SL/R230: need to change ABC fluid and Conv. top fluid
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 20
Likes: 1
From: Latrobe, PA
2022 GLE 450, 2003 SL500
need to change ABC fluid and Conv. top fluid
I just bought a 2003 SL500 with 21000 miles. Car has had an easy life and sat a lot. Should the fluid and filters be changed given the low mileage? Everything works properly, however my concern is the age of the fluids and whether or not they absorb moisture, The MB dealer says leave both system alone??
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 70
Likes: 13
From: Indianapolis
2009 SL550 2009 SL63
I bought an 09 with low miles on it and had the fluid changed. You need to find an indie shop in your area. The local dealership says that the system is sealed for the life of the car and does not need maintenance. Yeah...it needs maintenance. The thing is, the "life of the car" is very different for the original owner, who may only keep it a few years.
I'm no fluid expert, only what I have picked up on to try and keep this one in decent shape. The chemicals in the fluid will break down over time. The tubing that the fluid runs through will leech out some of the "stuff" that it needs to properly work after years. If it has been sitting or in use, it's a time thing. Have them check for leaks in all 4 struts, you might be able to get out ahead of a failure if you get them replaced before they leave you stranded. There are rebuilds of these and aftermarket ones that work really well for much less than an OEM unit. If one does fail, DO NOT DRIVE IT. Pull over right away and have it towed somewhere. Driving it even for a short distance could easily double your repair costs. A tow will be much cheaper.
Also, there is a smaller micron filter out that picks up more metal shavings for these now, I would ask about that. I have also heard about one that is magnetic, which I assume would help to pick up flakes that may end up in the system.
I'm no fluid expert, only what I have picked up on to try and keep this one in decent shape. The chemicals in the fluid will break down over time. The tubing that the fluid runs through will leech out some of the "stuff" that it needs to properly work after years. If it has been sitting or in use, it's a time thing. Have them check for leaks in all 4 struts, you might be able to get out ahead of a failure if you get them replaced before they leave you stranded. There are rebuilds of these and aftermarket ones that work really well for much less than an OEM unit. If one does fail, DO NOT DRIVE IT. Pull over right away and have it towed somewhere. Driving it even for a short distance could easily double your repair costs. A tow will be much cheaper.
Also, there is a smaller micron filter out that picks up more metal shavings for these now, I would ask about that. I have also heard about one that is magnetic, which I assume would help to pick up flakes that may end up in the system.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 20
Likes: 1
From: Latrobe, PA
2022 GLE 450, 2003 SL500
Thank you for your reply O_Dawg. There is an independent MB specialist in my town. My approach is to first inspect the system for leaks. If everything is dry, which I suspect that it is, I'll change fluid and filter and hope for some years of good luck. In the event problems are starting, I might just eliminate the whole system rather than throwing a lot of random expensive fixes to it that might ultimately leave me $$ broke and on the side of the road. Even though the car is highly original, I'm more inclined to pursue reliability rather than OEM correct originality. I'm too old to engage in the spirited driving that I think these ABC systems were designed for. I'm going to assume the same maintenance needs to be done to the hydraulic system associated with the convertible top.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,481
Likes: 310
95 SL600
I would forego the top fluid and do a brake flush with the abc flush as well as the trans fluid. Those are more important. I don’t think the top flush will do much to make for a longer service life of the cylinder seals imo
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 20
Likes: 1
From: Latrobe, PA
2022 GLE 450, 2003 SL500
Thanks for the reply. My plan was to do every fluid in the car, along with engine and cooling system belts and hoses. Oil changes and brake fluid changes are the limit to what has been done over the past 20 years. A lot of original owners believe mileage on the car directs the need for preventive maintenance. The car just turned 21K and the dealer is the one who told the original owner that nothing else needed attention. I'm not a mechanic, but I had to believe that any hydraulic fluid is capable of absorbing moisture or breaking down over a 20 year period.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 70
Likes: 13
From: Indianapolis
2009 SL550 2009 SL63
A lot of guys did pull out the ABC and went with a coil over system. If you do that, I would strongly recommend you add a sway bar. These cars are heavy and a bit unruly without the factory suspension. There is a shop in Florida that makes a "kit" for it, they have a custom sway bar just for the SL. You will also need a new power steering pump, it runs in tandem with the ABC. There is one that is from a slightly different model that bolts up perfect to our frames.
If you plan on doing it yourself, you might want to consider pulling all the old hardware out. (or asking the shop to) Could save you about a hundred pounds or so. These bad boys could stand to go on a bit of a diet, every little bit helps.
If you plan on doing it yourself, you might want to consider pulling all the old hardware out. (or asking the shop to) Could save you about a hundred pounds or so. These bad boys could stand to go on a bit of a diet, every little bit helps.
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Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 70
Likes: 13
From: Indianapolis
2009 SL550 2009 SL63
I don't know if we are allowed to post links, but here is the one I heard about. I don't work for them or get a kickback or anything.
https://rebuildmastertech.com/merced...onversion-kit/
It comes with the power steering pump you need. If I were ready to pull out my ABC, I would go with this kit.
https://rebuildmastertech.com/merced...onversion-kit/
It comes with the power steering pump you need. If I were ready to pull out my ABC, I would go with this kit.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 449
Likes: 129
From: Melbourne Florida
SL500
I have their Sway bar front. It made a difference but minor one in most conditions.It does flatten out the ride. But it is there for that time when it is really needed. RMT is a good company and they are very knowledgeable of SLs.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 20
Likes: 1
From: Latrobe, PA
2022 GLE 450, 2003 SL500
The car is as it was born 20 years ago with 21K miles. Just bought it. The only maintenance done in 20 years was oil changes and brake flush. The car is mint, easy life with senior owner. No rush to castrate it, but I'm anticipating something will need done. I don't want to be on the side of the road with it. I'll start with the fluid and filter change. If all is well, she'll stay stock. I need a game plan if a problem presents. I refuse to throw band aids on an old system.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 746
Likes: 184
From: Melbourne, Australia
2005 SL 500 R230
I get that. Many owners worldwide will be contemplating their options with the ABC now.
Another essential for new owners planning to keep their ABC is to inspect all the flexible lines for weeping which is a tell-tale sign of hoses on their way out.
Another essential for new owners planning to keep their ABC is to inspect all the flexible lines for weeping which is a tell-tale sign of hoses on their way out.
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Joined: Mar 2011
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From: San Diego/San Francisco
AMG GLC63. Audi R8
On the same topic. Bought a 2016 SL550 with 15k on the clock CPO in Jan 22. Took it in for its first (and last dealer) B service at 20k and the dealer “suggested” an ABC fluid change for $1,600. I had thought the CPO certification should have done this but was told there is no required service interval. My local Indy says 40k, but 8 years seems a long time for hydraulic fluid. My sense it to play it safe and have my Indy change it for a whole lot less. On another topic they said it needed “special” MBZ wiper blades for $200. RainX sells blade for $66 a pair. Am I missing something.
