SL/R230: Abc issues
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 179
Likes: 4
From: Illinois
2004 sl
Abc issues
i am thinking of buying a 2004 sl with 38000 miles,my concern is the abc issues on these cars,my questions are
1. do all these cars have these issues,I can’t believe that every sl has the abc problems
2. I know the flushing of the abc fluid is important to do
3 I have read everything on the forums and it is almost changing my mind about not to buy one
1. do all these cars have these issues,I can’t believe that every sl has the abc problems
2. I know the flushing of the abc fluid is important to do
3 I have read everything on the forums and it is almost changing my mind about not to buy one
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
Other than the occasional burst pressure hose, there are really no "issues" with ABC. However, it is a high-pressure hydraulic system that exists int he harsh environment of a road-going automobile. This means it will need additional maintenance over time. Parts wear over time and will need to be replaced. The fluid dirties as those parts that it lubricates wear. Valve block seals, dampeners and accumulators should all be considered "maintenance items". If you are a decent DIYer and have the skills and tools, then none of this is really a bad proposition.
Also not that the other big concern with the R230 (over say your W208 CLK) is with SBC, but that has just had a generous 25-year, unlimited miles warranty extension granted. So at least that's one less complexity to worry about.
Also not that the other big concern with the R230 (over say your W208 CLK) is with SBC, but that has just had a generous 25-year, unlimited miles warranty extension granted. So at least that's one less complexity to worry about.
Super Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 606
Likes: 88
From: North Cali
2005 SL500, 2015 CLS400
jimbo409,
when you get to about 70-90k miles, you replace the timing belt and what not on any car, right? you do a transmission flush and sometimes replace the filter, depends on the make and model. You replace the bushings, engine mounts, spark plugs and many other parts on any car, right? Pretty much, besides the WHOLE list of regular maintenance and wear and tear parts, the R230 SL models have 1 more system - ABC. do a regular flush at 30k miles or 3 years (whichever occurs 1st), watch for fluid leaks and replace the O-rings and ABC accumulators as needed. From others' people doing the work on this car, the ABC system maintenance would be rated at about 7-8 out of 10. It is a car that requires more attention to maintenance. But which $100k+ car doesn't? For all the owners here on forum - that's a bargain. For you - you to decide
Also ditto what Rudeney said
Ghostty
when you get to about 70-90k miles, you replace the timing belt and what not on any car, right? you do a transmission flush and sometimes replace the filter, depends on the make and model. You replace the bushings, engine mounts, spark plugs and many other parts on any car, right? Pretty much, besides the WHOLE list of regular maintenance and wear and tear parts, the R230 SL models have 1 more system - ABC. do a regular flush at 30k miles or 3 years (whichever occurs 1st), watch for fluid leaks and replace the O-rings and ABC accumulators as needed. From others' people doing the work on this car, the ABC system maintenance would be rated at about 7-8 out of 10. It is a car that requires more attention to maintenance. But which $100k+ car doesn't? For all the owners here on forum - that's a bargain. For you - you to decide
Also ditto what Rudeney said
Ghostty
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 179
Likes: 4
From: Illinois
2004 sl
I never thought of it that way, I guess your right, I have a Lexus and timing belt and water pump had to be replaced at 90000 miles. I guess I am just worried about a 7 or 8000 repair bill . I guess if the high pressure hose doesn’t burst and the pump doesn’t go bad your in pretty good shape
Super Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 606
Likes: 88
From: North Cali
2005 SL500, 2015 CLS400
I would say 4-5 years ago, when the system was newer, nobody knew how to work on them and the dealership would not repair them, just replace - your bill would be easy in the thousands. Would you think that at the bottom of sagging problem with these cars 70-80% of the time are simple $5 O-rings? Now, to actually replace the O-rings you do have some work to do, thus the level of difficulty for DIY projects. But it's still not even close to the quotes from the dealer. ABC accumulators - around $200 a piece, the high pressure hoses - about the same, maybe $400. It's all about the labor that costs so much at the dealers.
like for me - i will have to perform soon maintenance on my ABC valve blocks - the car is sagging within a week. Because i've never done it - for me it might be easy up to 2 days of work in the garage, with all the video watching and breaks in between. Am i scared of it? No, i'll just have to be careful following the process. Will it save me thousands of $$$$ - yes
Regards.
P.S.
As it was pointed by many, an SDS is a "must" for this kind of cars. Plenty of electronic systems to watch for. If not buying yourself - make sure you find someone who has it.
like for me - i will have to perform soon maintenance on my ABC valve blocks - the car is sagging within a week. Because i've never done it - for me it might be easy up to 2 days of work in the garage, with all the video watching and breaks in between. Am i scared of it? No, i'll just have to be careful following the process. Will it save me thousands of $$$$ - yes
Regards.
P.S.
As it was pointed by many, an SDS is a "must" for this kind of cars. Plenty of electronic systems to watch for. If not buying yourself - make sure you find someone who has it.
Last edited by Ghostty; Sep 20, 2018 at 07:48 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 541
Likes: 93
From: Northern VA
SL 600
The R230 SL is the most depreciated vehicle i've ever seen, it's amazing what you can snag one up for these days. All because of the ABC maintenance, i had the same concern as you when i was looking for an SL, after doing a few repairs, it's actually not bad at all.
Life is short, buy the car and have some fun, tackle each problem as it comes.
Life is short, buy the car and have some fun, tackle each problem as it comes.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,982
Likes: 393
From: Atlanta, unfortunately
'09 S600, (2) R129 300SLs, '03 SL500, '03 SL55
In 2005 I sold a couple 1991 R129s. A 14-year-old car which cost c. $90K new sold for about $10K then. That's about the same degree of depreciation as a 2004 SL500, I believe.
I own a 2000 S500. It cost c. $75K new. It's now worth perhaps $2500. As far as I can tell no Mercedes has depreciated like the W220.
I own a 2000 S500. It cost c. $75K new. It's now worth perhaps $2500. As far as I can tell no Mercedes has depreciated like the W220.
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Super Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 541
Likes: 93
From: Northern VA
SL 600
In 2005 I sold a couple 1991 R129s. A 14-year-old car which cost c. $90K new sold for about $10K then. That's about the same degree of depreciation as a 2004 SL500, I believe.
I own a 2000 S500. It cost c. $75K new. It's now worth perhaps $2500. As far as I can tell no Mercedes has depreciated like the W220.
I own a 2000 S500. It cost c. $75K new. It's now worth perhaps $2500. As far as I can tell no Mercedes has depreciated like the W220.
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