SL/R230: SL55 Suspension and ABC question
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento CA
2003 SL55 AMG
SL55 Suspension and ABC question
I have a 2003 SL55 occasionally when I hit a bump I'll get an ABC Drive carefully light pop up and go away a few seconds later. I have also noticed that one side of the car on the front is either lower or higher than normal (don't know what the normal height is) passenger side sits lower than the driver side. Also noticed the passenger side make a slight noise on occasion when going up. Took it to an independent MB shop and they said everything is good the struts are all zeroed and I have no leaks. Their exact words. Luckily they didn't charge me. But it seems there is something wrong so I thought to Check here before going to MB dealership and signing over my first born to get it checked.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 992
Likes: 245
From: Tucson, AZ
'20 X5 M50i; '17 Ram 3500; Golf Cart; Bikes; Scooters
More than likely the ABC dampeners and accumulators have failed. There are 4 of them. Due for replacement at 10 years. Lots of posts on doing this yourself.
The ride height may be a number of things. Ride height sensors, calibration via the SDS, or bad strut sensor. An SDS can be used to adjust the static values. Find a shop that has one and knows the ABC system. They can make it level. Or buy some adjustable ride height links and set it yourself.
The ride height may be a number of things. Ride height sensors, calibration via the SDS, or bad strut sensor. An SDS can be used to adjust the static values. Find a shop that has one and knows the ABC system. They can make it level. Or buy some adjustable ride height links and set it yourself.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento CA
2003 SL55 AMG
New symptom. Ride quality sucks. Bumps are hard. Straight line and small bumps are fine but bumps that make the car excessively bounce feels extra bumpy and sometime feels like it hits.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 432
Likes: 96
From: Just north of Detroit,Michigan
2012 E350 4Matic P2
Read through the troubleshooting guide to learn the system.
Good luck,
Bob
Junior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 14
From: Orlando
sl500 R230
Check your hoses for any sign of leaks. I did change all 4 accumulators 6 months ago and just got a hose blown. It seems that pressure spikes because of bad accumulators cause accelerated aging of the HP ABC hoses.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento CA
2003 SL55 AMG
If a hose were blown would it the car still raise and lower or would it be stuck down?
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento CA
2003 SL55 AMG
Where's the best place to find accumulators, I'm looking online but I cant seem to find any reputable ones. Or would it be best to go to MB and get them?
Also since the front of my car seems fine how would I check them? Sorry for all the questions.
Also since the front of my car seems fine how would I check them? Sorry for all the questions.
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 451
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2007 E350; 2018 GLE350
Junior Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 51
Likes: 1
From: St. Louis, MO
SL500
NOT an expert, however, experienced the exact same symptoms (especially when the top was stowed in the trunk) and it was the accumulators. Replaced both fronts & rears and feels like a completely new car! Hope this helps.
