SL/R230: R230 Suspension ABC vs Coilovers
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 96
Likes: 9
From: Tampa
2003 R230 and 2007 W209
R230 Suspension ABC vs Coilovers
Guys,
Have been researching reading.. and rereading... the myriad posts concerning the ABC ills, repairs, cures, and costs to repair / restore faults with the ABC system. If you remember, the ABC innovation was the latest and "greatest" approach to keeping the car FLAT in nearly any cornering challenge. While this may ..or may not.. be true we know the latest BIG "Black" SL is equipped with "coil overs"... AND sway bars vs. ABC.
All this begs the question(s) ..(1) When the OEM ABC system starts having a series of the usual problems ..what is the best solution? and (2) IF the ABC is replaced with a complete strut-coil over suspension .. where is a reliable sway bar source solution? plus, (3) What effect on a change out would do the desirability - resell market of an SL that has its ABC converted to a static system ? The car would no longer be "stock".....but is that a bad thing ?....since it might produce a less hassle system with perhaps - even better handling for years to come.
I am submitting this major common maintenance issue on our forum for some "candid" and honest discussion for ALL of us .especially since I too, MAY ..repeat MAY be considering replacing my rear struts on a 2003 SL 500 (with ONLY 6600 ..yes 6600 miles) and I wish to avoid a continuing "ABC Money Pit" of repairs and replacements - merely to keep my car "stock" regardless age, condition, or mileage..
It would seem that a car "engineered like no other" would not have the "lowest bidder - supplier" issues at its new sticker price...
This issue affects ALL R230s regardless age or present condition ..
Thoughts ?
Have been researching reading.. and rereading... the myriad posts concerning the ABC ills, repairs, cures, and costs to repair / restore faults with the ABC system. If you remember, the ABC innovation was the latest and "greatest" approach to keeping the car FLAT in nearly any cornering challenge. While this may ..or may not.. be true we know the latest BIG "Black" SL is equipped with "coil overs"... AND sway bars vs. ABC.
All this begs the question(s) ..(1) When the OEM ABC system starts having a series of the usual problems ..what is the best solution? and (2) IF the ABC is replaced with a complete strut-coil over suspension .. where is a reliable sway bar source solution? plus, (3) What effect on a change out would do the desirability - resell market of an SL that has its ABC converted to a static system ? The car would no longer be "stock".....but is that a bad thing ?....since it might produce a less hassle system with perhaps - even better handling for years to come.
I am submitting this major common maintenance issue on our forum for some "candid" and honest discussion for ALL of us .especially since I too, MAY ..repeat MAY be considering replacing my rear struts on a 2003 SL 500 (with ONLY 6600 ..yes 6600 miles) and I wish to avoid a continuing "ABC Money Pit" of repairs and replacements - merely to keep my car "stock" regardless age, condition, or mileage..
It would seem that a car "engineered like no other" would not have the "lowest bidder - supplier" issues at its new sticker price...
This issue affects ALL R230s regardless age or present condition ..
Thoughts ?
