SL/R230: ABC
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 1,322
Likes: 365
From: Gretna, NE
'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray
This is the classic indication of a blown accumulator. The fluid demand is high when you hit the bumps and the resulting pressure drop throws a low pressure code. The pressure quickly returns to normal, so the read warning clears.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 230
Likes: 21
2007 MBZ SL550
Just a quick follow-up. Is it safe for me to drive the car? At best, twice a week, but more like once a week on Sunday until I take the car in around the week of the 14th?
Thank you all for your help on this matter. I truly appreciate all of your input and knowledge.
Thank you all for your help on this matter. I truly appreciate all of your input and knowledge.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 746
Likes: 183
From: Melbourne, Australia
2005 SL 500 R230
Yes. You will not enjoy the magic carpet ride that new accumulators offer, but there is no extra strain on the system. Avoid big dips and bumps - you'll get a red warning briefly but I don't think you'll damage anything - the system is just reporting a momentary drop in pressure.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 230
Likes: 21
2007 MBZ SL550
It's kinda tricky to avoid the big dips when I'm cruising on the FWY at high speeds. It scares the **** out of me to think that if I hit one at the speeds I'm traveling, the car could become uncontrollable and throw me into a spin. I'm not worried about myself, I'm worried about the other drivers. I guess I'll need to take my foot off the gas pedal until I can get this issue resolved. Thank you.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 230
Likes: 21
2007 MBZ SL550
****Update. I just got my car back after replacing the Pressure Accumulator at a price point of $1,100.00. Not too bad, considering I was looking at a possible total of over 2k. Car runs GREAT now, that is for the time being, right? No more growling noise ending with a bang at the back of the car every time I start her. With that in mind, I think this might be a good time to find a buyer for the vehicle. I don't know how far I'll get, but considering that the next issue will most likely land me in the poor house, it's a realistic option I need to look into.
Again, I thank you all for your help and insight.
Again, I thank you all for your help and insight.
