SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Coil over conversion. Anyone making it?
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From: Phoenix AZ
2005 C55 AMG - 2018 340i - 2006 SL55 AMG - Sold
I don't believe so. My research tells me that while the ABC system is prone to failure and ridiculously expensive to fix, it really is the best way to make a 4,300 pound car handle as well as it does.
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From: Houston, TX
18 Titan XD 13 Cayenne TT 13 BMW HP4
I'd be curious just to know. I've run Ohlins and Megan (cheap) coilovers in a couple of previously owned cars. I don't know what the weight savings would be for the SL, but if you actually went through the trouble of removing the whole system with hoses and other related parts it would probably be quite a bit. Seems like someone will try it sooner or later as the aftermarket continues to grow a bit with some owners willing to try a few things out.
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From: Canada
SL55 AMG, Range Rover Evoque
From quotes elsewhere on changing R230 to coil-overs :
The Black Series SL65 uses a new adjustable coil-over suspension (KW Variant3), as opposed to the unnatural-feeling Active Body Control (ABC) used on all other SLs. Befitting the serious nature of the Black Series, the suspension is quite stiff.
On the Black Series SL65, without ABC, when you do a "quick test" via the Star Diagnosis, there are current fault codes in control units that have "this fault code can be ignored in Black Series models" after the DTC. Therefore, it appears possible, to retrofit the coil-overs to other Sls.
However, the tandem ABC pump may have to be replaced with a power steering only pump (simpler and cheaper).
I continue to ponder if coil-overs would be a viable option when there is a catastrophic failure of the system, or if a fully adjustable suspension is desired.
KW Variant3 coil-overs (but could it be possible to fit a softer Variant1 or 2?)
SL65 Black Series with coil-over :
The Black Series SL65 uses a new adjustable coil-over suspension (KW Variant3), as opposed to the unnatural-feeling Active Body Control (ABC) used on all other SLs. Befitting the serious nature of the Black Series, the suspension is quite stiff.
On the Black Series SL65, without ABC, when you do a "quick test" via the Star Diagnosis, there are current fault codes in control units that have "this fault code can be ignored in Black Series models" after the DTC. Therefore, it appears possible, to retrofit the coil-overs to other Sls.
However, the tandem ABC pump may have to be replaced with a power steering only pump (simpler and cheaper).
I continue to ponder if coil-overs would be a viable option when there is a catastrophic failure of the system, or if a fully adjustable suspension is desired.
KW Variant3 coil-overs (but could it be possible to fit a softer Variant1 or 2?)
SL65 Black Series with coil-over :
Last edited by Geo3; Jun 22, 2011 at 07:39 AM. Reason: Adding image
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SL55 AMG, Range Rover Evoque
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Geo thanks for the info! My scenario is a bit different then just dumping the ABC system because of its failure. I don't want to jump ahead and unveil my build as of yet but the entire drive train of the sl will be removed along with the computer control and replaced with something a bit more "aggressive". THe ABC system will just be one more thing that will get in the way of the cars reassembly and future function.
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From: Canada
SL55 AMG, Range Rover Evoque
Geo thanks for the info! My scenario is a bit different then just dumping the ABC system because of its failure. I don't want to jump ahead and unveil my build as of yet but the entire drive train of the sl will be removed along with the computer control and replaced with something a bit more "aggressive". THe ABC system will just be one more thing that will get in the way of the cars reassembly and future function.
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From: Canada
SL55 AMG, Range Rover Evoque
Possible ABC Replacement Alternative?
Recently I have come across this strut conversion (although for 1999-2006 CL500, should be same as R230), and I am trying to find out if anyone knows more of the conversion.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w215...ation-kit.html
Front video:
Rear video :
I am aware that they say "Air Suspension", but I believe the CL500 was a hydraulic ABC vehicle only, so presume the text error was overlooked.
My SL55 AMG is at 64,000 km, and so far no problems, but it is only time. I want to be prepared when the inevitable happens.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w215...ation-kit.html
Front video:
Rear video :
I am aware that they say "Air Suspension", but I believe the CL500 was a hydraulic ABC vehicle only, so presume the text error was overlooked.
My SL55 AMG is at 64,000 km, and so far no problems, but it is only time. I want to be prepared when the inevitable happens.
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From: Canada
SL55 AMG, Range Rover Evoque
Located SL500 Strut Conversion with "Light Fix" Module
I have located the 200 to 2012 SL500 strut conversion kit, including the "light fix" module.
Here are installation videos for front and rear :
Front SL500 Install :
Rear SL500 Install :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=SpDdOG--hEQ
Kit for SL500 (us$ 1,795 including "Light Fix" module)
Note: they use Eibach springs and parts.
Here are installation videos for front and rear :
Front SL500 Install :
Rear SL500 Install :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=SpDdOG--hEQ
Kit for SL500 (us$ 1,795 including "Light Fix" module)
Note: they use Eibach springs and parts.
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From: Kingdom Of Bahrain
W124 E280 95
I have located the 200 to 2012 SL500 strut conversion kit, including the "light fix" module.
Here are installation videos for front and rear :
Front SL500 Install :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdSD-...layer_embedded
Rear SL500 Install :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=SpDdOG--hEQ
Kit for SL500 (us$ 1,795 including "Light Fix" module)
Note: they use Eibach springs and parts.
Here are installation videos for front and rear :
Front SL500 Install :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdSD-...layer_embedded
Rear SL500 Install :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=SpDdOG--hEQ
Kit for SL500 (us$ 1,795 including "Light Fix" module)
Note: they use Eibach springs and parts.
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From: Canada
SL55 AMG, Range Rover Evoque
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From: Kingdom Of Bahrain
W124 E280 95
Member
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Posts: 181
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From: Canada
SL55 AMG, Range Rover Evoque
I'm on their waiting list.....Geo3
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From: Kingdom Of Bahrain
W124 E280 95
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From: St. Louis, MO
2003 Mercedes SL55
I understand why someone would want to get rid of abc but in my opinion the abc is what makes the r230 a great touring car. You take the abc out of it and stiffen it up then you might as well go buy a corvette or some other american car. The abc system is complex but with little knowledge it can be easily maintained as I just recently replaced the pump and cleaned the valve blocks.
I could understand if someone is building a track car but for everyday use I just cant imagine going from the comfort of the abc system to a stiff coilover system.
I could understand if someone is building a track car but for everyday use I just cant imagine going from the comfort of the abc system to a stiff coilover system.
Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 181
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From: Canada
SL55 AMG, Range Rover Evoque
I understand why someone would want to get rid of abc but in my opinion the abc is what makes the r230 a great touring car. You take the abc out of it and stiffen it up then you might as well go buy a corvette or some other american car. The abc system is complex but with little knowledge it can be easily maintained as I just recently replaced the pump and cleaned the valve blocks.
I could understand if someone is building a track car but for everyday use I just cant imagine going from the comfort of the abc system to a stiff coilover system.
I could understand if someone is building a track car but for everyday use I just cant imagine going from the comfort of the abc system to a stiff coilover system.
I am currently happy with my ABC, as no problems yet, but at my last service, my dealer noted that I will need a new front strut sometime in the near future due to a lower ball joint showing some wear (MB cannot replace separately, although there are a couple of places in the UK that will insert a new ball joint in strut).
The reason I want to go this route is the dealer expense of ABC replacement parts. For example here, I'm looking at upwards of $2,000 for one strut replacement, and if a bad valve block (2) then $2,700 each, all including dealer labour.
With this conversion, as strut lines are capped off, and "light fix" module is connected, valve blocks, sensors, etc. become redundant, and it just makes economical sense.
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 151
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From: Kingdom Of Bahrain
W124 E280 95
You can actually have a softer sprung SL with coil-overs (which is the way I would prefer), dependent on the spring rates. My previous Ferrari was one of the best and most comfortable riding cars I've had, and it had regular coil-overs. I don't track my car, so don't require a stiffer sprung SL55.
I am currently happy with my ABC, as no problems yet, but at my last service, my dealer noted that I will need a new front strut sometime in the near future due to a lower ball joint showing some wear (MB cannot replace separately, although there are a couple of places in the UK that will insert a new ball joint in strut).
The reason I want to go this route is the dealer expense of ABC replacement parts. For example here, I'm looking at upwards of $2,000 for one strut replacement, and if a bad valve block (2) then $2,700 each, all including dealer labour.
With this conversion, as strut lines are capped off, and "light fix" module is connected, valve blocks, sensors, etc. become redundant, and it just makes economical sense.
I am currently happy with my ABC, as no problems yet, but at my last service, my dealer noted that I will need a new front strut sometime in the near future due to a lower ball joint showing some wear (MB cannot replace separately, although there are a couple of places in the UK that will insert a new ball joint in strut).
The reason I want to go this route is the dealer expense of ABC replacement parts. For example here, I'm looking at upwards of $2,000 for one strut replacement, and if a bad valve block (2) then $2,700 each, all including dealer labour.
With this conversion, as strut lines are capped off, and "light fix" module is connected, valve blocks, sensors, etc. become redundant, and it just makes economical sense.
If you know something I don't, keep us updated as I need this coilover conversion kit ASAP.
