SL/R230: ABC removal
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Newbie
Joined: Apr 2022
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2004 SL600
ABC removal
Can someone tell what other model the same V12 TT used in the SL600 was also used in. A model that didn't use ABC?
I'm removing mine and going with a coil over conversion and I want the replace the pump with a single power steering pump.
I'm removing mine and going with a coil over conversion and I want the replace the pump with a single power steering pump.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 405
Likes: 137
From: Houston, TX
2005 SL600
It is definitely possible - I've done it. But I would say it's not a simple job - a casual DIY-type home mechanic will want to think a bit before taking on this job. It's not a simple, straightforward bolt-on procedure, there is a bit of custom fabrication needed. It is far, FAR easier to simply recirculate the ABC pressure line back into the return line.
I've been planning to write up a complete walk-through for this; I took lots of pictures when I did the conversion, just haven't got around to it yet. I'll try to do that soon. I've got the all MB part numbers needed.
Here's the basics -
The SL65 AMG Black Series and the G65 AMG use the M275/M279 and do not have ABC.
You can use the PS pump, pump pulley, and pump mounting brackets from these models. The factory SL65 BS and G65 PS pump is quite expensive, but it's possible to use a pump from an earlier ML500 (which is available much cheaper from aftermarket suppliers) with a modification to the pump return intake tube.
You'll also have to fabricate a hard stainless tube for the output/pressure side of the pump, and use a high pressure compression coupling to adapt it to the factory PS pressure line. This requires cutting the factory pressure line, so there's no turning back once you start into this.
Here's a thread where @TenZero converted their S600 to a power-steering only pump. I found MB factory brackets that work in place of the spacers that they had fabricated. The factory brackets also give better support to the back of the pump. The S600 has much more room around the pump, allowing the use of a flexible PS pressure hose. The R230 has much less room, so the use of a flexible hose is not possible, you have to fabricate a stainless steel tube. Also note that unlike the S600, the SL V12 PS pressure line does not have any convenient breakpoint - it is one assembly from the pump all the way to the steering rack. If you have the right tools for bending and flaring 3/8" stainless tubing, you can DIY, but know that light-duty bending and flaring tools for standard brake lines will not work with 3/8" stainless. Also, most standard flare tools create 45 degree flares, and this will not work here - you'll be fabricating a line for AN6 fittings, so you'd need a 37 degree flare tool. I don't have these tools, and they'd cost $500-$600, so I made a prototype pressure tube using 1/4" brake line which is very easy to bend, and took that to a local auto performance shop that was capable and had them fabricate the 3/8" stainless tube at a cost of about $200.
I also had a machine shop do some minor work to make a custom intake/suction tube for the power steering pump; this was fairly cheap, I think all total including the aluminum tube stock was less than $50.
I never tallied the total cost of the conversion, but off the top of my head it was around $500.
I'll try to write up a full walkthrough with part numbers and pictures in the next week or so.
I've been planning to write up a complete walk-through for this; I took lots of pictures when I did the conversion, just haven't got around to it yet. I'll try to do that soon. I've got the all MB part numbers needed.
Here's the basics -
The SL65 AMG Black Series and the G65 AMG use the M275/M279 and do not have ABC.
You can use the PS pump, pump pulley, and pump mounting brackets from these models. The factory SL65 BS and G65 PS pump is quite expensive, but it's possible to use a pump from an earlier ML500 (which is available much cheaper from aftermarket suppliers) with a modification to the pump return intake tube.
You'll also have to fabricate a hard stainless tube for the output/pressure side of the pump, and use a high pressure compression coupling to adapt it to the factory PS pressure line. This requires cutting the factory pressure line, so there's no turning back once you start into this.
Here's a thread where @TenZero converted their S600 to a power-steering only pump. I found MB factory brackets that work in place of the spacers that they had fabricated. The factory brackets also give better support to the back of the pump. The S600 has much more room around the pump, allowing the use of a flexible PS pressure hose. The R230 has much less room, so the use of a flexible hose is not possible, you have to fabricate a stainless steel tube. Also note that unlike the S600, the SL V12 PS pressure line does not have any convenient breakpoint - it is one assembly from the pump all the way to the steering rack. If you have the right tools for bending and flaring 3/8" stainless tubing, you can DIY, but know that light-duty bending and flaring tools for standard brake lines will not work with 3/8" stainless. Also, most standard flare tools create 45 degree flares, and this will not work here - you'll be fabricating a line for AN6 fittings, so you'd need a 37 degree flare tool. I don't have these tools, and they'd cost $500-$600, so I made a prototype pressure tube using 1/4" brake line which is very easy to bend, and took that to a local auto performance shop that was capable and had them fabricate the 3/8" stainless tube at a cost of about $200.
I also had a machine shop do some minor work to make a custom intake/suction tube for the power steering pump; this was fairly cheap, I think all total including the aluminum tube stock was less than $50.
I never tallied the total cost of the conversion, but off the top of my head it was around $500.
I'll try to write up a full walkthrough with part numbers and pictures in the next week or so.
Last edited by brucewane; Oct 5, 2022 at 12:39 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
From: Texas
SL600 Misha Designs wide body. Flexfuel-E85, limited slip, coil overs, sway bars, 750rwhp, 850rwtq
2004 SL600 wide body
Replaced the ABC with coil-overs and front and rear sway bars from VVK. The front sway bar is very unusual for a V-12 and I had to machine special offset blocks..
All of the mechanical work was done by EuroCharged ATXl in Round Rock, TX. Including, the removal of the ABC and replacing with coil overs. They also did 3" down pipes, Complete fuel system including a a Flex Fuel Kit (can run on pump 93 to E85), Radium Surge Tank, very large fuel pump, bigger fuel lines and 550cc injectors. Of course, they had to re-map the chip. Blow off adapters on both turbos. Built transmission including modified valve body. Wavetrac limited slip differential. Dyno Tuned by EuroCharged ATX; 750 HP, 850 Torque at wheels. (Slightly de-tuned to protect the drive train).
the 275 rear Mickey's give it a little rake.
Misha Design's wide body came with a 2012 front face. Lots of carbon fiber inside and out. All body work by ProTek in Austin, TX
Interior has Black Series seats, black dash, full carbon fiber trim.
