Cantholdstill

Im contemplating an 03 S55 w lo miles. (50k). Im pretty certain this particular vehicle was shown much love during both ownerships. Buuuut, Im concerned about the ABC issues I have been studying here.

Does every one of these systems grenade? Or do some last without needing replacing?

I don't wanna buy a ticking time bomb.....

PillDrive

They are NOT ticking time bombs but you will have to do some maintenance. The flex high pressure hoses are going to be weak because of the age. Replace them all and also rebuild both valves. Replace all accumulators and flush the system. Then change the filter. If the pump holds 160+ bar through the rodeo you will be good to go for a long time unless the strut seals fail. Change the fluid every 30-40k and i dont think you will have much of an issue. I have done 3 pumps and now in the last 9 month i have had to replace 3 of the high pressure hoses and i have replace 3 accumulators.

Do not be afraid of the car.

Good luck

Welwynnick

Not 3 pumps on the same car, surely?

If you don't change the ABC oil, you can normally count on changing a new pump around 100k miles.

Not that difficult or expensive any more.

Key thing is to replace any ABC flexible hose that is damp around the crimp joints. They need annual inspection.

Nick

PillDrive

Yeah...i bought the car and needed a new pump within 3 days...mercedes put in a new pump i did not flush the system and the pump failed again....then i had it done by an indy and he also found that the filter was still the old more coarse one. And now i am on my 3rd pump and that one is still going strong.