SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: GOODBYE ABC, SL55 ABC TO COILOVERS FINALLY!
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 181
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From: Canada
SL55 AMG, Range Rover Evoque
@Geo3 check out the following links:
http://www.europerformance.co.uk/pag...?product=75437
https://www.ecstuning.com/Cart/?add1...lesrep=bobryan
http://www.europerformance.co.uk/pag...?product=75437
https://www.ecstuning.com/Cart/?add1...lesrep=bobryan
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 487
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From: North Carolina, US
'06 E500, '99 ML430 and '07 SL65
+1
Also, keep in mind that all parts (you may add Bilstein, etc. later) can be purchased through Mercedes-Benz, from their SL350. That model sold well in Europe, Australia and Japan with coil-overs and is more desirable in the second-hand market due to its aforementioned coil-over suspension.
Also, keep in mind that all parts (you may add Bilstein, etc. later) can be purchased through Mercedes-Benz, from their SL350. That model sold well in Europe, Australia and Japan with coil-overs and is more desirable in the second-hand market due to its aforementioned coil-over suspension.
After six years with my SL55 AMG, I personally think ABC is over-rated. I don't want to part with my car, but before I have ABC issues (and pay almost the equivalent current car value in ABC parts to repair), that's what I had planned, before this coil-over conversion was successfully completed.
It doesn't really matter if you use Bilstein or MB parts. In either case you have a Franken-car that has been butchered. It remains to be seen if you would be able to fetch a higher price for you car then a comparable one. I think not.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 487
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina, US
'06 E500, '99 ML430 and '07 SL65
You might be correct, but in my opinion, you should not be afraid of ABC. When you are considering getting a car with ABC, it really - as in any other situation - it comes down to research and getting the car you are looking at, looked over by a competent tech. If you are buying from a seller that has taken car of the car, you should be able to see all the receipts on what has been do to it. Also, go to the local MB dealer with the VIN and ask to take a look at the VMI for the car. It will show you any warranty work that has been done.
Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 181
Likes: 15
From: Canada
SL55 AMG, Range Rover Evoque
I am not sure that it is more desirable because it doesn't have ABC. Keep in mind that in the countries you mention, SL's in general are much more expensive. I claim that the 350 simply might sell better because it is cheaper.
I don't understand. Nobody got AMG's with coil-over.
Coil-over is not a better suspension system than ABC. There is no arguing that ABC - the system - is better when it comes to handling a car like the SL, than coil-over. We can always discuss the implementation and components.
It doesn't really matter if you use Bilstein or MB parts. In either case you have a Franken-car that has been butchered. It remains to be seen if you would be able to fetch a higher price for you car then a comparable one. I think not.
I don't understand. Nobody got AMG's with coil-over.
Coil-over is not a better suspension system than ABC. There is no arguing that ABC - the system - is better when it comes to handling a car like the SL, than coil-over. We can always discuss the implementation and components.
It doesn't really matter if you use Bilstein or MB parts. In either case you have a Franken-car that has been butchered. It remains to be seen if you would be able to fetch a higher price for you car then a comparable one. I think not.
By the way, quoting one of your aforementioned comments, "I don't understand. Nobody got AMGs with coil-overs".
In fact I know no AMGs came with coil-overs (other than Black Series SL65 AMG), and my quote ("Just because we didn't get coil-overs in our North American SLs, don't think it's an inferior suspension system."), clearly stated as such.
Nowhere did I say AMGs had coil-overs.
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
FYI too many people don't buy those cars because of the hydraulic suspension because they hear that its too expensive etc.
When I did this mod, I did it because I decided to keep this SL55 for a very long time. Thank you for your information, I can understand what you are saying.
When I did this mod, I did it because I decided to keep this SL55 for a very long time. Thank you for your information, I can understand what you are saying.
If you drive a few thousand miles a year in a moderate to cool climate, the system is ok. If you drive 30k miles per year in a very hot climate like Florida, the system is horrible. I would/will definitely go this route in the future.
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 487
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From: North Carolina, US
'06 E500, '99 ML430 and '07 SL65
I know that, but we are not talking about non-AMG cars. We are talking about ABC which all AMG cars have.
All in all, my post was not on the validity of putting coil-over's on an AMG car, but rather whether it would decrease the value of the car.
All in all, my post was not on the validity of putting coil-over's on an AMG car, but rather whether it would decrease the value of the car.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Clarksville, TN
G63
+1,000,000. An SL without ABC and a proper coilover suspension is much more attractive to me. After throwing more than $10k on ABC maintenance/repairs and dealing with a very unreliable suspension system, I can appreciate the coilover conversion. And, no, it's not all about the maintenance and upkeep of the system. You can have a hose blow that shows no outward signs of a potential failure. The blown hose will either leave you stranded or cause pump failure.if you keep driving.
If you drive a few thousand miles a year in a moderate to cool climate, the system is ok. If you drive 30k miles per year in a very hot climate like Florida, the system is horrible. I would/will definitely go this route in the future.
If you drive a few thousand miles a year in a moderate to cool climate, the system is ok. If you drive 30k miles per year in a very hot climate like Florida, the system is horrible. I would/will definitely go this route in the future.
I'm with you as well. If I had the choice of 2 identical SL55's side-by-side, but one with coilovers and the other with ABC. I'd jump all over the one with coilovers any day of the week. I agree the ABC rides nice, but for the problems associated with it, I don't care how nice it is. I purchased my SL55 last year, and the previous owners neglected the ABC as most do, and I've had to deal with that mess.
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Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 181
Likes: 15
From: Canada
SL55 AMG, Range Rover Evoque
Parts PDF removed (updated version on page 4)
I have researched and written this quickly, in an attempt to pull parts and numbers together.
If anything requires correction, please add comments in forum.
Now, we just need a DIY write-up....Geo3.
If anything requires correction, please add comments in forum.
Now, we just need a DIY write-up....Geo3.
Last edited by Geo3; Apr 8, 2015 at 12:39 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 164
Likes: 3
SL55 AMG
@ECSTUNING, your doing a great job guys, always providing good prices.
@Geo3 great job man writing this PDF file. It's a great writing. The guys who made this suspension conversion kit use the MB Non-ABC SL R230 parts, you can get all the parts for 2500$, and sell yours on ebay. So why give them your old parts, I suggest you buy them man, and keep your parts or sell them, so the conversion costs you 1000$ or even less.
@sgaar, when I did the conversion I knew I'm taking a big risk that this is the first SL55 to have its ABC suspension deleted. For a while I thought I will regret doing this, the night before the car was done, I thought that I'm gonna hate it, it will lose its handling, and it will be come a car that I will never drive again. But now? I say thanks god I did this conversion.
@BlownV8 & @ChadisBad thank you for the good feedback guys.
@Geo3 great job man writing this PDF file. It's a great writing. The guys who made this suspension conversion kit use the MB Non-ABC SL R230 parts, you can get all the parts for 2500$, and sell yours on ebay. So why give them your old parts, I suggest you buy them man, and keep your parts or sell them, so the conversion costs you 1000$ or even less.
@sgaar, when I did the conversion I knew I'm taking a big risk that this is the first SL55 to have its ABC suspension deleted. For a while I thought I will regret doing this, the night before the car was done, I thought that I'm gonna hate it, it will lose its handling, and it will be come a car that I will never drive again. But now? I say thanks god I did this conversion.
@BlownV8 & @ChadisBad thank you for the good feedback guys.
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 930
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06 SL65AMG, 13 Tesla Model S 60kwh, 02 Jaguar S-Type 3.0, 12 S550 4 Matic, 07 E320 Bluetec, 06 LX470
Considering how far I modded my car, I'm not planning to resell the car with all the work I put into it. I do like the way the ABC rides, but if I can have worry free suspension I think I'd opt for coil overs if they conversion is mess and error free. But I would have to be that KW setup they have for the SL65 BS with the adjustable ride height
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
sl600
coil overs vs abc
Anytime a car such as a mercedes sl gets cheap enough for regular car enthusiasts to modify you will hear shreaks from brand purists about the problem with changing anything.
Ferrari guys can be the worst in this but I have learned that each brand has its "keep it stock or all is lost" crowd. When I started factory five racing there were some 5.0 mustang guys that thought the same way. Now that I am making kit trucks from vw jettas I even get it from jetta fans(believe it or not...really?..it's a 10 year old jetta)
In the case of the sl600 sl55 etc the truth is that these are fantastic and dependable cars that have a horrific suspension as far as repairs are concerned...when it works it is a tech marvel...but when it doesn't...wow. They are an amazing bargain for the power and build quality and our job as hands on car guys is to transform it from a rich guys car to a true enthusiasts car that you can have fun with. Avoiding silly 7k repairs to a 20k car is a huge priority. Coilovers are easy to tune and get right and an sl is just another cool car. Sway bars and coils will be terrific and wonderfully safe(yes you can change a merc and still be safe)and make this heavy pig a blast to drive and drive hard without worry. Have fun with these things now that they are cheap. Now, getting rid of another couple hundred pounds is the real challenge.
And JadAwada....thanks.
Mark Smith
smythperformance.com
Ferrari guys can be the worst in this but I have learned that each brand has its "keep it stock or all is lost" crowd. When I started factory five racing there were some 5.0 mustang guys that thought the same way. Now that I am making kit trucks from vw jettas I even get it from jetta fans(believe it or not...really?..it's a 10 year old jetta)
In the case of the sl600 sl55 etc the truth is that these are fantastic and dependable cars that have a horrific suspension as far as repairs are concerned...when it works it is a tech marvel...but when it doesn't...wow. They are an amazing bargain for the power and build quality and our job as hands on car guys is to transform it from a rich guys car to a true enthusiasts car that you can have fun with. Avoiding silly 7k repairs to a 20k car is a huge priority. Coilovers are easy to tune and get right and an sl is just another cool car. Sway bars and coils will be terrific and wonderfully safe(yes you can change a merc and still be safe)and make this heavy pig a blast to drive and drive hard without worry. Have fun with these things now that they are cheap. Now, getting rid of another couple hundred pounds is the real challenge.
And JadAwada....thanks.
Mark Smith
smythperformance.com
Last edited by smyth600; Feb 12, 2015 at 10:54 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,214
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
Here's the company that does SL55's in the states.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Coil-Spring-Conversion-Kit-Mercedes-R230-SL55-AMG-2002-2008-OEM-/191278933160?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c891ce4a8&vxp=mtr#ht_2073wt_1190
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Coil-Spring-Conversion-Kit-Mercedes-R230-SL55-AMG-2002-2008-OEM-/191278933160?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2c891ce4a8&vxp=mtr#ht_2073wt_1190
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 258
Likes: 7
2003 SL55
Didn't the black series have coil overs? I feel the 350 setup would be a downgrade...
Then again, most people with busted ABC systems probably wouldn't feel like it because their ABC wasn't riding properly to compare against.
I'm 80% done with my full ABC overhaul, and I'd love to see how it handles compared to the bumpy boat ride I've been accustomed to for 3 years.
If it breaks again (which I should be covered by lifetime warranty on struts at least), then I'll likely look into the best spring suspension offered for our car, or likely do a custom setup before installing a "comfort" suspension on an AMG.
I do agree, that ABC does hurt the resale value of our cars considerably, and it only makes sense that people buying "cheap" power would want "cheap" repair. Not a problem. The more options the better!
I would just hate to have an under performing supercar, whether too soft of springs or broken ABC, it's just not right for the vehicle.
(Not saying your springs are ACTUALLY too soft, just the things I'd consider if going that route)
Then again, most people with busted ABC systems probably wouldn't feel like it because their ABC wasn't riding properly to compare against.
I'm 80% done with my full ABC overhaul, and I'd love to see how it handles compared to the bumpy boat ride I've been accustomed to for 3 years.
If it breaks again (which I should be covered by lifetime warranty on struts at least), then I'll likely look into the best spring suspension offered for our car, or likely do a custom setup before installing a "comfort" suspension on an AMG.
I do agree, that ABC does hurt the resale value of our cars considerably, and it only makes sense that people buying "cheap" power would want "cheap" repair. Not a problem. The more options the better!
I would just hate to have an under performing supercar, whether too soft of springs or broken ABC, it's just not right for the vehicle.
(Not saying your springs are ACTUALLY too soft, just the things I'd consider if going that route)
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 164
Likes: 3
SL55 AMG
Anytime a car such as a mercedes sl gets cheap enough for regular car enthusiasts to modify you will hear shreaks from brand purists about the problem with changing anything.
Ferrari guys can be the worst in this but I have learned that each brand has its "keep it stock or all is lost" crowd. When I started factory five racing there were some 5.0 mustang guys that thought the same way. Now that I am making kit trucks from vw jettas I even get it from jetta fans(believe it or not...really?..its a 10 year old jetta)
In the case of the sl600 sl55 etc the truth is that these are fantastic and dependable cars that have a horrific suspension as far as repairs are concerned...when it works it is a tech marvel...but when it doesn't...wow. They are an amazing bargain for the power and build quality and our job as hands on car guys is to transform it from a rich guys car to a true enthusiasts car that you can have fun with. Avoiding silly 7k repairs to a 20k car is a huge priority. Coilovers are easy to tune and get right and an sl is just another cool car. Sway bars and coils will be terriofic and wonderfully safe(yes you can change a merc and still be safe)and make this heavy pig a blast to drive and drive hard without worry. Have fun with these things now that they are cheap. Now, getting rid of another couple hundred pounds is the real challenge.
And JadAwada....thanks.
Mark Smith
smythperformance.com
Ferrari guys can be the worst in this but I have learned that each brand has its "keep it stock or all is lost" crowd. When I started factory five racing there were some 5.0 mustang guys that thought the same way. Now that I am making kit trucks from vw jettas I even get it from jetta fans(believe it or not...really?..its a 10 year old jetta)
In the case of the sl600 sl55 etc the truth is that these are fantastic and dependable cars that have a horrific suspension as far as repairs are concerned...when it works it is a tech marvel...but when it doesn't...wow. They are an amazing bargain for the power and build quality and our job as hands on car guys is to transform it from a rich guys car to a true enthusiasts car that you can have fun with. Avoiding silly 7k repairs to a 20k car is a huge priority. Coilovers are easy to tune and get right and an sl is just another cool car. Sway bars and coils will be terriofic and wonderfully safe(yes you can change a merc and still be safe)and make this heavy pig a blast to drive and drive hard without worry. Have fun with these things now that they are cheap. Now, getting rid of another couple hundred pounds is the real challenge.
And JadAwada....thanks.
Mark Smith
smythperformance.com
Here's the company that does SL55's in the states.
This is good news for anybody who owns a SL. These are good cars minus the suspension!
Didn't the black series have coil overs? I feel the 350 setup would be a downgrade...
Then again, most people with busted ABC systems probably wouldn't feel like it because their ABC wasn't riding properly to compare against.
I'm 80% done with my full ABC overhaul, and I'd love to see how it handles compared to the bumpy boat ride I've been accustomed to for 3 years.
If it breaks again (which I should be covered by lifetime warranty on struts at least), then I'll likely look into the best spring suspension offered for our car, or likely do a custom setup before installing a "comfort" suspension on an AMG.
I do agree, that ABC does hurt the resale value of our cars considerably, and it only makes sense that people buying "cheap" power would want "cheap" repair. Not a problem. The more options the better!
I would just hate to have an under performing supercar, whether too soft of springs or broken ABC, it's just not right for the vehicle.
(Not saying your springs are ACTUALLY too soft, just the things I'd consider if going that route)
Then again, most people with busted ABC systems probably wouldn't feel like it because their ABC wasn't riding properly to compare against.
I'm 80% done with my full ABC overhaul, and I'd love to see how it handles compared to the bumpy boat ride I've been accustomed to for 3 years.
If it breaks again (which I should be covered by lifetime warranty on struts at least), then I'll likely look into the best spring suspension offered for our car, or likely do a custom setup before installing a "comfort" suspension on an AMG.
I do agree, that ABC does hurt the resale value of our cars considerably, and it only makes sense that people buying "cheap" power would want "cheap" repair. Not a problem. The more options the better!
I would just hate to have an under performing supercar, whether too soft of springs or broken ABC, it's just not right for the vehicle.
(Not saying your springs are ACTUALLY too soft, just the things I'd consider if going that route)
The SL65 Black series suspension costs around 18-20K. I recommend that you get the SL350 sway bars, and use KW or Bilstein Coilovers, with their springs if you don't want to pay more than 4K.
I would deff do this... to my cl55, I like how it uses oem parts
I'm going the coil over route the first time I have to spend major money. I'm not a big fan of ABC.
Last edited by JadAwada; Feb 12, 2015 at 12:49 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 258
Likes: 7
2003 SL55
Well i hope it goes well and i wish i could get a chance to experience the difference in ride feel. I just paid 2400 for abc struts with lifetime warranty, 600 for consumable accumulators, and 1000 in shop time to take care of the rebuild the valveblocks and swap the parts.
Same 4k spent.
i would be very interested to compare results as well as future maintenance required
Same 4k spent.
i would be very interested to compare results as well as future maintenance required
