Is an ABC delete ie coilovers possible with the W220. Obviously I'm not asking for performance and handling purposes but for reliability as these cars particularly the older years have ABC issues which cost alot to repair. If it can be done how much of the comfort would be lost. With the S class, comfort is a huge priority and I wonder what the consequences for ride quality would be even if the ABC can be converted to coilovers.

 

YES.

i believe Arnott Inc are in testing right now with their ABC delete/sport coilovers on CL55 and W220 models, i've been back and forth contacting them and last i spoke with Arnott directly was about 6 months ago?? anyways they said its been a success and will be releasing sometime in the future, im guessing 2012 when they release the conversion, im excited myself..

1. ABC problems eliminated - worry free

2. some weight reduction from ABC system to coilovers maybe?

we'll just have to wait and see.

 

I am interested in seeing how they are handling the tandem pump that is used for P/S and ABC. Also I would imagine there will need to be some reprogramming as ABC uses a lot of sensors and there would be many fault indicators if the components are removed.

 

have a 2001 s500 with leaking lower front strut.... $2200 to change both fronts per indy here in IE of so.cal....

i'd love to just get rid of all and goto coil overs on all four but...
question how all the sensor issues with the dme would be taken care of....

maybe just suck it up and replace 'em but...the rears may go too soon then...
90K miles....

jR

 

really they are doing it for the CL too?? Ive been waiting for this!

Too bad they are going to charge an arm and a leg, plus require all your ABC parts back so they can resell the cores!

 

I cannot believe that this would be a viable option. Abc also acts as swaybars so it is doubtful this will be a cheap or easy elimination. On top of that, it will unlikely have the handling characteristics that make this 4500 lb sled feel like it is on rails.

 

well, on my w220, 2001 s500, i only have the airmatic , no abc, so i should be ok with what they are selling...they have some module to take care of the DME as well...

jR

 

was this product ever released? sorry if this question has already been answered just stumbled across this thread.

 

Yes look in the 215 forum
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=456354

Ctravis and mikecl600 have done the abc conversion

Strutmasters makes the spring conversion kit for abc equipped cars

Both Arnott and strut masters make a spring conversion kit for airmatic cars

 

thanks that will be very helpful if the time ever comes.

 

Knowing this, maybe it's time to start looking for a cl500. But doesn't the abc system do power steering to? Or does the pump get eliminated completely?

 

All ABC installations use a dual suspension/steering pump - two pumps in one unit.

 

You can either keep using the factory tandem pump and block off the abc lines , or use a power steering pump from a w220 so it will only operate the power steering if using the strutmasters conversion kit

One nice thing about the strutmasters kit is they don't charge a core charge , so you can get more than $1000 back by selling your abc components on eBay if they still work

 

This is great. I've always wanted a cl500 but refuse to get one because I don't want abc. If I switch the pump to standard do I still use pentosin or regular power steering fluid?

 

Pentosin