Mstimely

Good day all, anyone here familiar with the ABC system? Particularly how the filter assembly comes out of the reservoir?

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Check YouTube. If it is the same as in the R230 models, you disconnect the hose attached to the cap and unscrew the ring.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

I actually think that guy did it a little wrong.

• First, get yourself lint-free painter rags at Home Depot to wipe anything down. The microfiber cloth is NOT lint free.
• Second, it's easier if you remove the skinny hose from the cap (he left it attached), but be careful removing it. You may want to order a spare reservoir cover (210-327-00-21) and keep it on-hand if you should ever snap off the pipe that fits inside the hose.

He didn't show you how he pushed the metal tab overhanging the cap ring out of the way, but at the end of the video you can see him moving it back in place.

Intex 10 in. x 11 in. Cloth-Like Rags (300-Pack)-NW-00255-300W - The Home Depot

210-327-00-21 - Oil Reservoir Cover 1996-2012 Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz USA Parts (mbusa.com)

Utopia Texas

Disregard all the above answers. The R231 cap is not the same as the R230. There is no external hose. I have taken the wire bail off mine and tried to pry it loose but am afraid to apply too much pressure and break off the thin plastic ears. I believe the cap to just be a pressure fit with the filter attached below and would also like to know how it comes off.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Sorry about that. Here's an exploded view for the R231.

https://dz310nzuyimx0.cloudfront.net...067381dc36.png

Mstimely

The diagram is the correct one, any ideas on removal. Looks like straight up but must take considerable force?

ram_g

I have not done this myself, but I have read on here that the cap is indeed a push fit that takes a lot of force to remove (once the locking wire is out of the way).

I also understand that Mercedes does not list a separate filter for the R231 but instead show the entire tank replaceable only as a unit. Others have said that the filter is definitely replaceable by itself and that it is the same as in previous / other models’ ABC systems. But neither my dealer nor 2 separate independents that I consulted were willing to take the filter out and flush the fluid. I think it’s going to have to be a DIY thing at the appropriate time.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Well, the ABC system on the R230 models was a bit temperamental. I would replace the filter whenever the car would start settling overnight. I flushed the system once during the time I owned it but would change the filter about every 10,000 miles. Seems the newer system has been greatly improved and frequent filter changes are unnecessary. I rebuilt the forward valve block and replaced the rear valve block during that time. While the ABC is an amazing suspension system, I'm happy to not have it.

metsche

Here is the video, showing how to remove the filter of the 231. It is really difficult but it works. I used the same tools as the guy in the video and needed 5 minutes to get it opened.

Have fun!

Micha

Utopia Texas

Thanks for posting the film. I have attempted to remove the filter in the past but was afraid to break the carrier. The thin flange you grab with the pliers is really flimsy.

metsche

Yes they are but if you tgrab it with a pliers and sway it and pull then it comes out. Is not totally easy but the plastic ist not refractory.

Regards,
Micha

metsche

One more information from my side after some research:
Partnumbers:
Filter: A0031846101 (is listed for R230 but is the same in R231. Background is that Mercedes does not aim for opening the reservoir and changing the filter. This is also why they changed the lid to make it more difficult for you guys to flush the system and to contaminate the oil - see video above)
Seal rings: A0159978245 (A dealer helped my to find the correct ones as they are also not listed for the R231. They dont want you to replace filter and sealrings as you should buy the complete oil reservoir.

Additionally I bought the AGA tool and will do a complete flush soon. (After having changed the oil in the reservoir a few times in the past when I did not have the AGA tool)

Regards,
Micha

steve sl550

Metsche,

Be great if you post procedure (pics w/b great as well) when you do the flush.

Tx, Steve

mangusta1969

Zadow Automotive in Germany appears to be an OEM supplier to Mercedes Benz for almost all Mercedes/ABC Systems, including filters, pumps, hydraulic lines, valves and rebuild/repair services. They will even purchase used ABC components that are rebuildable, assuming that you also purchase some rebuilt components from them. As an owner of a 2004 SL600 for the last 5 years or so, I have been aware for a few years that this company produces and sells a nice inline magnetic filter that can be added to a Mercedes ABC system. While recently researching ABC components and filters for R230 and R231 automobiles, I was impressed by how much they have added to their website and their increased support for various languages, as well as apparently producing valve blocks, hydraulic lines and pumps for ABC systems. Take a look at these categories of parts and services available currently from Zadow Automotive:

Zadow Automotive Home Page
https://abcteile24.de/en/abcteile24-...hrwerktechnik/

Zadow Magnetic Filter for ABC Systems
https://abcteile24.de/en/produkt-kat...em/abc-filter/ 129.95 Euros (with VAT) 1998-2005

Zadow Magnetic Filter for ABC Systems (AMG Models)
https://abcteile24.de/en/produkt/mag...lle-1999-2006/ 129.95 Euros (with VAT). 1999-2006

Zadow New and Rebuilt ABC Hydraulic Pumps SL500, SL600, SL550(?), Others (?)
https://abcteile24.de/en/produkt-kat...tem/abc-pumpe/

Zadow ABC System Valve Units/Blocks
https://abcteile24.de/en/produkt-kat...ntileinheiten/

Zadow ABC filters, pumps, hydraulic lines, struts, accumulators, etc.
https://abcteile24.de/en/produkt-kategorie/abc-system/


Who knows? Perhaps Zadow Automotive is producing or will produce new, not rebuilt, ABC pumps and other components in the future for older ABC-equipped Mercedes cars like my SL600, SL500s, SL550s and certain SL400s. It certainly doesn't look like they are reducing their scope of activities over the last few years. It's certainly interesting that you cannot currently purchase a stand-alone 3 micron ABC filter for an R231 from Mercedes (you have to purchase a new Reservoir AND new Filter assembly), but you can purchase a stand-alone 3 micron ABC filter for an R231 from Zadow, per their on-line catalog. Of course, it appears that an R230 ABC filter from Mercedes USA is the same item as the R231 Zadow ABC filter, for considerably less money than in Germany.

metsche

ABC Filters of R230 and R231 are 100% the same but there is no explicite part number for the R231 as it is the case for the R230!
Mercedes did not want you guys to simply change the filter and flush the system. Maybe they had too many issues and discussions when unexperienced people were contaminating the ABC systems.
This is why they sell only the complete reservoir including the filter and also the return line of the ABC system comes from the bottom of the reservoir no more from the upper side (--> AGA tool needed!).
So if you have a bigger problem and Mercedes need to flush the system twice it may happen that you have to pay for two reservoirs (each about 300 bugs). This is also why you cannot take out the filter housing as easy as it was with the older versions of R230.
But as shown in Zädow video, it is not a big deal to open the reservoir, changing the sealings, using an AGA tool to flush the system and afterwards change the filter by using the R230 Filter. I did that three three times without any issue and my Pentosine was light green after this procedure.
Already replaced the ABC pump (a Zädow refurbished one) by myself as mine was leaking. (2 hours job). They are very supportive with some hints and tips. For example never forget to apply some pressure on the reservoir when you install a new pump or when the Pentosine level got to low when flusing or so.
The pump cannot ingest the Pentosine in itself, it needs some pressure to start. For the pump I payed about 800 bugs and the job was done. (Mercedes calls about 3000....)
Maybe one good information for those who flush by themselves. It often happens, that when you open the filter housing abd you remove the old filter, the green sealings pop out and you will wonder how big these friends got....You might not be able to put them back, as they were growing from the Pentosine.
So keep some new sealings in you pocket when you start doing the job. I think another guy told the measures of the sealings here in the forum. I bought some and changed this stuff. Use Vitron sealings to ensure that these friends do not disperse in the hot Pentosine after a while.
One more hint to the "flushers": You can extract 1 Liter (when the Pentosine level is ok according to dipstick) then you are save that the pump does not yet suck any air and runs dry. So if you flush and you initally discharge the reservoir and fill it up with fresh Pentosine as first step of the flushing procedure, keep this in mind. If it happens you need to apply some pressure. This is all about R231!
Pulsation damper: If you hear a wining noise coming from the engine compartment this is the pulsation damper, whose membrane died. The part is a black sphere on the back of the pump. Absolutely easy to change! Buy the part and use a torque wrench when resinstalling. There is a valve between sphere and pump and no pressure when you stop the engine 15 minutes before removing it. So no big Pentosine mess will happen. It is a five minutes job and the silence is back.

Regards,
Metsche

steve sl550

Metsche,

Curious...how many miles on your car when you had pulsation dampener noise and needed replacement?

Tx

metsche

only 35000 miles and pump was leaking and pulsation damper to be replaced. Mostly highway use, nothing special. But the car is a 2013 and as far as I know the damper can fail after 10 years, independent on the milage. You can expect the fail of the two pressure accumulators on the valve blocks too,
The rubber of the membran gets poriferous and the Pentosin flows through it. No more damping! In case of the pulsation damper you get this grinning noise and if one or two of the pressure accumulators fail, you Pentosin level in the reservoir will be wrong. In this case, the Pentosin does not flow back as it is normally pressed back into the hoses/reservoir by the membran in the accumulator. So the level will sink but does not reach the "engine stopped mark" again when you switch off the engine. If you then fill up the reservoir and start the engine, then the Pentosin might flow out of the reservoir as the accumulators cannot take the additional Pentosin as they are already filled. A clear sign for a failed pressure accumulator is also when the car hops a little bit to the side when you run over a pothole. Additionally the ABC error message in white can show up in the moment the shock absorbers bump. Both phenomenon are due to the failed accumulators. Normally they balance the pressure in the system in a split second when the shock absorbers are bumping. If they fail, the pump is not fast enough to deliver the required 200 bar of pressure in time. This is why the ABC error message pops up because of low pressurereported by the pressure sensor and the suspension is then ****ty. Then its time to replace the accumulators as all the differences in pressure are then taken by the pump and by the hoses who might fail then too.
Regards,
Metsche

steve sl550

Metsche,

Tx for reply

I have a 2018 with 36,000 miles and was thinking of replacing the Pulsation Damper as a PM, don't see any leaks at all but, will look closer at the pump now that you have cautioned !

So far: I have changed the reservoir/filter twice, fluid is clear and clean and no drop in level at all also no ABC light going over bumps.

Did you change your accumulators ( how many) and if so at what mileage/yrs and was change precautionary or due to drop in fluid level

TX for your reply !

metsche

Hi steve,
No I have not yet changed the accumulators but I think this will be required in the nearer future. There is no more big difference between sport and comfort mode and I guess that this is also a sign, that the accumulators are not the best anymore and they might have lost a part of their nitrogene.
I changed the pulsation damper when the car did this wining noise. It was very obvious, as the noise was changing the pitch with the speed frequency, disappearing at 3000rpm.
I think you can do PM but honestly if it occurs there is time enough to change it. It is only a wining noise but I think this will not cause additional damage to the car if you then act in time.
Accumulators are a bit more work. They are on the valveblocks. You get to the blocks by removing the covers in the wheellhouses on the left side of the car. But the problem I see, is that you cannot easily slide the blocks out and remove the accumulators as all the pressure lines are connected to the blocks.
No problem to remove most of them but I if you disconnect the hoses to the shock absorbers, you are confronted with 200 bar as the stop valves are also in the valve block (front and back). That means, opening additional valves in the line to the shock absorber and letting some pentosin flow out to make it pressureless. Means the car goes down on the wheels. Better to have a lifting ramp for this....

The leaking pump. I saw some sticky brown stuff around the air intake hoses and the v-belt was sticky too. The belt dispensed the pentosine that was dropping out of the leaking pump all around. I mean it was not much but it was sticky So I learned that Pentosine gets soemhow hard when it is disposed to the air....
Then I removed the air intakes of the the intercooler, removed the v-belt and removed the belt pulley of the ABC pump. There was a leak. Ok, I removed the pump and sent it to Zädow for repairing it. They checked it and told me the the housing had a crack. So i bought a refurbished pump from them, put it in, reassembled this kind of a snakepit, cleaned everything with brake cleaner and the car is running like on the first day