When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
We had a lovely spring day here in Sweden (after a cold & snowy winter) so I decided to take my SL out of winter storage. I managed to drive it about 15 minutes before I received an ABC error on the dash informing me to stop the car immediately. I wasn't going very fast, but I was in the middle of the city, so I managed to stop within 100 meters or so. It was lowered all the way down towards the ground. The dash said it was attempting to raise the vehicle but I could see that it wasn't moving, plus it was steaming from the engine. When I opened the hood I could see hydraulic fluids everywhere. I am soon about to head down with a hauler and pick it up, so I will get a chance to investigate further tomorrow where the leak seems to be coming from.
I may need to drive it for 10-15 meters in order to get it lined up for the hauler, is that a definite no-no? Or is the likelihood of my pump already damaged pretty huge?
I don't think that the pump is quite as delicate as a lot of people make it sound. Obviously, extended run time without fluid will ruin the pump, but I wouldn't worry about running it a few seconds to get it on the hauler. I have done it without any pump issues.
My 2007 SL550 got angry when I installed a new ABC filter, I thought, what could it hurt to have a nice fresh filter? The saying, If it ain't broke don't fix it comes to mind... It can be tricky to get the filter in absolutely correctly, and get the cap back on perfectly. Should have been wearing my glasses? Definitely. Anyhow, ten miles from the house the car became quite upset, warnings on the dash, I was five miles from my destination so I kept going. Then, drove home later, with ABC obviously not working, the car was riding like a skateboard bouncing all over, it was horrendous. I had frightful visions of a coilover installation. Once home, called a tow the next day off to the shop. (Indy) They said the cap and filter somehow wasn't installed right?! And cleaned up the mess under the hood, renewed the fluid and filter, and charged a few hundred dollars. All is fine after that. I think that fifteen miles driving was a bit risky, frankly, and probably wouldn't do that again. But the car is perfectly fine. Next servicing I'll have that same shop to take care of it! I can do spark plugs, coils, oil changes, even V12 coilpacks on the M275 but I ain't touching the ABC again. LOL
Hope yours will be fine and with only a small bill to pay. Good luck!
Last edited by tonylinc; Feb 22, 2021 at 07:45 PM.
We found the leak! It wasn't leaking very much now, but I'm guessing that's due to the majority of the oil already having leaked out and not much pressure left in the system. I have added arrows to where it was leaking from.
I don't think we'll be fixing this ourselves, unless you can seriously convince me otherwise?! It seems like a fairly 'simple' item to replace (compared to others, that is), but with everything that comes with working on the ABC system, it seems wiser to leave it to a professional.
My favorite saying...if it was built by humans, it can be fixed by humans.
I would replace the hose or whatever is causing your leak; fill the ABC tank; run the car up and down or rodeo; and drive on.
You may need to slightly pressurize the ABC tank to prime the ABC pump and get past the 'suction valve'. Once it starts pumping, you are good to go.
A shop mechanic would do the same.
The hose in question looks easy to access, compared to some of the others in the system.
There's about 50 people here that have done this. Ask questions if you need to.
Last edited by kbob999; Feb 23, 2021 at 11:56 AM.
Reason: added info
Thank you for the encouragement, kbob999! But humans also built our spaceships, and I don't think NASA would want me to start tackling issues with those... Jokes aside, I appreciate your reply!
I don't have STAR or a parts diagram for that system, so I'm curious if anyone would happen to know the parts number for that particular hose?
I'm not that familiar with the later ABC hose routings, but if you can tell me what it goes to and from, I can look it up. Also, VIN would be helpful just in case.
MIKEJ65, I am honestly not too familiar with the system, and I'm far from a mechanic, so I can't tell you exactly where it goes, but I will attempt to figure it out. And get you the VIN!
MBNUT1, thank you! I'm quite fond of it myself. It's an original pearl-looking paint called Designo Mauritius Blue and seems to be fairly rare in the world.
I’m fairly certain this is the high pressure hose that is a common failure in the 07+ models.
230-320-88-53 look into this part number I’m on mobile, but hope this points you in right direction. Labor is expensive. Previous owner did it on my car labor was over $800 if I remember from service record
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
)
