SL-Class (R230) 2003 -- 2012: Discussion on the SL500, SL550, SL600

SL/R230: Lowering caused ABC problem.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jun 11, 2009 | 04:31 AM
  #1  
Artyi's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: Vilnius, Lithuania.
Mercedes-Benz SL 500
Exclamation Lowering caused ABC problem.

So 3 months ago I made this new mod - lowering links.
It looks fantastic and for a while there were no problems.

2 months ago this message on board computer came up, that I need to check my vehicle because of ABC problem.

Few weeks ago, I started getting this message every time I start my engine.
Few times the red sign came out about ABC problem.

Ok I went out of the car and checked all car around what space is between all wheels it was fine, even it showed this message. Sometime one side drops and on goes up in parking...

Once, I really was scared because my lowering function even didn't work at all, but somehow next morning it started working again...

I'm curious how much it will cost me to fix this thing, and I DON'T HAVE ANY WARRANTY

What are your opinions on it, maybe any suggestions?
Reply
Old Jun 11, 2009 | 08:06 AM
  #2  
djamer's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 828
Likes: 1
From: Northern VA
SL 500
If your ABC pump goes bad, you are looking to at $2000-2500/per for a new one. If the ABC valves are blocked and need to be flushed, probably $1000.00.
Reply
Old Jun 11, 2009 | 07:40 PM
  #3  
sikhkd's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 220
Likes: 1
From: Plano, TX
AMG
it was prob meant to happen, not because of the links


how many miles and what year is your car
Reply
Old Jun 11, 2009 | 09:59 PM
  #4  
m4xm1l10n's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,746
Likes: 1
BMW F02 (750Li) F10 (550i)
Originally Posted by sikhkd
it was prob meant to happen, not because of the links


how many miles and what year is your car
Agreed Links has nothing to do with such a problem . I just had a rebuilt kit done to my valve block and flushed with new oil for $600
Reply
Old Jun 12, 2009 | 04:29 AM
  #5  
Artyi's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: Vilnius, Lithuania.
Mercedes-Benz SL 500
It seems that it is meant to happen.
Car is 2002-12 and it has 55k KM (It's round about 34.5k Miles).

m4xm1l10n: you had the same problem? It scares me out, that it could cost me $2500 per wheel... :S
Reply
Old Jun 12, 2009 | 10:23 AM
  #6  
bobterry99's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,982
Likes: 393
From: Atlanta, unfortunately
'09 S600, (2) R129 300SLs, '03 SL500, '03 SL55
Originally Posted by Artyi
Ok I went out of the car and checked all car around what space is between all wheels it was fine, even it showed this message.
I had this problem. Happened briefly, twice, last year. ABC had basically shutdown because the controller read that there was no hydraulic pressure in the system. While I was looking into the problem the pressure reading jumped from < 1 to > 150 and I never had a chance to discover why.

Whatever Artyi's problem may be, I will guess that it is not going to be an expensive repair. I suggest buying a Star Diagnosis system from eBay for around $700 to diagnose the problem or taking the car to a technician that has one.
Reply
Old Jun 12, 2009 | 04:38 PM
  #7  
djamer's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 828
Likes: 1
From: Northern VA
SL 500
I agree. Artyi, if you are mechanically inclined and can do your repairs, do get the Star Diagnostic CD for the SL and work on your car. I, on the other hand, have no clue on this terribly complex suspension system, but I did buy a extended warranty until 2012 or 100,000 miles. At 34,000 miles, my ABC has had one issue w/ valve blockage which was covered under the warranty and i had to pay for the flush as part of the service B.

Good luck and keep us posted. I think there is someone on the forum who has documented w/ pictures, the ABC Pump repair. Very helpful.
Reply
Old Jun 14, 2009 | 01:01 PM
  #8  
Artyi's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: Vilnius, Lithuania.
Mercedes-Benz SL 500
Sure, I'll keep you in touch with my progress in it.

But still I searched for STAR thing in Lithuania, there is no specialist of it here. I guess, I'll take it to my dealer, and wait for an answer...
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jun 15, 2009 | 09:09 AM
  #9  
Seville's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Fort Myers
SL500
I had the same problem with my '03 (with 40,000 mls) and was quoted $5600.00 before taxes from an MB dealer in the northeast !! I have a warrantee, Easycare, and they denied the whole charge except for $42.00 !! So I guess I don't have a warrantee either !!
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2009 | 08:23 PM
  #10  
vantage78's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 345
Likes: 1
2005 SL500
Didn't Mercedes automatically extend the warranty on the ABC? I could have sworn I got something before in the mail that something to that affect. 10 years or something? Can't remember; left the letter with the new owner.
Reply
Old Jun 16, 2009 | 02:26 AM
  #11  
Artyi's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: Vilnius, Lithuania.
Mercedes-Benz SL 500
Originally Posted by vantage78
Didn't Mercedes automatically extend the warranty on the ABC? I could have sworn I got something before in the mail that something to that affect. 10 years or something? Can't remember; left the letter with the new owner.
Are you sure? Is it worldwide? I think that my dealer will only think of doing business on this, so maybe someone knows is this fact real, it should help me to save lots of money..
Reply
Old Jun 16, 2009 | 07:51 AM
  #12  
SPIKES's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 384
Likes: 1
From: FORT LAUDERDALE FL
2019 S63 COUPE
Originally Posted by vantage78
Didn't Mercedes automatically extend the warranty on the ABC? I could have sworn I got something before in the mail that something to that affect. 10 years or something? Can't remember; left the letter with the new owner.
abc...braking system......
sbc....suspension.
2 different systems.

abc was extended for 10 years.
Reply
Old Jun 16, 2009 | 11:32 AM
  #13  
Artyi's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 202
Likes: 0
From: Vilnius, Lithuania.
Mercedes-Benz SL 500
Originally Posted by SPIKES
abc...braking system......
sbc....suspension.
2 different systems.

abc was extended for 10 years.
Hhmz... Interesting. I need to talk to my dealership about this. Will they cover it.
Reply
Old Jun 16, 2009 | 11:46 AM
  #14  
IngenereAMG's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,703
Likes: 5
From: Arizona
SL55AMG, Ferrari 348, Ferrari Testarossa, Ferrari F40, Ferrari Mondial t, Ducati 916, Indycar
Originally Posted by Artyi
Sure, I'll keep you in touch with my progress in it.

But still I searched for STAR thing in Lithuania, there is no specialist of it here. I guess, I'll take it to my dealer, and wait for an answer...
Hi:

I noticed the problem that you are having and you do need a STAR system to really diagnose this. If you are having trouble locating one, and you plan on keeping your car for a while, it might be a good idea to invest in one.

We have a relationship with the OEM manufacturer of these systems and can supply one for substantially less than the dealer can... if they would even sell you one!
Reply
Old Jun 16, 2009 | 01:43 PM
  #15  
bobterry99's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,982
Likes: 393
From: Atlanta, unfortunately
'09 S600, (2) R129 300SLs, '03 SL500, '03 SL55
Originally Posted by IngenereAMG
We have a relationship with the OEM manufacturer of these systems and can supply one for substantially less than the dealer can... if they would even sell you one!
Your website shows a price of $4500, and I think that is very reasonable. But they can be purchased for much less money anytime for well under $1000 on eBay. The eBay products are an exact duplication of what is supplied to Mercedes' dealers. I have one and heartily recommend it.
Reply
Old Jun 16, 2009 | 02:27 PM
  #16  
djamer's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 828
Likes: 1
From: Northern VA
SL 500
Originally Posted by SPIKES
abc...braking system......
sbc....suspension.
2 different systems.

abc was extended for 10 years.
I think you are referring to electronic braking which has been warranty up to 10 years. ABC is not extended.
Reply
Old Jun 16, 2009 | 03:11 PM
  #17  
SPIKES's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 384
Likes: 1
From: FORT LAUDERDALE FL
2019 S63 COUPE
Originally Posted by djamer
I think you are referring to electronic braking which has been warranty up to 10 years. ABC is not extended.
yes you are right about the elec. braking.....is that not abc?
Reply
Old Jun 19, 2009 | 01:54 AM
  #18  
mlandis's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
From: Montrose, CA
2007 SL550
Originally Posted by SPIKES
yes you are right about the elec. braking.....is that not abc?
SBC: Sensotronic Brake Control
ABC: Active Body Control
Reply
Old Nov 12, 2009 | 04:30 PM
  #19  
j_belll's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,507
Likes: 27
‘23 EQS AMG
i too now have the exact same problem. showed visit workshop a few times and this morning at every start it would say "ABC Drive Carefully" i dont want to deal with suspension problems now lol

does anyone know how immediate it is to take care of the problem when it says "ABC Drive Carefully" ?
Reply
Old Nov 12, 2009 | 08:41 PM
  #20  
GFEAR's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 627
Likes: 0
god i love having a warranty
Reply
Old Nov 13, 2009 | 01:05 AM
  #21  
VendettaMB's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 644
Likes: 0
From: In a VAN down by the river
His wifes head hard into the headboard nightly!!
Originally Posted by FreshTAMPON
i too now have the exact same problem. showed visit workshop a few times and this morning at every start it would say "ABC Drive Carefully" i dont want to deal with suspension problems now lol

does anyone know how immediate it is to take care of the problem when it says "ABC Drive Carefully" ?
when i needed my strut redone, the car was a little uneven side to side and i saw a small oil stain...but never did i get a message on dash. i wonder how many owners have these issues that dont go on forums?
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2009 | 10:40 AM
  #22  
derrick_lui's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 980
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
My ex-cars: 03 E55,04 C32, 05 C55 ,03 E320
Been there, done that with the ABC problems. For our cars, it is normal that the ABC systems fails.

I love my CPO warranty.
Reply
Old Nov 18, 2009 | 09:35 PM
  #23  
SLster's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
SL500 AMG
Just replaced my ABC pump on my SL500 at almost 60K miles. Noticed a small ring of fluid had leaked on garage floor. Same day, received ABC warning to visit workshop (which I did). My Mercedes mechanic checked it out, said the pump seemed like it was weak and had not lost much fluid. He said to drive it and see if the warning comes back.

A few days later, while driving in traffic, I suddenly recieved the ABC red light warning and the brakes basically went out. Could hardly drive until I could get out of the street to pull over.

Car carrier returned it to my Mercedes guy, who confirmed the pump was toast. New pump and fluid - close to $1K installed.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:13 AM.

story-0
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-2
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-5
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-6
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE