SL-Class (R230) 2003 -- 2012: Discussion on the SL500, SL550, SL600

SL/R230: ABC fluid

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Old Nov 26, 2020 | 03:47 PM
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ABC fluid

I have a 2004 SL500 low mileage car, 7700 miles. I asked the dealer if they suggested changing the ABC fluid and they said no, too little mileage. What do you think?
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Old Nov 26, 2020 | 08:22 PM
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Originally Posted by Fountain35
I have a 2004 SL500 low mileage car, 7700 miles. I asked the dealer if they suggested changing the ABC fluid and they said no, too little mileage. What do you think?
The mileage may be well within the service interval, but that fluid is 17+ years old and the manufacturer specifies a 5 year shelf life for the fluid in factory-sealed containers. Something for consideration.



http://www.pentosin.net/literature/P...age%20Life.pdf

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Old Nov 27, 2020 | 08:14 AM
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Somewhat tongue-in-cheek, but I would just wait for one of your lines to blow and then you will get fresh fluid.
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Old Nov 27, 2020 | 10:15 AM
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Originally Posted by bobterry99
Yes, and the "expiration" date is labeled on the container.

Curiously, I recently purchased the hydraulic line which runs from the pressure supply to the front valve block, and the packaging had a "use by" date of June, 2026. This line is mostly metal with a small rubber section at one end.
Do you have any examples you can provide of that? Checked a few containers of Pentosin ATF and CHF 11S that I have in my workshop and there is nothing on them that clearly indicates an expiration date. One has a date of manufacture, however.

In any case, the point here is that time in service is as much of a factor to consider as mileage in service.

Regarding the hydraulic line, that rubber part and any o-rings are what that "use by" date is for, since those components do have a shelf life.

As a point of reference, ever order o-rings from McMaster-Carr? Comes with a cure date and shelf life printed on the packaging.

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Old Nov 27, 2020 | 01:23 PM
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A 2004 care with only 7700 miles? I can't be the only one who finds that sad. These wonderful cars need to be driven!

I love hearing about high mileage R230's on this forum. Mine, at only 120k miles, has lots of catching up to do. Fountain35, drive the wheels off it. Don't let the next owner get a good deal!!!
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Old Nov 29, 2020 | 03:32 PM
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Old Dec 2, 2020 | 09:07 AM
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Thank you, Andreas. Interesting that there is an inconsistency. The CHF 11S bottles I've been buying from FCP don't have a "VERFALL" date nor the Fuchs logo.

Fuchs bought Pentosin in 2015. Perhaps that is a newer bottle.

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Old Dec 3, 2020 | 06:35 AM
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You are right, Fuchs changed the name. It is not Pentosin CHF 11S any more butFuchs Titan CHF 11S. Same oil, different name.
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Old Feb 14, 2021 | 10:30 PM
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Does anyone know how many quarts of Pentosin is needed to do the flush on the ABC system?
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Old Feb 15, 2021 | 01:52 AM
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Check Penrite LDAS out.

It's a direct substitute; another who knows more than I do recently went through the specs line by line and it's the bomb apparently.

Made in the UK.

I bought 10 litres but have not yet done the flush.


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Old Feb 18, 2021 | 01:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Tom Manning
Check Penrite LDAS out.

It's a direct substitute; another who knows more than I do recently went through the specs line by line and it's the bomb apparently.

Made in the UK.

I bought 10 litres but have not yet done the flush.
Look into it. I'm just cautious about new products.

Thanks!
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Old Mar 2, 2021 | 11:28 PM
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Originally Posted by bobterry99
You'll get countless opinions disagreeing with my view, but I personally would do just one thing: change the ABC filter to ensure you then had the updated 3-micron one, as yours may be the older 10-micron.
Do you know what year they went to the 3 micron filter? Getting this done shortly.
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Old Mar 3, 2021 | 08:36 PM
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I contacted Pentosin and asked the questions HLG600 brought to my attention. (Thanks HLG BTW)
Their response was:
Hi Chris,

The metal cans are awesome because they add years to the shelf life (as long as not opened). The shelf life is generally 5 years but an unopened metal can could probably go 8 years. There is a production code imprinted on each can (sounds like what you are mentioning). I would need that number and then send to Germany to get date.

By the way we have an ABC Service Kit part number 1405216-KIT. It contains:

1405216 CHF11S in 5L jug X 2 = 10 liters total

003-184-61-01 Filter and o-ring X 1

I’m not certain how quick in goes in a car that is sitting idle…but if you’re concerned then it’s worth changing.

Let us know if you have any further questions.

Best regards,

Mark
Pentosin was quick to answer my questions, great customer service.

Last edited by Fountain35; Mar 4, 2021 at 12:16 AM.
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Old Mar 3, 2021 | 08:38 PM
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Originally Posted by bobterry99
I have the notion the switch to the 3-micron filter occurred c. 2005 or 2006.
Bob,
The Benz Dealer is going to try a filter from 2011, the last year of the 230 class. Thanks.
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Old Mar 5, 2021 | 10:57 PM
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FYI: The fluid was dark and needed to be replaced. The late model 3 micron filter worked/fit.
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Old Mar 8, 2021 | 01:34 PM
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Originally Posted by AndreasHannover
You are right, Fuchs changed the name. It is not Pentosin CHF 11S any more butFuchs Titan CHF 11S. Same oil, different name.
There is an misconception in believing that Pentosin is an oil. It is not.

It is a non flame able fluid, created especially for Benz ABC on request by MB to avoid any fire, by leaking ABC fluid in case of an accident.

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Old Mar 9, 2021 | 12:10 PM
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Pentosin CHF 11S
Preparation from highly refined mineral oils with additives. Preparation made from highly refined mineral oils with additives.
Hydrocarbon, low viscosity EC: 500-228-5 50.00 - <100.00%
Base oil, low viscosity EINECS: 276-737-9 20.00 - <30.00%
Alkylamine EINECS: 263-177-5 0.10 - <1.00%
Alkyl methacrylate EINECS: 201-297-1 0.10 - <1.00%

Flash point: >302 °F / >150 °C
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