S-Class (W221) 2007-2013: S 320 CDI, S 350, S 450, S 500, S 550, S 420 CDI, S 600

ABC Suspension Schematic

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Old Apr 29, 2025 | 07:34 PM
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2013 S63 AMG, 2015 S550
ABC Suspension Schematic

Hello,
Does anyone have a schematic and pictures of the entire ABC system on a late model W221? I was informed of a rear shock blowout by the dealer. I want to know the functionality, all parts and components involved, and expected costs. I just picked up this car a few weeks ago and am now dealing with the repairs.
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Old Apr 29, 2025 | 09:48 PM
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2007 S600, 2007 Chrysler 300 SRT8, 2000 C5 Corvette, 2017 Mustang GT, 2023 300C, and a 2019 Lincoln
So I have ABC on my 2007 S600 now with 104K miles. When I bought the car in 2019 with 55K miles, I spent a fair amount of money on a new ABC hose, a new ABC valve block, and I flushed the green fluid several times each with a new filter. Once I got it maintained properly, I simply changed the fluid and filter every two years and watched for leaks at the shock struts. Finally after six years, the two front shock struts were replaced. I expect to have to do the rear shocks this year. The shocks were about $1400 each and the green Pentocin fluid was $20 a liter.

I had the benefit when I bought it in 2019 (an Embassy car used to chauffer the Ambassador's wife) of also buying a warranty. That warranty has now expired. Typical costs to repair a leaking ABC system run right around $6K using OEM parts if the car has been neglected. Expensive? Of course, but what mistress isn't expensive. And of course, I love mine very much. And like any good mistress, I derive a lot of pleasure. But I pay the price!

I would only comment that these cars really need regular maintenance. The ABC system is not unlike an aircraft's hydraulic system for wing flaps and slats; and they work best when well maintained with clean fluid and not allowed to sit idle for long periods of time.

And in my opinion, a well maintained W221 is the finest motorcar in the World.

Start by checking for codes and keep us posted.
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Old Apr 29, 2025 | 10:01 PM
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2015 S600, 2014 E550 4-Matic
Originally Posted by MB V-8
Hello,
Does anyone have a schematic and pictures of the entire ABC system on a late model W221? I was informed of a rear shock blowout by the dealer. I want to know the functionality, all parts and components involved, and expected costs. I just picked up this car a few weeks ago and am now dealing with the repairs.
If you're willing to DIY, you can likely find a rebuilt shock/strut assembly on RockAuto, Ebay, or Aliexpress. From my experience on a W220 with ABC, these parts will work fine, as long as you use the correct fluid and a new filter. It's also best to run the pitch diagnostic test to help push all the fluid in the shocks through the filter. You can do this with Xentry on a laptop.
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Old May 1, 2025 | 04:34 AM
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I found this a while back - so grabbed a copy



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Old May 1, 2025 | 07:17 AM
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Originally Posted by vettebk
So I have ABC on my 2007 S600 now with 104K miles. When I bought the car in 2019 with 55K miles, I spent a fair amount of money on a new ABC hose, a new ABC valve block, and I flushed the green fluid several times each with a new filter. Once I got it maintained properly, I simply changed the fluid and filter every two years and watched for leaks at the shock struts. Finally after six years, the two front shock struts were replaced. I expect to have to do the rear shocks this year. The shocks were about $1400 each and the green Pentocin fluid was $20 a liter.

I had the benefit when I bought it in 2019 (an Embassy car used to chauffer the Ambassador's wife) of also buying a warranty. That warranty has now expired. Typical costs to repair a leaking ABC system run right around $6K using OEM parts if the car has been neglected. Expensive? Of course, but what mistress isn't expensive. And of course, I love mine very much. And like any good mistress, I derive a lot of pleasure. But I pay the price!

I would only comment that these cars really need regular maintenance. The ABC system is not unlike an aircraft's hydraulic system for wing flaps and slats; and they work best when well maintained with clean fluid and not allowed to sit idle for long periods of time.

And in my opinion, a well maintained W221 is the finest motorcar in the World.

Start by checking for codes and keep us posted.
We had largely the same experience...I got mine in 2020, got a three year warranty, now expired. I feel the same way about my car as you do about yours. When you installed new struts, did you notice any improvement in ride, or is a strut a strut, even if old? I've got two front Chinese rebuilds on my garage shelf for installation, next time I need to open up the system. They were so cheap that it was worth a shot before buying from the dealer.
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Old May 1, 2025 | 09:01 AM
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2013 S63 AMG, 2015 S550
Hello. Thanks for the responses. Does the factory service manual have this info? If so, what is the best resource for getting that/access to that?
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Old May 1, 2025 | 10:17 AM
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Originally Posted by MB V-8
Hello. Thanks for the responses. Does the factory service manual have this info? If so, what is the best resource for getting that/access to that?
WIS was available on ebay. Search this site for the current trusted sellers.
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Old May 1, 2025 | 04:41 PM
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So I did the entire front suspension components and control arms using an FCP Euro kit because of the lifetime warranty and then did the front ABC shock struts using OEM which are all remanufactured. After installation the car drove really well. I did need to refurbish two wheels and that was the cherry on top for the nicest drive of 1100 miles to FL ever. Next up is the rear ABC shock struts and then I am taking a hard look at that rear end carrier.
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