My A8 was a 2011, which is a better handling car than the 2005 my brother has. I never drove a D2.
Just converted my ABC Suspension to Strutmasters Coil Overs
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,605
Likes: 343
From: Welwyn, Herts, UK
2006 S600
I agree 100% about keeping the ABC working, wouldn't be the same car without it. I will note that I felt my prior D4 A8 was the more nimble car, but didn't ride as quietly or smooth(seriously, those A8's are really planted, though.) Toyota had their active suspension in the mid 90's, but it didn't sell that well due the expense, and wasn't available outside of Japan, if I recall. Reportedly, it worked quite well.
Sounds like the two of you need to get in the same shop, and have them swap your suspensions around, Doe.
Sounds like the two of you need to get in the same shop, and have them swap your suspensions around, Doe.
I also happen to own Toyota Soarer UZZ32 chassis #501. This is no longer a runner due to a failed suspension pump, but I had some great times in that car. It was simply sensational in its time.
My hope was that I could recreate my fond memories of the Soarer by experimenting with wheels and tires on the S600. The Soarer had UNBELIEVABLE grip when fitted with Supra Turbo wheels - absolutely physics-defying stuff. It stuck to the road so well it felt like it could drive along a wall.
I also used to own a Jaguar XJ12 and a BMW 750iL, which were lovely in their respective ways. The Jag had a fantastic interior, and the BMW was incredibly refined. I also scared myself to death driving my brother's TVR Tuscan S on one memorable occasion.
The S600 is not as good as any of those cars at what they each do best, but it comes astonishingly close. That's what I meant by talent.
Nick
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 589
Likes: 60
From: Snowville, ID
W212 E350; W166 GLC300; W164 ML550; W164 ML63; W221 S65; W220 S430; Escalade ESV
Update on Strutmasters.
I really want to have the Strutmasters to work so I kept trying to find the bad control arm bushing and I finally found it. The bad one was on the passenger side and it was on the spring arm.
Replaced both bushing, installed new tires and bought the car in for alignments.
Handling is better through the U shape stretch. I would say it performs about the same as the airmatic S430.
As for the tires, I'm glad that I listened to Nick on wider tires for the front. Went through heavy rain with low to zero visibility and they felt glued to the road. Thank you Nick.
I really want to have the Strutmasters to work so I kept trying to find the bad control arm bushing and I finally found it. The bad one was on the passenger side and it was on the spring arm.
Replaced both bushing, installed new tires and bought the car in for alignments.
Handling is better through the U shape stretch. I would say it performs about the same as the airmatic S430.
As for the tires, I'm glad that I listened to Nick on wider tires for the front. Went through heavy rain with low to zero visibility and they felt glued to the road. Thank you Nick.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,052
Likes: 2
From: PHX/PIE/OMA ---> Yes, all three
E55 then E63, now back to an E55
I just did this conversion also!
Install went fine. ABC light still on dash, even with module (par for the course, says so in installation manual.)
Ride height is good, I am told. Ride isn't too bumpy, or anything like that - you don't "feel" the road too much.
However - my car was an ABC car, not the standard hydraulic. Apparently the hydraulic cars had/have a sway bar separate, in the suspension. On the ABC cars, the sway bar is built into the ABC system. I was unaware of this/never thought about it. Therefore, my car, with this Strutmasters kit & ABC delete, now has NO sway bar! According to the installer, I won't be taking any more high speed corners/turns, as the suspension feels "floaty." Not that I did anyway (it's an S-class after all), but I wonder exactly JUST how "floaty" the front end feels?!
Does anyone know/have any first hand experience with it??? Certainly something to consider with this kit.
I'm out of town for a few more weeks, left this car with a mechanic for the install. So I have not & cannot drive the car myself yet!
Install went fine. ABC light still on dash, even with module (par for the course, says so in installation manual.)
Ride height is good, I am told. Ride isn't too bumpy, or anything like that - you don't "feel" the road too much.
However - my car was an ABC car, not the standard hydraulic. Apparently the hydraulic cars had/have a sway bar separate, in the suspension. On the ABC cars, the sway bar is built into the ABC system. I was unaware of this/never thought about it. Therefore, my car, with this Strutmasters kit & ABC delete, now has NO sway bar! According to the installer, I won't be taking any more high speed corners/turns, as the suspension feels "floaty." Not that I did anyway (it's an S-class after all), but I wonder exactly JUST how "floaty" the front end feels?!
Does anyone know/have any first hand experience with it??? Certainly something to consider with this kit.
I'm out of town for a few more weeks, left this car with a mechanic for the install. So I have not & cannot drive the car myself yet!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,605
Likes: 343
From: Welwyn, Herts, UK
2006 S600
Is that what your mechanic told you? I sincerely hope not.
The standard suspension is Airmatic, which is pneumatic, and it does have sway bars.
ABC suspension is hydraulic, and doesn't have sway bars.
Without sway bars, your new suspension will probably roll more than Airmatic.
Nick
The standard suspension is Airmatic, which is pneumatic, and it does have sway bars.
ABC suspension is hydraulic, and doesn't have sway bars.
Without sway bars, your new suspension will probably roll more than Airmatic.
Nick
Last edited by Welwynnick; Dec 22, 2016 at 03:45 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,052
Likes: 2
From: PHX/PIE/OMA ---> Yes, all three
E55 then E63, now back to an E55
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: Aug 2014
Posts: 87
Likes: 42
2003 S430 , 2002 CL500 , 2007 S550, 2003 Yukon Denali XL
Congratulations!!!! I posted earlier regarding my Strutmaster conversion on my yellow 2002 CL500. Well since then, I sold that car and bought a 2003 CL55 with a perfect ABC suspension. Upon finding out about the Yellow Speed adjustable coilovers......I completely removed the ABC suspension including pump, and did the conversion myself. Unbelievable difference between this and the strutmaster. Night and day. I love it!!!! Great choice. Great handling. Adjustable height, preload and damping. Can’t beat the price. The best upgrade thus far.
Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 162
Likes: 18
2006 S430 AMG
I'm about to convert my Step Fathers S550 4 Matic from Air to Coils as he just experienced a shock failure. He went with Strutmaster set up. Curious what the other set up is above and the cost though.
I will most likely take the same route if my W220 experience any airmatic issues.
Will keep you guys posted how that goes.
I will most likely take the same route if my W220 experience any airmatic issues.
Will keep you guys posted how that goes.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
S500
Congratulations!!!! I posted earlier regarding my Strutmaster conversion on my yellow 2002 CL500. Well since then, I sold that car and bought a 2003 CL55 with a perfect ABC suspension. Upon finding out about the Yellow Speed adjustable coilovers......I completely removed the ABC suspension including pump, and did the conversion myself. Unbelievable difference between this and the strutmaster. Night and day. I love it!!!! Great choice. Great handling. Adjustable height, preload and damping. Can’t beat the price. The best upgrade thus far.
Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 87
Likes: 42
2003 S430 , 2002 CL500 , 2007 S550, 2003 Yukon Denali XL
I'm about to convert my Step Fathers S550 4 Matic from Air to Coils as he just experienced a shock failure. He went with Strutmaster set up. Curious what the other set up is above and the cost though.
I will most likely take the same route if my W220 experience any airmatic issues.
Will keep you guys posted how that goes.
I will most likely take the same route if my W220 experience any airmatic issues.
Will keep you guys posted how that goes.
This is the Yellow Speed Racing conversion. Strutmaster will work. But is not adjustable. The Yellow Speed is fully adjustable.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,150
Likes: 533
Mercedes
Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 87
Likes: 42
2003 S430 , 2002 CL500 , 2007 S550, 2003 Yukon Denali XL
My 2003 CL55 with widebody yellow speed coilovers conversion
In process....
In process....
Last edited by llcoolbenz; Nov 16, 2017 at 08:35 PM. Reason: Misspelling
Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 162
Likes: 18
2006 S430 AMG
Not sure about that, I just looked up Yellowspeed and they go for $1300 and it doesn't come with Dash light delete.
Strutmaster kit is $899 for our cars and comes with light delete. Also, it has lifetime warranty.
Strutmaster kit is $899 for our cars and comes with light delete. Also, it has lifetime warranty.
Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 87
Likes: 42
2003 S430 , 2002 CL500 , 2007 S550, 2003 Yukon Denali XL
For my 2001 CL500 that I had owned, I purchased the strutmaster without the delete for $1400. I was able to send in my original abc struts for $100 a piece at the time. They are nonadjustable and left my front end very bouncy and too high in the rear. I recently purchased the Yellowspeed for my 2003 CL55 and am beyond pleased with their quality and price. And of course, the ability to fully adjust preload, height and damping. I paid $1100 for them. I was able to sell my AMG original struts for $500 on eBay. I could care less about a lifetime warranty if you are limited regarding the adjustability and performance. So for all around performance and adaptive adjustments to your liking.........Yellowspeed hands down. (Based on my personal experience with both)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,150
Likes: 533
Mercedes
yellow speed can be found for around $900 that's why strut masters lowered their prices . Besides strutnasters is junk in comparison just look at the two kits
Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 162
Likes: 18
2006 S430 AMG
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
1997 e420, 2001 e320, 2001 s500
tandem p/s pump convert to regular p/s off of no abc car?
Congratulations!!!! I posted earlier regarding my Strutmaster conversion on my yellow 2002 CL500. Well since then, I sold that car and bought a 2003 CL55 with a perfect ABC suspension. Upon finding out about the Yellow Speed adjustable coilovers......I completely removed the ABC suspension including pump, and did the conversion myself. Unbelievable difference between this and the strutmaster. Night and day. I love it!!!! Great choice. Great handling. Adjustable height, preload and damping. Can’t beat the price. The best upgrade thus far.
Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 87
Likes: 42
2003 S430 , 2002 CL500 , 2007 S550, 2003 Yukon Denali XL
Sounds really good. And did you convert the tandem pump to a pump off of a non-ABC car? If so, I assume you needed new lines to the p/s rack and a new reservoir? Any details you can give are much appreciated. I've got a 2001 S500, changed to strutmasters, but the p/s pump was having problems and serpentine busted and car over heated.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
1997 e420, 2001 e320, 2001 s500
Did the hydraulic lines from the non-ABC car match up, or probably new versions of those lines? Also, did the mounting holes and pulley match up for the standard p/s pump?
