SL/R231: ABC Malfunction
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 414
From: Irvine, California
2022 AMG SL63
ABC Malfunction
That is the message that appeared on my display a couple of evenings ago when I started up my 2013 SL550. Faulty suspension, if that's what I now have, is potentially scary. I inched forward and there was a "thunk" and the error message disappeared. I haven't seen it since and have an appointment tomorrow with the local dealer.
Although the car does not feel dangerous or "bottomed out" and leaning, the front end does feel overly sensitive at low speeds. I will post what the dealer discovers. The car has 16,000 miles.
Although the car does not feel dangerous or "bottomed out" and leaning, the front end does feel overly sensitive at low speeds. I will post what the dealer discovers. The car has 16,000 miles.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,005
Likes: 711
From: ATLANTA
R Nine T
Ohhh. Here we go again. Another reason not to have ABC correct?
First I've seen of the new generation ABC malfunction. I don't care what anybody says about whether this generation is improved or not, anytime you have hydraulic fluid and pumps around in a hot and dirty environment you're going to have failures.
With that being said the shocks are supposed to be more durable and not leak as much. It will be very interesting to see what happens at the dealer so please do keep us updated.
First I've seen of the new generation ABC malfunction. I don't care what anybody says about whether this generation is improved or not, anytime you have hydraulic fluid and pumps around in a hot and dirty environment you're going to have failures.
With that being said the shocks are supposed to be more durable and not leak as much. It will be very interesting to see what happens at the dealer so please do keep us updated.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 417
Likes: 34
From: Everett, WA
14 E63S Wagon, 16 GTS Edition1 (Sold), 17 SL450 designo edition
Looks like I'm still on the fence if I should order this or not. I need to find an ABC car in dealer stock for a test drive to see if the ride justifies the 4K over the stock suspension which I have already driven.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,165
Likes: 4
PLAID
That is the message that appeared on my display a couple of evenings ago when I started up my 2013 SL550. Faulty suspension, if that's what I now have, is potentially scary. I inched forward and there was a "thunk" and the error message disappeared. I haven't seen it since and have an appointment tomorrow with the local dealer.
Although the car does not feel dangerous or "bottomed out" and leaning, the front end does feel overly sensitive at low speeds. I will post what the dealer discovers. The car has 16,000 miles.
Although the car does not feel dangerous or "bottomed out" and leaning, the front end does feel overly sensitive at low speeds. I will post what the dealer discovers. The car has 16,000 miles.
Sounds like a familiar ABC issue. If still under warranty, get ye to a dealer ASAP. Unusual to see it this early with your mileage, but anything can happen.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 414
From: Irvine, California
2022 AMG SL63
The car is well within warranty. Haven't heard from the dealer yet. The ABC rides flat and smooth. There is no wallowing - corners very well...flat and smooth. No pitch, dive.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,005
Likes: 711
From: ATLANTA
R Nine T
The second problem is the 19 wheels do not fit the wheel well at all and there's really no way to lower the car without ruining the ride. And if you start running 20s cosmetically they look better but I had an old RSL with 20s and it jarred me everyday with ABC.
Of course the final solution would just be to get the 63 car with standard ABC
Last edited by AMG 17GT; Apr 29, 2015 at 09:34 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 417
Likes: 34
From: Everett, WA
14 E63S Wagon, 16 GTS Edition1 (Sold), 17 SL450 designo edition
I have not driven an SL63 with standard ABC but I'm going to guess as how they are an AMG they would ride more firmly than an SL550 with ABC. It seems there are more CPO SL63s around than SL550s with ABC. I suppose I could test drive one of them but already have an E63 S and so not really looking for another AMG.
Trending Topics
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,556
Likes: 3,680
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
To me getting ABC is/was an absolute no-brainer.
Ride quality and the capabilities of the suspension are simply on a different level.
I already stated that I had both cars (springs/ABC) stock height & lowered, with run flats (or as they call it, extended mobility) or Michelin Pilot Super Sports and there is simply no comparison.
It was the best option to add. That said, some people think that the B&O audio is super important, so opinions vary.
Unless when choosing 4matic, I would add ABC/MBC to any model possible.
Re. the reliability of ABC, I know that there have been issues in the past. I don't think this one will be a big deal for California John.
But I somewhat find the whole ABC discussion a bit out of proportion.
A complex suspension system will fail easier than a set of springs. No question. This is the same with the Airmatic suspension on the S-Class.
But the new SL doesn't only have a newer gen. ABC, the car is also a whole lot lighter than the older SL, especially the V12TT models.
If it fails, it is clearly an expensive failure; but it also happens a lot to older cars that were sold at a fraction of it's new car value.
To me, this is a big problem with luxury cars in general. Even small repairs without warranty will eat a big hole into your budget.
Just try to replace the brakes on a SL65 or motor mounts or coils on a V12. Those are easily in the same price territory.
That said, I had cars with ABC for 15 years. I have one ABC pump failure on our SL600 (out of warranty) that was covered by MB as a courtesy (materials).
I have spent more money on tires that lasted less than a year
Ride quality and the capabilities of the suspension are simply on a different level.
I already stated that I had both cars (springs/ABC) stock height & lowered, with run flats (or as they call it, extended mobility) or Michelin Pilot Super Sports and there is simply no comparison.
It was the best option to add. That said, some people think that the B&O audio is super important, so opinions vary.
Unless when choosing 4matic, I would add ABC/MBC to any model possible.
Re. the reliability of ABC, I know that there have been issues in the past. I don't think this one will be a big deal for California John.
But I somewhat find the whole ABC discussion a bit out of proportion.
A complex suspension system will fail easier than a set of springs. No question. This is the same with the Airmatic suspension on the S-Class.
But the new SL doesn't only have a newer gen. ABC, the car is also a whole lot lighter than the older SL, especially the V12TT models.
If it fails, it is clearly an expensive failure; but it also happens a lot to older cars that were sold at a fraction of it's new car value.
To me, this is a big problem with luxury cars in general. Even small repairs without warranty will eat a big hole into your budget.
Just try to replace the brakes on a SL65 or motor mounts or coils on a V12. Those are easily in the same price territory.
That said, I had cars with ABC for 15 years. I have one ABC pump failure on our SL600 (out of warranty) that was covered by MB as a courtesy (materials).
I have spent more money on tires that lasted less than a year
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,005
Likes: 711
From: ATLANTA
R Nine T
I have not driven an SL63 with standard ABC but I'm going to guess as how they are an AMG they would ride more firmly than an SL550 with ABC. It seems there are more CPO SL63s around than SL550s with ABC. I suppose I could test drive one of them but already have an E63 S and so not really looking for another AMG.
No ABC on e63. My CL 63 is very comfortable in C mode.
Oh and one other fantastic morsel of information. CPO cars from Mercedes do not cover their own ABC struts or components so beware.
Last edited by AMG 17GT; Apr 29, 2015 at 04:35 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 706
Likes: 50
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2018 S 650, 2014 SL 550, 2017 911 TTS Cab, '13 F458 Spider
I drove a 2014 SL63, very stiff ride, speed bumps were a jolt in the spine
My 2014 SL 550 with ABC is amazingly smooth, love the ride
btw I have B&O stereo, the regular stereo is better IMO
My 2014 SL 550 with ABC is amazingly smooth, love the ride
btw I have B&O stereo, the regular stereo is better IMO
Last edited by Steinhart; May 2, 2015 at 09:40 AM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,171
Likes: 414
From: Irvine, California
2022 AMG SL63
ABC Malfunction Repaired
I have my car back now - all fixed. You can see from the photo of the repair order what was replaced. The service manager wrote up my words in the wrong order however. I started the car and saw the error message. Then, in trying to slowly take off I heard a loud thud. At any rate, it is fixed - but as they say, it did take some work to chase down exactly what it was and some driving to feel it properly.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,005
Likes: 711
From: ATLANTA
R Nine T
I have my car back now - all fixed. You can see from the photo of the repair order what was replaced. The service manager wrote up my words in the wrong order however. I started the car and saw the error message. Then, in trying to slowly take off I heard a loud thud. At any rate, it is fixed - but as they say, it did take some work to chase down exactly what it was and some driving to feel it properly.
Hopefully that's it for your hydraulic worries john.
