Hello,
When i bought my 2005 SL500 last month I knew the one issue it had was a front passenger side ABC strut leaking. I bought it in FL and when i took it to my local MB dealer in NC he said it should be fine for a while.

Anyway i leave it in comfort mode most of the time but there is an area i put it in sport and really can push the car through it's paces. I have done some track days, etc so i mean really push.

This morning going into a sweeping leftie the car really bit into the pavement and the ABC visit workshop light came on and my heart sank. I stopped, put the car in comfort mode shut it off and restarted it and the light is now gone and things are normal

I already know the root cause is the leaking front passenger side strut but have a few ?'s

1) I have seen new ones from time to time online for around 500-600 dollars, is this something my regular mechanic can install. I talked to them and they said they never have before but to them it looked straightforward like any other strut replacement

2) It the light coming on because when i really pushed it the car sensed the strut was not holding pressure and why did the message reset itself and go away just by turning car off and on and then was fine the rest of the way to work

3) Am i running a risk of damaging the car by waiting a month or so to replace this strut

4) Why are all of the other ones fine. The MB dealer said the front passenger one seems to always be the most problematic, why???

I am somewhat freaking out about this, please advise with any and all info you have and thanks so much in advance for your help.

Robert

 

This may be stupid and me jumping to conclusions but because i already know the strut is leaking from the bottom thus is not just a repair kit issue I bought a new strut from potomac German Auto for $419.99 shipped. This beats the #1500 the dealer wants for the same damn part, it is a new OEM part and I called the MB dealer first to ensure the part numbers matched

Can pretty much anyone install these or do i have to dal with the Dealers BS. My warranty covers virtually everything, unfortunately struts are on the very short list of what is not covered. I'd like to fix this and move on

Let me know your thoughts

 

Your regular mechanic should be able to install.
He should research how to bleed(purge) the ABC system after install.
I remember reading on one of the MB forums the procedure to bleed.
If he has ALLDATA he may have information on procedure or he may know somebody at the stealership that is willing to share the information with him.

 

I found a place here locally that specialized in MB, BMW, Audi, etc called Autoworks Unlimited. The guy was nice and knowledgeable and they have a STAR diagnostic machine, etc. He said it will be $300 to install including bleeding, adding fluid, etc. How does that sound????

The dealer wants $1100 just for the install with me supplying the strut. They said you must replace all 3 filters, drain and bleed and fill the entire system, etc.

My local independent said that is garbage and the only fluid he has to add it what he loses that is in the bad strut

I feel blessed to get a new strut for $419, plus $300 to install i am looking at about $720 total

Am i missing anything here or should this do it?

 

Robert,
I concur with your mechanic. When removing the strut or any other hydraulic component of the ABC system, fluid will be lost and will have to be replenished. The system also must be bled. You don't need to flush and fill the entire ABC system and change filters every time you need to replace a component.

When fluid is added to the system however, care must be taken that dirt is not introduced into the system. This is done by using a special funnel tool which is essentially a cone with a filter in it, every time you add ABC fluid to the reservoir.

If you have not done so already, I recommend you have your mechanic change your ABC filter to the 3 micron type and run the rodeo for 2 consecutive sessions, and then change your filter again. This is the new procedure (filter instead of flush) that MB recommends in WIS and will make for good preventative maintenance by cleaning your existing ABC fluid.

 

good info...

 

Robert

I just picked up a STAR Service Manual Library DVD(Part No P-2700-230-07) from my local stealer.
Price was $60 with tax.

Repair, Maintenance and Diagnostic Information with function descriptions, Wiring Diagrams with Component Locations, Service Bulletins and DTBs, as well as Owner's and Introduction Manual for models 230 (SL-Class) 2003 to 2006.
http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/o...stedDocId=9124

 

2005 SL500. I purchased an MB Star service manual DVD for a R230. Very slow delivery (2 weeks), the DVD will not work (the DVD player is OK). The computer says, insert disc. I contacted MB, very little help. Very disappointing experience.

 

I thought Potomac German is a used parts retailer only !!!
Good luck.