SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: ABC issue
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 586
Likes: 12
From: Phoenix AZ
2005 C55 AMG - 2018 340i - 2006 SL55 AMG - Sold
ABC issue
Something is wrong with my ABC suspension. Here is the series of events:
A month ago - As I started the car, the red warning lights came on telling me "ABC". I started and re-started the car several times, and the warning went away. I did not notice anything wrong with the suspension as I drove it home.
Two weeks ago - The red ABC warning light would come on every time I hit a significant bump while driving at speed (50mph or higher).
Today - I have noticed that the car is having trouble leveling. One rear side is higher then the other. Additionally, even though I have the car set on position 1 (one red dot), the rear of the car is at a very high height...easily a height that would be standard for position 2 (2 red dots...the highest setting).
The car also feels VERY stiff regardless if the car is in sport or comfort mode. Comfort mode is now as stiff as the usual sport mode and sport mode feels almost as stiff as the race suspension on my old BMW 325is.
Despite all the weird **** going on, there are no constant warning lights...other then the brief illumination of "ABC" in red when I hit a bump while driving.
Any idea what is wrong?
I'm so glad this is still under warranty. Whatever the problem is, I bet it will be expensive to fix. LOL.
A month ago - As I started the car, the red warning lights came on telling me "ABC". I started and re-started the car several times, and the warning went away. I did not notice anything wrong with the suspension as I drove it home.
Two weeks ago - The red ABC warning light would come on every time I hit a significant bump while driving at speed (50mph or higher).
Today - I have noticed that the car is having trouble leveling. One rear side is higher then the other. Additionally, even though I have the car set on position 1 (one red dot), the rear of the car is at a very high height...easily a height that would be standard for position 2 (2 red dots...the highest setting).
The car also feels VERY stiff regardless if the car is in sport or comfort mode. Comfort mode is now as stiff as the usual sport mode and sport mode feels almost as stiff as the race suspension on my old BMW 325is.
Despite all the weird **** going on, there are no constant warning lights...other then the brief illumination of "ABC" in red when I hit a bump while driving.
Any idea what is wrong?
I'm so glad this is still under warranty. Whatever the problem is, I bet it will be expensive to fix. LOL.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 74
Likes: 3
From: St. Louis, MO
2003 Mercedes SL55
My car had trouble leveling and would take a significant amount of time. I replaced the pump and cleaned the valve blocks now its like new. My advice would be to replace the pump if you have the tools it is simple. If you decide to go this route let me know I have a brand new refurb. abc pump. I ended up receiving 2 from a distributor.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,268
Likes: 253
Correct. I suspect leaky valve block. They are easy to disassemble, clean, replace o-rings and put back to normal with minimum effort. I have yet to see a valve block that has burned out internally- they all just clog the fine mesh inside them, develop leaky o- rings or just need a good clean with brake fluid. I' ve done a couple with great success.
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 586
Likes: 12
From: Phoenix AZ
2005 C55 AMG - 2018 340i - 2006 SL55 AMG - Sold
Good info. I'd totally look into that if I didn't have a warranty. But for a $100 deductible, I will let the dealer mess with it while I cruise around in a little C250 loaner.
It's amazing that the dealer can rape us for $4k on a part that would cost a few hundred to fix. It really is borderline extortion. If you buy a Benz with no warranty, you best have a good/honest indy shop lined up.
It's amazing that the dealer can rape us for $4k on a part that would cost a few hundred to fix. It really is borderline extortion. If you buy a Benz with no warranty, you best have a good/honest indy shop lined up.
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Super Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 554
Likes: 0
From: Mississippi
2004 SL55
Good info. I'd totally look into that if I didn't have a warranty. But for a $100 deductible, I will let the dealer mess with it while I cruise around in a little C250 loaner.
It's amazing that the dealer can rape us for $4k on a part that would cost a few hundred to fix. It really is borderline extortion. If you buy a Benz with no warranty, you best have a good/honest indy shop lined up.
It's amazing that the dealer can rape us for $4k on a part that would cost a few hundred to fix. It really is borderline extortion. If you buy a Benz with no warranty, you best have a good/honest indy shop lined up.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,268
Likes: 253
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,838
Likes: 7
G55, SLS, smart eq
I recently had my trusty supplier MbenzNL and his shop work the ABC refurbish on the front ABC valve block, and no more sagging for my SL after some hours.
Thanks to the information in this thread I saved a bundle (since MB scenario would be replace instead of fix).
Thanks all!
Thanks to the information in this thread I saved a bundle (since MB scenario would be replace instead of fix).
Thanks all!
