SL/R230: ABC to Coilovers conversion: The Ultimate FAQ
Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 87
Likes: 42
2003 S430 , 2002 CL500 , 2007 S550, 2003 Yukon Denali XL
The pump for the ML55. Its the same pump that goes in the S-class as well plus the triangle shaped bracket thats specific to the ML55. You need the bracket to securely mount the pump by all bolts. I believe 2 bolts. I found this pump plus bracket used online for my CL55 coilover conversion. Used for about $75. Buy new or used. Up to you.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
500SL
I am just in the process of changing the ABC system on my 500SL to coilovers. I need to blank off the hydraulic line to the original dampers, can anybody tell me the thread size to blank off the hydraulic line which connects to the top of the damper.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 37
Likes: 9
2004 SL500
Thanks for the info.
I sourced the PS pump, however the PS lines dont line up. The original post mentions this:
"Do i have a need to keep the ABC/Power Steering Pump?
The R230 has a tandem pump that operates both the ABC and the Power Steering system. A new pump is $1360 from Genuine Mercedes and even a used specimen will fetch upwards of $700 at a junkyard.
Luckily for you, once the conversion is completed there is no need for a tandem pump anymore.
I sourced a power steering pump from a 2001 S500 without ABC (any year W220 without ABC should do it).
Two out of the three mounting bolts line up perfectly and the stock lines from your R230 can be rerouted with minimal work....."
It appears that the stock PS lines are used, however how are they rerouted?
Can someone explain what needs to be done?
I sourced the PS pump, however the PS lines dont line up. The original post mentions this:
"Do i have a need to keep the ABC/Power Steering Pump?
The R230 has a tandem pump that operates both the ABC and the Power Steering system. A new pump is $1360 from Genuine Mercedes and even a used specimen will fetch upwards of $700 at a junkyard.
Luckily for you, once the conversion is completed there is no need for a tandem pump anymore.
I sourced a power steering pump from a 2001 S500 without ABC (any year W220 without ABC should do it).
Two out of the three mounting bolts line up perfectly and the stock lines from your R230 can be rerouted with minimal work....."
It appears that the stock PS lines are used, however how are they rerouted?
Can someone explain what needs to be done?
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 72
Likes: 19
From: 33004
2017 X166 GLS550 & (R230) SL550 2007 & 2012 S550
Complete coil-over kit
This kit has front & rear anti sway bars and the single power steering pump
Looks like they thought of everything !
Complete coil-over kit
https://rebuildmastertech.com/merced...onversion-kit/
they buy your Old system for $1,200 which makes it seem very reasonable..
Looks like they thought of everything !
Complete coil-over kit
https://rebuildmastertech.com/merced...onversion-kit/
they buy your Old system for $1,200 which makes it seem very reasonable..
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 16
Likes: 2
2003 sl500 Designo
2003 sl500 vvk coilovers
This kit has front & rear anti sway bars and the single power steering pump
Looks like they thought of everything !
Complete coil-over kit
https://rebuildmastertech.com/merced...onversion-kit/
they buy your Old system for $1,200 which makes it seem very reasonable..
Looks like they thought of everything !
Complete coil-over kit
https://rebuildmastertech.com/merced...onversion-kit/
they buy your Old system for $1,200 which makes it seem very reasonable..
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 407
Likes: 137
From: Houston, TX
2005 SL600
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 16
Likes: 2
2003 sl500 Designo
Thanks, have emailed before with no success..trying again..also contacted a company.
.Masterbuilt or something, handling vvk, waiting to hear from them..the sl500 came from Florida origanaly...was over 5k to put system on...
I bought the car in Houston Texas..no spanners or info,, I have searched all over the MB site and so far no PDF or anything on shock load adjustment..I know several of these systems have been put on the SL..I'll keep looking, Thanks
.Masterbuilt or something, handling vvk, waiting to hear from them..the sl500 came from Florida origanaly...was over 5k to put system on...
I bought the car in Houston Texas..no spanners or info,, I have searched all over the MB site and so far no PDF or anything on shock load adjustment..I know several of these systems have been put on the SL..I'll keep looking, Thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 407
Likes: 137
From: Houston, TX
2005 SL600
Thanks, have emailed before with no success..trying again..also contacted a company.
.Masterbuilt or something, handling vvk, waiting to hear from them..the sl500 came from Florida origanaly...was over 5k to put system on...
I bought the car in Houston Texas..no spanners or info,, I have searched all over the MB site and so far no PDF or anything on shock load adjustment..I know several of these systems have been put on the SL..I'll keep looking, Thanks
.Masterbuilt or something, handling vvk, waiting to hear from them..the sl500 came from Florida origanaly...was over 5k to put system on...
I bought the car in Houston Texas..no spanners or info,, I have searched all over the MB site and so far no PDF or anything on shock load adjustment..I know several of these systems have been put on the SL..I'll keep looking, Thanks
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Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 16
Likes: 2
2003 sl500 Designo
I'm not sure what you mean by "shock load adjustment". With coilovers, you can adjust ride height (using spanner wrenches, like this - like this ) and you can adjust damping for stiffer or softer, usually on the top of the coilover, clockwise = harder.
...I guess I'll try counter clockwise and see if I can get it right.. thanks again.
Last edited by Paul Filidei; Jan 17, 2020 at 04:37 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 17
Likes: 8
SL500
Over the last couple of years there have been countless threads outlining ABC failure either at a strut level or complete system meltdown. Opinions get thrown around, engineers get flamed and the topic of converting the ABC system to a standard coilover suspension gets mentioned, acclaimed but never fully explored. Everyone always talks about someone who knows someone who has done the conversion but no questions are ever answered.
My car is a '03 SL500. I have been running coilovers for 5000 miles now so I'll answer any questions once and for all and let's see if we can make a sticky out this thread for future reference.
First of all, let's start with the ABC system.
Yes, it will fail. There are no "if's" but rather "when". The design isn't particularly brilliant and the pressure generated by the hydraulic fluid far exceeds what the seals on the struts and the pump are designed to handle. Hence once it fails, if fails massively. Furthermore, replacing all 4 struts, pump, block and lines will not only exceed the cost of a used SL in today's market, but it will inevitably also fail.
Where do you get the conversion kit?
StrutMasters SL500 Kits
There are two kits available.
The first is the Coilover system for $1595.
For an extra $200 you get a light fix module. The module is a series of resistors that will block the warning from the ABC sensors to the Comand system. That way rather than a flashing red warning that you cannot disable, you simply get a "Warning: ABC Display Malfunction" message that you can click through. Considering Mercedes charges over $2000 for each hydraulic strut, do yourself the favor and get the light fix module.
Do I need to modify anything?
No. The kit is a direct bolt on. They include the hardware to cap off the ABC lines at the struts. Other than that the coilovers mount at the same points your original suspension does.
Is there a kit available for my 55/600/63/65?
Unfortunately there aren't any kits available out there for the different R230 versions.
Is there a sway bar available?
If anyone has it, I have yet to find it. Would the car ride better with one? Absolutely. Does it ride well enough for me not to care? Absolutely.
How does it ride?
Let's start off the bat and say it: coilovers will never ride as smooth as a hydraulic suspension.
Once the ABC is off, you begin to realize just how heavy the chassis is.
The ride is tight but comfortable. The rebound on the coilovers is noticeable but not unlike an E500. All in all, it makes for a comfortable ride that is predictable under hard driving.
I have driven the car from New York City to Arizona with no trouble whatsoever and have logged on over 5K miles as of today.
Do i have a need to keep the ABC/Power Steering Pump?
The R230 has a tandem pump that operates both the ABC and the Power Steering system. A new pump is $1360 from Genuine Mercedes and even a used specimen will fetch upwards of $700 at a junkyard.
Luckily for you, once the conversion is completed there is no need for a tandem pump anymore.
I sourced a power steering pump from a 2001 S500 without ABC (any year W220 without ABC should do it).
Two out of the three mounting bolts line up perfectly and the stock lines from your R230 can be rerouted with minimal work.
Extra bonus: You get to use regular power steering fluid from Autozone or Walmart rather than having to track down CHF 11S at $30 a liter.
So there it is.
If you have any other questions, feel free to ask away and I will do my best to answer.
My car is a '03 SL500. I have been running coilovers for 5000 miles now so I'll answer any questions once and for all and let's see if we can make a sticky out this thread for future reference.
First of all, let's start with the ABC system.
Yes, it will fail. There are no "if's" but rather "when". The design isn't particularly brilliant and the pressure generated by the hydraulic fluid far exceeds what the seals on the struts and the pump are designed to handle. Hence once it fails, if fails massively. Furthermore, replacing all 4 struts, pump, block and lines will not only exceed the cost of a used SL in today's market, but it will inevitably also fail.
Where do you get the conversion kit?
StrutMasters SL500 Kits
There are two kits available.
The first is the Coilover system for $1595.
For an extra $200 you get a light fix module. The module is a series of resistors that will block the warning from the ABC sensors to the Comand system. That way rather than a flashing red warning that you cannot disable, you simply get a "Warning: ABC Display Malfunction" message that you can click through. Considering Mercedes charges over $2000 for each hydraulic strut, do yourself the favor and get the light fix module.
Do I need to modify anything?
No. The kit is a direct bolt on. They include the hardware to cap off the ABC lines at the struts. Other than that the coilovers mount at the same points your original suspension does.
Is there a kit available for my 55/600/63/65?
Unfortunately there aren't any kits available out there for the different R230 versions.
Is there a sway bar available?
If anyone has it, I have yet to find it. Would the car ride better with one? Absolutely. Does it ride well enough for me not to care? Absolutely.
How does it ride?
Let's start off the bat and say it: coilovers will never ride as smooth as a hydraulic suspension.
Once the ABC is off, you begin to realize just how heavy the chassis is.
The ride is tight but comfortable. The rebound on the coilovers is noticeable but not unlike an E500. All in all, it makes for a comfortable ride that is predictable under hard driving.
I have driven the car from New York City to Arizona with no trouble whatsoever and have logged on over 5K miles as of today.
Do i have a need to keep the ABC/Power Steering Pump?
The R230 has a tandem pump that operates both the ABC and the Power Steering system. A new pump is $1360 from Genuine Mercedes and even a used specimen will fetch upwards of $700 at a junkyard.
Luckily for you, once the conversion is completed there is no need for a tandem pump anymore.
I sourced a power steering pump from a 2001 S500 without ABC (any year W220 without ABC should do it).
Two out of the three mounting bolts line up perfectly and the stock lines from your R230 can be rerouted with minimal work.
Extra bonus: You get to use regular power steering fluid from Autozone or Walmart rather than having to track down CHF 11S at $30 a liter.
So there it is.
If you have any other questions, feel free to ask away and I will do my best to answer.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 17
Likes: 8
SL500
Plug-Fitting
Hello, I have a 2005 R230 Mercedes SL500 and would like to know if anyone knows where to get block off plugs/fittings for the hydraulic hose on the strut into the quick disconnect. Or if you could please tell me the size of the quick disconnect. Thank you!
Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 107
Likes: 5
From: New Orleans, La.
2009 gmc sierra 1500, 2005 C55 AMG, 2007 SL55 AMG.
Why wouldn't you just remove the line or are you not removing the tandem pump?
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 502
Likes: 145
From: Tampa Bay, FL
2014 E350 Wagon, 2009 SL550 no ABC
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 502
Likes: 145
From: Tampa Bay, FL
2014 E350 Wagon, 2009 SL550 no ABC
BTW, for completeness of the "ultimate" thread here is info on my CEIKA coilover conversion if anyone is interested - the blue hydraulic plugs actually match nicely the default blue CEIKA strut adjustment nuts (color can be changed to order)
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...er-struts.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...er-struts.html
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 502
Likes: 145
From: Tampa Bay, FL
2014 E350 Wagon, 2009 SL550 no ABC
Please see above (1/4")
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 502
Likes: 145
From: Tampa Bay, FL
2014 E350 Wagon, 2009 SL550 no ABC
I'm not sure what benefits a steel fitting would give you over the rubber plug which I used to seal the quick coupler line, but I have never seen one made of steel. Why do you want steel? There should never be any pressure in the line after a strut removal, so rubber should be sufficient.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 17
Likes: 8
SL500
The fitting I'm looking for is on the end of the hose/line from the strut to the quick coupler. From what I'm told when going to coilovers I need to cap off the lines. I'm trying to do it at the coupler rather than the hose like Strutmasters suggests plus I won't get my core charge back if I use the hose/line off the strut. I'll try Arnotts or someone that rebuilds struts maybe I can order four. Thank you.
Last edited by Crabsl500; Mar 8, 2020 at 09:57 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 502
Likes: 145
From: Tampa Bay, FL
2014 E350 Wagon, 2009 SL550 no ABC
The fitting I'm looking for is on the end of the hose/line from the strut to the quick coupler. From what I'm told when going to coilovers I need to cap off the lines. I'm trying to do it at the coupler rather than the hose like Strutmasters suggests plus I won't get my core charge back if I use the hose/line off the strut. I'll try Arnotts or someone that rebuilds struts maybe I can order four. Thank you.
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...er-struts.html
and substitute the word "CEIKA" with "Strutmasters" - the only difference is that CEIKA is adjustable and Strutmasters is not (that's why I don't like Strutmasters), everything else can be the same. The photo I posted above is that of the quick connect on the car end, plugged with the rubber plug, this is the "line people tell you to plug". The strut disconnects by pulling on the quick connect by hand. After that you just remove and ship the strut. You don't do anything with the strut end of the connector, which remains connected to the strut and not plugged.
Last edited by George993; Mar 8, 2020 at 10:51 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 502
Likes: 145
From: Tampa Bay, FL
2014 E350 Wagon, 2009 SL550 no ABC
And if for some reason you want to plug up the STRUT end of the quick connector (which makes no sense, as they are going to be rebuild anyway), just purchase the 1/4" FEMALE equivalent of the MALE plugs which I posted above
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 502
Likes: 145
From: Tampa Bay, FL
2014 E350 Wagon, 2009 SL550 no ABC
Also check the net price you pay for the 4 coilover struts after you factor in shipping of the cores back and getting the core refund. The net price I paid for 4 CEIKA adjustable struts after returning the 4 cores with all the shipping etc costs is $16.00 (sixteen US dollars).
That is $4.00 (four US dollars) per strut.
Which I think is a good price for maintenance free struts which can be adjusted multi-way for spring softness, shock absorber stiffness and for car height.
That is $4.00 (four US dollars) per strut.
Which I think is a good price for maintenance free struts which can be adjusted multi-way for spring softness, shock absorber stiffness and for car height.
Last edited by George993; Mar 8, 2020 at 10:53 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 502
Likes: 145
From: Tampa Bay, FL
2014 E350 Wagon, 2009 SL550 no ABC
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...er-struts.html
I'm under an impression you wanted to block off quick connects and keep ABC under pressure - a VERY BAD IDEA which would make your car unreliable and could get you stranded.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 448
Likes: 48
From: Europe, but from Norway
89 SL500 Silver ,97 SL500 Carlsson 04 Mercedes SL55 AMG , 07 Mercedes SL55 AMG convertedBlack series
Many guys say the ride is very bad with coil overs ,compare to the ABC system , i cant even get in garage if i did not have ABC to rise the car, Many garages in Europe its a headacke , also mine is lowered from stock.
