ualgrizz

Hey Guys: New to the forum. I know very little about the SL that I purchased a year ago. I see there are many problems associated with the ABC including mine. The problem started as a front right sag after sitting for a while. I would start it up and the front end would immediately pop up. The problem progressively got worse. After starting it would take a while to pop up. I would back up and go forward a short distance and the front would eventually rise. I went to start it this morning and the front did pop up but the red ABC light remained on with the "be careful driving" warning illuminated. More importantly, the shifter is locked in the park position. I spoke with a Euro mechanic and he suggested I check the fluid, which I did. I added the appropriate fluid and that didn't help. I do not see any leaks from the struts, but I have not put it on a lift. Previously, when the shifter was stuck in park, I could eventually get it out. It's stuck there now.

Any initial hints? My guess is the struts must be replaced. It only has 50000 miles.

Thanks, Grizz

Speed750

It could be a number of things. But I don't think it's bad struts. It could be bad seals in the valve blocks. That's a cheap DIY fix. Do some more searching on the forum, a few members just did this fix and have posted info.

sivikvtec

I cannot think of how your shifter issue could possibly be connected to ABC.

Fix that first.

https://www.benzworld.org/threads/ge...sl500.1487397/

When you are ready to tackle the ABC, I would start with changing the fluid, filter, and run two rodeos with SDS. This is just my opinion and there could be risks associated with doing this. There is tons of info online about ABC and you really need to spend a significant amount of time on research.

If it’s too much trouble to research, or beyond your comfort level, you will need to budget a few thousand dollars and take it to a merc specialist.

ualgrizz

Thanks for the inputs guys. Initially i thought the shifter was linked to the ABC light. I have to jar it pretty good to get into gear. Once it is there, it shifts normally until I put in to park...then similar problems. Good suggestion reference changing the fluid. I was hoping to start with the easy stuff then move from there. There is certainly some good info on the web. With that, any suggestions as to where I might find this SDS. I am a rookie wrt to Mercedes and was enamored with this car. It is in a spectacular shape...except the ABC dammit. I'm a Porsche and Corvette person.

sivikvtec

I’m a fairly new owner myself, around 3 months so I’m not an expert.

I bought this multiplexer
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/327510...df8bfce&is_c=N

I bought the laptop and software from the seller below on eBay. I read some opinions online that the 9/2014 version of the software was the best because later versions had some functionality restricted, no idea if it’s true. I also wanted to be sure to get developer mode.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Xentry-DAS-...EAAOSwcBpeGmCe

and this battery off Amazon

So I’m at around $400 all in.

Don Butts

I'm looking to get one also. Why did you go with a C3 and not a 4?

sivikvtec

I preferred the reliability of a hard-wired connection between the multiplexer and computer. When dealing with a 10+ year old computer and shady knockoff Chinese electronics, I figured less complexity was better. It was also slightly less expensive.

bobterry99

That looks pretty good to me.

In regard to the software, you paid a bit of a premium, I think, but it's already installed and ready to go. Plus, if it doesn't run under VMWare or is otherwise very quick and responsive, that is good. Pretty good for $400, huh? In 2008 I paid $1300, and I considered that a bargain.

It seems none of the software lack developer mode. It's just a matter of the software key. I have a key generator that unlocks developer, and another generator which does not.

The 9/2914 version is reportedly the last version for which the C3 multiplexer works with all available vehicles. Intuitively, that suggests that around that time some 2015 models were marketed, and the C3 can not communicate with them. A C4 is required.

"Mackhack" is a member of two forums I know of, and he sells or used to sell turnkey Star Diagnosis setups out of southern California. According to him, the best version of software for early cars is the 10/2008:
10/2008 is a 1000 x better than 9/2014. If you know how many functions haven been eliminated between the two versions you would think differently. Go with 10/2008. Best old version ever. Least restrictive, most functions within DAS, easy to install.

I have two versions from 2008 and a mid-2014 version as well. I've never noticed a difference in the DAS component between them. But Mack knows more than me, so I won't argue.

I don't wish to dissuade anyone from choosing a C4, but about a year ago there was a very detailed thread started on *******.com on how the quality of C4 multiplexers at that time were considerably inferior in reliability. Maybe the situation is much better now -- I don't know, I didn't keep up with that thread. But if you want to work with the newer cars, you have to have a C4.

sivikvtec

I was a little intimidated by getting a used D630 laptop and trying to set it up myself, so the $50 to $75 premium was well worth it for me.

My laptop came with an SSD and the software runs very fast.

If anyone is thinking of buying the one in the link to eBay I posted, I recommended asking the seller to confirm it has an SSD. I would hate to be moving the laptop around while using it with a HDD.

pmercury

iTrader: (2)

That is a good but limited solution
No modules offline updates with latest corrected firmwares
No online SCN coding if you lose a Ecu like engine
and many more...

Also you have tons of hardware versions. only 2/10 have real quality chips inside. and right serials

but all this depends of what you need, if you are sure you that you will never want to repair a newer car and what you have in your wallet.


asking a specialist is always better
There is too much misleading info by lunatics with no knowledge.This said, listen to their fantasies on your own risk.

bobterry99

I will elaborate upon these statements:
From what I learned while creating a Star Diagnosis software package I can state with confidence that sivikvtec's software is the same as what a Mercedes dealer would have. He has some capability the dealer lacks and vice-versa, and that difference has nothing to do with the software and everything to do with access to features.

The eBay member that sold siviktec his Star Diagnosis had installed a software key which unlocked access to the developer mode. There are other keys available to unlock more features, and these are available from many sources on *******.com. I have a few of them myself.

sivikvtec

Not sure what “lunatic” you are referring to, but I was simply explaining how I went about setting up my personal SDS system.

I had considered getting a quote for your system, but you have behaved like such a dick on this forum that I had zero interest in giving you one dime of my business.

You need to chill out. I’m certain it’s affecting your bottom line.

pmercury

iTrader: (2)

This was in no way pointing to you. You just bought a system and read stuff before.
just read this and you will understand
https://mbworld.org/forums/mercedes-...mechanics.html

SLcharge

First of all, you have a problem in the valve block sitting in the left side, behind the front fender, seen from inside the car. Either you have blown an Oring, or you have a failing or defective lock up valve. That is an easy repair, just follow the instructions in WIS.
The stuck shifter has to my knowledge nothing to do with your ABC problem. When the engine is running and you press the brake pedal, the transmission computer gives the signal to the interlock device, unlocking the shifter. Try take apart the interlock device, follow the instructions in WIS.
The hesitation on lifting the car, is a bad pump. The ABC light is on, because system pressure is not reached within set time.
The valve you can buy on Ebay, as well as a refurbished pump.
Unless you are a skilled DIY, you are in for a hefty bill, sorry.

On second thoughts, it don't need be a failing pump. It could as well be failing seals in the front valve block. Check that out first.

bobterry99

A fellow member is getting software and now wants a C3 multiplexer. Did this purchase work out okay?

sivikvtec

Hi Bob, it’s working great so far.

I have successfully communicated with several vehicle modules and ran a rodeo.

The cables also appear to be decent quality.

bobterry99

Thanks for that feedback. He's going with that same one.