shype

After 2 months of ownership I only put 350 miles on my 04 s55, I didn't do my home work first.. I'm afraid of the ABC problem... the car has just turned 65k how much longer do you think I have until dooms day? when do they usually go out?

mrbenzes

Dilligent maintenance is the key...mine has 56K and I am going to change the fluid soon...I would have already done it but have been working on my own DAS system and just got the thing working last night...If your is not giving errors or issues you should not lose sleep over it...i would recommend changing the fluid if it hasnt been done just by the age of our cars....my fluid is clear but a little on the dark green side...so I am changing it. The new fluid is a very clear light green color.
I think the 120K mark is where alot of users see problems...the best thing is to drive the cars regularly and exersise that ABC system.....I dont drive mine very much and that is the reason I keep all fluids changed regularly...oil, trans, brakes, cooling, etc.
My two cents anyway....
Mike

shype

Ok, I will look into that, I thought they went out around 60k.. Also what is about the going rate at MB to change the fluid?

I try to take the car out on the weekends for a little canyon run ( I live in SLC UT) As a GTR owner and 09 Porsche tt I must say I'm super impressed on how the s 55 roars up the canyon with ease... Ty for your response Mrbenzes,

I find it hard to believe a thread can have 125 reads and only 1 response...

mrbenzes

I am unsure, but would guess the ABC flush at the dealer will be $800 or more..the fluid alone would probably be close to $400 at MB...you need about 10 liters to do the flush. Still cheaper than waiting on something to fail...I am hearing $1k for the pump and $1k for each corner strut, and there are some control valves under there somewhere too....

AC24

Buy an Extended Warranty.

shype

To late 4 that, it was an impulse buy, I was getting a flat fixed at the tire shop next to the car lot that had it, I looked out the window fell in love, and had the car just about bought be 4 the tire was fixed...

SSM AMG

Hate to break it to you but my pump went out at 62k miles. ABC problem can happen at anytime.

shype

Did you ever change your fluid?

Oxygen

Silly question in my opinion... it's like trying to predict when you'll die. I know people that have smoked all their life and died without ever getting lung cancer, also know people that have never smoked and died from lung cancer.

Drive the car like it's meant to. When it something breaks - fix it.

mrbenzes

This is about as true as it gets, its kind of like predicting when your transmission will break...and about the same cost...most people dont think about losing a tranny, but I have had them go at 60K miles (Nissan) and last for 450K miles (300SD)...sooner or later they all break.
Mike

SSM AMG

Before the pump when out on me...No.

Predicting when your ABC will start acting up is pointless. Depending on how long you intend to keep the car, IMHO is find a Indy that is capable of working on the system. Trust me dealers will charge you the price of the car to fix it.

shype

Ok, Well thanks everyone, You guys are right, I'm just gonna drive it until that day comes...

But do you think I will be delaying that day by changing the fluid? or should I just wait 4 it to happen, I want to delay that dreadful day as long as I can...

mrbenzes

Yes, change that fluid...consider it the same as engine oil..change it and the system will last longer. With clean fluid, the hoses should be the weakest link and those will depend on your climate and driving style.

Oxygen

Change the fluid. It's good for your pump and good for the valve blocks.

Also make sure your pulsation dampers are not busted... you can tell that they are if you have a groaaaaaaaaaaaaaan moaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan between 1200 and 2000 RPM.

shype

Ty, I will do that.. It's hard to hear any groans with the headers and no resonators...

Oxygen

It's kind of hard to hear it from under the hood, its very pronounced inside the car though. Close your windows and give it gentle revs.

shype

Ty 4 all the great advise, I'm on it..

Reckless

I believe I blew my first ABC pump around 40k miles. I blew all my struts before 80k miles. If it weren't for the ABC problem I would have bought a second V12TT.