mrbenzes

Do you guys think it is good PM to raise and lower the car, with the dash switches, on occasion...maybe once or twice a month, to "Exercise " the ABC valves? Or do you think this will intruduce unnecessary wear to these components?
Mike

Sher Judge

Only raise [2 settings] your vehicle with ABC, when (1) normal/high-speed driving and you come across really bad or un-even road surfaces. Just let her sit low in normal sport mode, I just leave all my AMG - ABC vehicles like that and they fine.

ExoticToysNyC

Unless i'm reading this wrong I don't think that's what he was talking about sher judge. @mrbenzes I don't see how it can cause any unnecessary wear or damage because when driving(weather normally or flooring it) the abc is constantly raising/lowering/adjusting the vehicle to keep it level at all times (valves working constantly to maintain the vehicle height and comfort). Hope this answers your question.

mrbenzes

Thanks Exotic, i only drive mine about 2k per year. I routinely start it at least once per week, and I think i will also start exercising the valves if it isnt driven for a week or two.
Mike

Corsa9000

It is a good thing that you start your car once a week but it also needs to be driven at least 30 minutes a week, otherwise seals and gaskets dry out and leaks begin to appear.

Sher Judge

Great Stuff gents.

mrbenzes

I sure do like the fast response time for the raising and lowering of the suspension...I have have many 300sel 6.3 cars and it was quite a bit slower to raise the car on air. I will let you know how this goes and if I have any problems. I have to do my annual oil change this week so I will be able to check everything out under the car.
Thanks,
Mike

nick 55

Replacing the ABC filter annually is good cheap insurance also.

Nick

grane

+1 ESP if you do not drive car frequently.

How much fluid has to be replaced? Do you have a description of the service and relative cost?

Corsa9000

If I am not mistaken, the ABC system needs to be depressurized to replace filter and fluid and repressurized. Is this DYI or are you recommending having a mechanic doing it?

mrbenzes

I think the pressurization is only when replacing the pump or reservoir. This prevents the pump from spinning when dry. I will only be doing a flush while the car is running....paying attention to not let the level in the reservoir drop too low...I have heard that pulling air will destroy the pump almos immediately.
Thanks for the not though.
I'll let the group know how it went when i get to it...might be a few weeks yet.
I had to go to the dealer to get the filter...I must say I was a but shocked to pay $75 for a filter. Oh well, it is what it is...
I was also shocked for them (yes, the MB dealer) to tell me that my car does not have a Power steering filter, when I can plainly see it when I take the cap off of the reservoir...
Mike

Corsa9000

Power steering and ABC fluid are shared, I believe.

mrbenzes

They may take the same fluid, but have different reservoirs.
Mike

Triman2008

What fluid do they use, I need to add a little in mine, both the ABC and steering res?

mrbenzes

Pentoson CH 11s is the ABC and I think the same thing for the power steering. It can be bought from the dealer, online at www.autohausaz.com or even at some local NAPA stores...plan on about $20 per liter.
Mike

Triman2008

Thanks Mike. Appreciate it.

DRTYLNDY

Yea there are two different filters for these. Same fluid though.
Johan

Corsa9000

ABC is wonderful system in theory, but reliability on our cars leaves a lot to be desired. My MB guy in charge of selling extended warranties told me that all new MB extended warranty policies exclude ABC since they lost a lot of money on ABC issues.

In my case, I paid $2,500 for 2 years of extended warranty and ABC issues alone would have cost me $5K or more.

Quadcammer

what in the world is connected to the hubs on your vehicle?