SL/R230: ABC Problem solved
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Tucker, Ga
2010 S63 Amg
Thank you for your help, and advice. I don't know if it is permitted to exchange phone numbers on this site, but I would really like to ask you more questions about my car. You seem to know alot about these cars.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,982
Likes: 393
From: Atlanta, unfortunately
'09 S600, (2) R129 300SLs, '03 SL500, '03 SL55
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 36
Likes: 5
sl55
Lucky me. Had bought a filter and 1 litre of fluid but after reading here was all ready to go get more fluid and do the flush described above. Fluid was by the low mark. Changed filter, added 1/2 quart. Raised and lowered the car. Checked fluid. Still at the low mark. Added the other 1/2 quart. Cycled suspension up and down. ABC in Red with Drive Carefully gone. ABC working again. Yes, I will still do the flush (thanks for posting)....but not today!
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
Guys, I have a 2003 SL500 with only 6600 miles on it and noticed that my rear struts were "seeping" ....NOT leaking. After reading all I could find, calling around... including the MBCA Tech POC, various dealers and shops, plus considering replacing and installing "coil-overs.. I decided to keep my ABC system but installed Arnotts' SL55 rebuilt struts vs. SL500......WHICH FIT PERFECTLY.
Also flushed the system, installed the latest filter, and performed the "rodeo" .. The car is back as good as new and I believe the SL55 struts actually ride a "tad" stiffer than before ... which I like - since I always keep the "sport" option engaged ....since new.
Since very little is widely know about this complicated (and potentially VERY expensive) suspension .. It warrants continuous attention and proper maintenance when the first trouble indications occur.
Ron
Also flushed the system, installed the latest filter, and performed the "rodeo" .. The car is back as good as new and I believe the SL55 struts actually ride a "tad" stiffer than before ... which I like - since I always keep the "sport" option engaged ....since new.
Since very little is widely know about this complicated (and potentially VERY expensive) suspension .. It warrants continuous attention and proper maintenance when the first trouble indications occur.
Ron
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 1
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2005 sl500
I do not see the link you referenced
If you are mechanically inclined and can follow directions well you can absolutely work on your R230 (ABC system included). Strut replacement on a R230 is very straight forward and not that much different than any other car.
I have 102,000 miles on my 2005 SL55. I drive her 60+ miles a day 5 days a week not including weekend trips. I recently replaced all 4 ABC Accumulators (preventive maintenance) , rebuilt both front and rear valve blocks (preventive maintenance) and did a fluid flush. I did all the work in my home garage with common hand tools. To be fair I am a mechanic by trade (restore vintage race cars) but, I find the R230's to be quite easy to work on by modern standards.
The single best thing you can do for the ABC system is routinely flush the fluid every 20,000 or 30,000 miles. I do mine every 20,000 (every other oil change). Change your filter of course while you are at it. I have instructions in the link in my signature on how to flush your ABC fluid in your own garage with very common items available from Lowes/Home Depot. You don't even need to jack the car up!
I have 102,000 miles on my 2005 SL55. I drive her 60+ miles a day 5 days a week not including weekend trips. I recently replaced all 4 ABC Accumulators (preventive maintenance) , rebuilt both front and rear valve blocks (preventive maintenance) and did a fluid flush. I did all the work in my home garage with common hand tools. To be fair I am a mechanic by trade (restore vintage race cars) but, I find the R230's to be quite easy to work on by modern standards.
The single best thing you can do for the ABC system is routinely flush the fluid every 20,000 or 30,000 miles. I do mine every 20,000 (every other oil change). Change your filter of course while you are at it. I have instructions in the link in my signature on how to flush your ABC fluid in your own garage with very common items available from Lowes/Home Depot. You don't even need to jack the car up!
thank you
2003, 2006, abc, abcsport, accumulator, bump, bumps, maintenance, mercedes, preventative, prevention, problem, problems, schedule, sl500, sl5002004, sl55
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