip is in the cards. Ride is very smooth and I beleive I could tolerate some additional stiffness / preload as well.
I wish changing rear strut length was easier but suppose this is a short term issue until I get ride height set. Did like the looks of the lower stance!
I have my abc pump recirculating which is working fine. Was going to switch to S430 single cavity pump but this was much easier for time being.
I wish changing rear strut length was easier but suppose this is a short term issue until I get ride height set. Did like the looks of the lower stance!
I have my abc pump recirculating which is working fine. Was going to switch to S430 single cavity pump but this was much easier for time being.
good news. can we we have some pictures? What are you road conditions and where are you located?
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2003 CL55AMG
pics of my yellowspeed - 2003 CL55 AMG
Fortueately our roads are pretty good and I have not encountered any major potholes. My move back to 27 inch to fenderlip seems to have cured any rubbing.
Has anyone played adding additional preload to the F20/R14 rates? I almost wonder if the UK Yellowspeed F22/R18 was a viable solution that could have allowed less shock stiffness?
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06 SL65AMG, 13 Tesla Model S 60kwh, 02 Jaguar S-Type 3.0, 12 S550 4 Matic, 07 E320 Bluetec, 06 LX470
So I was thinking about buying a CL65 to add to my garage if the coilovers pan out. My only question is there a way to remove the ABC warnings? I know on my SL65 coilovers ABC can be coded out via SDS on Developer mode. Can the same be done on a CL65?
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Dont think the ABC can be coded out fully. My Dealer attempted for me. I now have the white ABC msg (which can be reset out) instead of the red. IMO dont bother coding out. Just pull the fuses.
DoubleA
