See post #20 for an update on the German filter situation

For about a month, I have been trying to get a response from the German company (Exclusive Automotive) that 'brags' about their excellent maintenance program for the ABC hydraulic system on MB's. A translation of their procedure has been posted on this web site, and several of us found the filter they have developed (for which they charge ~100 Euros) intriguing. I've sent e-mails, a contact of mine in Germany has sent e-mails, and made two telephone calls, both times having a conversation with the company representative who assured him they would promptly answer my e-mail(s). It has been 2 1/2 weeks since his last telephone call, and they have not responded to the last e-mail I sent, which was within about 6 hours of his last telephone call. I'd asked for a price for a dozen filters - an order of well over 1,000 Euros probably.

Well, I'm done. Other owners on this and other forums have been searching for a similar solution to the one 'they' had developed. IF you search, you'll find at least two filters that should work. One I've chosen to use is the Magnafine filter.

I just did a complete flush of my ABC system last week, installing a new MB in reservoir filter at the completion. I've now installed a Magnafine filter made by Magnafilter (www.magnafilter.com) in line just ahead of the reservoir. I used their 1/2" line filter, cutting about 3 1/2" or so off the OE hose, and using a short piece of that to connect between the filter outlet and the reservoir inlet. VERY simple installation, not quite as elegant as the German one, but probably equally effective. The color of the ABC fluid is not visible with this system, but there may be options for a durable transparent or translucent connecting hose between the filter and the reservoir. ChadisBad is pursuing this, and will probably have a posting after he's determined the best product.

My final cost is well less than $25 for the Magnafine filter (eBay) and two Norma hose clamps. I'm sure the cost for the German filter would have been in the $125-150 range by the time we got it delivered. I'm satisfied that the Mangafine system will protect the ABC system from any magnetic debris that might be present.

Pictures of the installation:

 

Great job - looks like you found a way and hopefully the filter will work - do you have any chance of checking if it works after some time?

 

The filter can be removed and opened up - which will destroy that filter. But, at around $15 per filter, it's a small loss! I believe CHADisBAD plans to do this after a few weeks of usage.

 

I think this is better than nothing but a magnetic filter after the pump would keep the metal particles from contaminating the control blocks, struts, ETC, ETC. There are high pressure magnetic filters available that will do just this.

 

Shardul,

I installed the 1/2 inch inlet/outlet Magnafine filter. The reservoir connection on my car is 12 mm, as is the OE hose. The 1/2" Magnafine connections are tight, but not too bad.

 

thank you

 

gary, thanks for posting.

anyone interested in translucent tubing (for fluid color monitoring), i'm testing several different types. the first and probably the best tubing for our application is chemfluor tspf35-0625-062 PFA tubing. this stuff is about has tough as it gets, but very pricey, and is very stiff with bend radius of about 3" per 1' section. so i will be limited on the tube length. i also am somewhat concerned on the seal of the filter and reservoir fittings, i do not know if the single barbed end with a normal hose clamp is going to do the trick, since this stuff is so stiff.

another tubing that is much more flexible and easier to work with is Masterflex Tygon Fuel and Lubricant tubing cole-parmer pn# EW-06401-82
there are a couple of things i am concerned about on this particular tubing. first is the temperature range is limted, second the psi burst level, and another small issue is the tubing is yellow.

im in the first stages of testing the filter and the different tubing, so i will eventually report back with updates. i will also do my best to open up the filter without destroying it too much, and see how well it performed.

 

filter ordered!

I can probably use about 3 inches of clear tubing to use between the filter and the cap assembly

 

CHADisBAD I am looking at another alternative but need more information. What is the maximum operating temperature? What is the maximum Operating Pressure? What is the maximum Burst Pressure? This what I am looking at. I am not sure how to connect it for now. I think the priority is to find a filter.

Magnom Filter.pdf

 

fledda if you look up those pn# i posted it will give you the tech details on cole-parmer website. the PFA tubing has a temp range of like -320F to 500F, burst temp varies at certain temps. the PSI in the ABC return line running to the reservoir is very minimal, if it was a high PSI the ABC dipstick tube would pop out, or the plastic reservoir could potentially burst. the main thing to consider on the tubing is the temp range, and to make sure the tubing will accommodate petroleum based fluids.

the magnom filters have already been discussed in another post, those should work as well. however, they are a little more pricey then then magnafilters that we have.

 

I just replaced both suspension blocks,and went to 3 micron filter,after first trying to clean out system,and clean out blocks,my suspension wasn't sagging but slowly raising up then dumping pressure and dropping when it got to a limit that the system senses is too high,I spoke to a few rebuilders first and ultimately bought new ones,the rebuilders told me that the magnetic filter is really not needed ,there are screen filters going into the blocks which I saw while changing mine out,other then dirty fluid I found no debris anywhere in my system,fluid and blocks were 10 yrs old ,03SL55 one rebuilder told me the blocks have an 8 yr shelf life, just sharing my experience

 

CHADisBAD thanks. I must have missed the posting on the Magnom filters.

 

I will probably go ahead and order one as well. Thanks for the link. For those who haven't read that german article, it really is an interesting read.

 

CHADisBAD,

If you purchase tubing I'd be interested in buying some off you - 50' at ~$340 is a bit much.

Thanks!

 

Yes it is not cheap, but so far its working like a champ. its suppose to start warming up next week. then i can really put the tubing to the test, and see how well it holds up under higher temps.

 

Installed the filter today. OEM hose was very hard to slide onto the 1/2 filter inlet. I had us 1/2" hose for the out to the reservoir cap to get a good fit.
total cost 20 dollars including filter, hose and clamps.

 

Hey shardul, you do an M275(65) swap into your 220?

 

 

here is a pic of mine, with the PFE tubing.

 

For any who really would prefer the 'original German filter' solution, hold tight, as I've been referred to a source in Germany that makes a VERY similar filter and sells them via the German eBay. I've sent them a message asking if they will sell and ship to the USA. The price is about 17 Euros per filter (<$25 US), including VAT, but not shipping (if they ship direct to the US, the VAT should not be charged). They also list the possibility of buying 10 of them in one purchase at a small discount.

Hang tight

 

Still hanging tight.

 

I believe many of the components in the system are aluminum anyhow, so a magnet won't do a whole lot. I put one on just to get extra filtering.

 

I'm in.

 

This is a dead issue. NO RESPONSE from any of the guys on the east side of the pond. I had two acquaintances in Germany from my Porsche 928 involvement who called and requested them to respond to e-mails (from me, and from them). Verbal OK (auf Deutsche) on the phone, but no response after that. Closed out as far as I'm concerned!

 

Can anyone give me the name and address and maybe a phone number of the 2 companies? I am going to see if I can find someone who can make a personal visit to them. Thanks.