New S55 amg coilover or keep abc??
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C55 AMG
New S55 amg coilover or keep abc??
So just bought a 04 s55 amg thats pretty much the same exact car i sold in 2018. Glad to have it back as i missed it and plan to add this one to the forever collection. But anyway i don't know if i should keep my abc or get coilovers. I was thinking of purchasing some ceika coilovers and have mechanic put them on. He told me he would charge $1700 to put them on. Is that normal price for that?
I was also sort of thinking to just fix up the abc and get some lowering links but i want to drive this car to different states on trips etc and don't want to be stranded from an abc issue. I just want to drive it and be worry free. What is everyones insight on this?
I was also sort of thinking to just fix up the abc and get some lowering links but i want to drive this car to different states on trips etc and don't want to be stranded from an abc issue. I just want to drive it and be worry free. What is everyones insight on this?
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2018 S560, 2004 SL500, 2014 S550 (SOLD), 2012 S550 x2(SOLD), 2007 CL600 (SOLD), 2007 S600(SOLD)
Does the mechanic know what that entails? Do you have a proper power steering pump to swap over? I could be wrong(my only experience with ABC is with my M275 CL600) but you'll have to swap the tandem pump to a power steering pump from another model. If you don't you end up burning up the tandem pump and in turn, lose your power steering. Also, do you have a plan for sway bars? ABC cars have no sway bars but you'll want those if you go with coilovers. You should be able to source sway bars from an Airmatic W220. Point is, it is a lot more complicated than deleting an air suspension system. Hope that helps!
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2018 S560, 2004 SL500, 2014 S550 (SOLD), 2012 S550 x2(SOLD), 2007 CL600 (SOLD), 2007 S600(SOLD)
I’m not saying you can’t go the coil over route either, it’s just not as simple as switching the other struts for coil overs. I’ll dig through later and see if there’s any threads where someone has done this.
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C55 AMG
There’s really no hard answer to this. You’ve got the hydraulic struts themselves, valve blocks, accumulators, tandem pump, and all of the hydraulic lines that run throughout the car. Replacing all of these would be astronomically expensive and not worth it. If I were you and the ABC system is in working order, have all four accumulators replaced along with a full system fluid flush and filter change. Then keep an eye out for leaking hydraulic fluid from any of the lines.
I’m not saying you can’t go the coil over route either, it’s just not as simple as switching the other struts for coil overs. I’ll dig through later and see if there’s any threads where someone has done this.
I’m not saying you can’t go the coil over route either, it’s just not as simple as switching the other struts for coil overs. I’ll dig through later and see if there’s any threads where someone has done this.
for coil overs I was looking at the ceiko kit and I believe I need a power steering pump and sway bar links from an s500 w/o abc correct.
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'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
The general rule is accumulators and struts are good for 10y/100k miles. If someone from MB AMG jumped in here and said 15y/150k miles I wouldn't argue with them. This is what I get from people who have been working on these cars since the 6.3 days. Your dealer or google can get you these part numbers. Obviously the ABC system falls under the "Do Not Try This At Home" category.
I think all of that is preferable to coilovers, though I've not experienced them either. I just natively believe the factory MB AMG system is better than virtually any aftermarket system you're going to buy that isn't five or 10 times more expensive. If I was building a track rat out of an S Class I might rethink that. But of course I'm not and I see no reason why anyone would.
maw
Last edited by maw1124; Aug 10, 2023 at 03:33 PM.
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'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
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'03 S55 (79K miles)
Save the ABC system
I think saving ABC makes the car more valuable and retains the special feeling when in twisty roads.
I am still on my original struts, pump, and most of the lines after 20 years. The high pressure output line was replaced in a recall (2003 models).
I have replaced 2 accumulators (the big one in back and in front). I have also done a full flush of Pentosin CHF-11S and the filter in the return line. I did have a sagging front issue once at 30kmiles and inspected the front valve block and found some crud in there.
I’m now at 80kish miles and only thing I’m concerned about is a sag at right front wheel after 2 months of storage in the garage. Ready to take on the challenges like another valve block refurb, pump rebuild kit, line replacements and any other accumulators.
I am still on my original struts, pump, and most of the lines after 20 years. The high pressure output line was replaced in a recall (2003 models).
I have replaced 2 accumulators (the big one in back and in front). I have also done a full flush of Pentosin CHF-11S and the filter in the return line. I did have a sagging front issue once at 30kmiles and inspected the front valve block and found some crud in there.
I’m now at 80kish miles and only thing I’m concerned about is a sag at right front wheel after 2 months of storage in the garage. Ready to take on the challenges like another valve block refurb, pump rebuild kit, line replacements and any other accumulators.
Thread Starter
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C55 AMG
I think saving ABC makes the car more valuable and retains the special feeling when in twisty roads.
I am still on my original struts, pump, and most of the lines after 20 years. The high pressure output line was replaced in a recall (2003 models).
I have replaced 2 accumulators (the big one in back and in front). I have also done a full flush of Pentosin CHF-11S and the filter in the return line. I did have a sagging front issue once at 30kmiles and inspected the front valve block and found some crud in there.
I’m now at 80kish miles and only thing I’m concerned about is a sag at right front wheel after 2 months of storage in the garage. Ready to take on the challenges like another valve block refurb, pump rebuild kit, line replacements and any other accumulators.
I am still on my original struts, pump, and most of the lines after 20 years. The high pressure output line was replaced in a recall (2003 models).
I have replaced 2 accumulators (the big one in back and in front). I have also done a full flush of Pentosin CHF-11S and the filter in the return line. I did have a sagging front issue once at 30kmiles and inspected the front valve block and found some crud in there.
I’m now at 80kish miles and only thing I’m concerned about is a sag at right front wheel after 2 months of storage in the garage. Ready to take on the challenges like another valve block refurb, pump rebuild kit, line replacements and any other accumulators.
I just bought a kit. 2- corteco accumulators and a pulsation dampner. I think my mechanic might have the filer and i will get a flush also. My question is there is only 2 accumulators right one for front and one for rear correct?
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'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
maw
Last edited by maw1124; Aug 13, 2023 at 09:52 AM.
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From: Phoenix
222 S-65
Maw have you got to do hoses in your S55 yet?
Self leveling in the rear of your 500E is a LONG way from ABC. But your right.... fluid is cheap and easy as are nitrogen bombs. Keep it happy and yer much less likely to ‘get to’ have your car ride on the flatbed.
OP.... ABC working right is a godsend. Coil overs are a disaster from the word go that make the car worse in every way. You are doing right by giving the ABC a ‘Stage zero.’ With fluid, filter etc.
Self leveling in the rear of your 500E is a LONG way from ABC. But your right.... fluid is cheap and easy as are nitrogen bombs. Keep it happy and yer much less likely to ‘get to’ have your car ride on the flatbed.
OP.... ABC working right is a godsend. Coil overs are a disaster from the word go that make the car worse in every way. You are doing right by giving the ABC a ‘Stage zero.’ With fluid, filter etc.
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'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
Maw have you got to do hoses in your S55 yet?
Self leveling in the rear of your 500E is a LONG way from ABC. But your right.... fluid is cheap and easy as are nitrogen bombs. Keep it happy and yer much less likely to ‘get to’ have your car ride on the flatbed.
OP.... ABC working right is a godsend. Coil overs are a disaster from the word go that make the car worse in every way. You are doing right by giving the ABC a ‘Stage zero.’ With fluid, filter etc.
Self leveling in the rear of your 500E is a LONG way from ABC. But your right.... fluid is cheap and easy as are nitrogen bombs. Keep it happy and yer much less likely to ‘get to’ have your car ride on the flatbed.
OP.... ABC working right is a godsend. Coil overs are a disaster from the word go that make the car worse in every way. You are doing right by giving the ABC a ‘Stage zero.’ With fluid, filter etc.
Both 500E and this car have tandem pump, fluid, nitrogen spheres and fluid shocks (2 v 4), so from that architecture standpoint I call them similar. But yes, the ABC on this car took the 500E to the Nth degree, computers and sensors wise, as you would expect from Mercedes in the 12 year interval between the cars. Yet, when you look at the architecture, you quickly conclude (1) MB weren't guessing with these systems, they'd been using them forever; and (2) the fluid is literally the lifeblood of the system. Cleans, lubricates, provides pressure, all that fun stuff. Spend some time studying hydraulic fluid specs if you haven't.
And do not forget to change the supercharger fluid. Do. Not.
OP, JohnLane has forgotten more about these cars than I'm likely to ever know. And CiCBarKeep bought one of the best S55's I've ever seen, actually. Got a great price on it at a great time from the prior owner.
maw
Last edited by maw1124; Aug 14, 2023 at 10:37 AM.
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2007 Jaguar XJ8L, 1999 Miata, 2003 Yamaha FJR1300
Another issue with the ABC struts is the top bushing breaking down with age. That's not a Mercedes part separately, although I've seen aftermarket replacement. I just don't know what's involved with that. It's hard to say that something 20 years old is going to be OK with some simple maintenance. On my '03, I was headed toward coilovers when a flood relieved me of the car. Getting the ABC back to snuff just seemed like a rabbit hole I didn't want to dive into.
Last edited by wfooshee; Sep 25, 2023 at 09:28 AM.
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'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
I don't really understand how to mentally process complaints that ABC struts and fluid is too expensive on this car. I just don't. I mean, it costs what it costs. You're getting new parts. I look at what Koni and Bilstein kits cost on other cars, and this slots right into that, looking like bang for the buck actually. This ain't a Chevy pickup. A grand a corner won't buy you proper wheels and tires for this car (18" stockers don't qualify). We know that going in.
maw
maw
Last edited by maw1124; Aug 14, 2023 at 05:50 PM.
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C55 AMG
I noticed the car kind of jerks sometimes when im accelerating for a slow speed. It does this a lot. It has all of its power and the idle is super smooth. Im getting all the fluids flushed out on Friday but do you think this might be the trans fluid. No issue with gear changes at all. Every once in a while i might get a crazy jolt and it throw me back in my seat upon initial take off from a light. I suspect old transmission fluid in there especially since the previous owner sent me off with a new trans filter and fluid.
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'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
I noticed the car kind of jerks sometimes when im accelerating for a slow speed. It does this a lot. It has all of its power and the idle is super smooth. Im getting all the fluids flushed out on Friday but do you think this might be the trans fluid. No issue with gear changes at all. Every once in a while i might get a crazy jolt and it throw me back in my seat upon initial take off from a light. I suspect old transmission fluid in there especially since the previous owner sent me off with a new trans filter and fluid.
maw
EDIT… try the attached for now.
Last edited by maw1124; Aug 14, 2023 at 09:34 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
Thread Starter
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C55 AMG
MBWorld Fanatic!
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'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
They're all basically the same part so I treat them like spark plugs. If one's due they're all due.
maw
Last edited by maw1124; Aug 17, 2023 at 12:36 AM.
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From: Las Vegas, NV
2003 S55 AMG, 2005 C320 Coupe, 2020 Jeep Gladiator Mojave
I was initially concerned about ABC reliability as well when I bought my car last November. I've done all of the preventative maintenance so far and had to correct someone else's shoddy repair while I was at it. After fixing an ABC leak, a trans leak, replacing the oil level sender (resealing the lower pan!), and leaking washer reservoir seal, I am finally leak free!
Nice to see someone else bringing an S55 back from neglect!
Nice to see someone else bringing an S55 back from neglect!
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From: Phoenix
222 S-65
The K motor really makes the S55 special. It can be turned up to silly levels of performance. Be sure to do all the supporting mods. All has been hashed out in the 211 E55 forum. Headers... big exhaust... three liter blower... more charge cooling.... looped fuel rail... enjoyable rabbit hole to tumble into.
