SL55 AMG, SL63 AMG, SL65 AMG (R230) 2002 - 2011 (2003 US for SL55 and 2004 for the SL65)

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: 50K miles. What would you recommend replacing in ABC system?

Old May 6, 2015 | 07:09 PM
  #1  
GoodBeach's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: Eastern NC
CL 65/LX470
50K miles. What would you recommend replacing in ABC system?

I am planning on a flush and reading threads some recommend replacing accumulators. What is the best cost:benefit ratio strategy for keeping the ABC system functioning?
Reply
Old May 6, 2015 | 07:51 PM
  #2  
carguyshu's Avatar
Super Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 955
Likes: 127
From: Kansas
2003 E55, 2003 SL55, 2014 CLS63, 2018 q50 Redsport, 1968 Camaro SS, 1999 Trans am Firehawk
That's it unless you are having problems elsewhere. Accumulators are both an age and mileage thing. I'd say 10 years or 75k-100k & they'll need replaced. 50k is a bit conservative if the car is newer.

Other problems that crop up:
leaking hoses, which are going to be obvious (take to a hydraulic hose shop to have redone, way cheaper)

car either slowly moves upward with one shock when at a stop for a long time period (10 minutes or so) and then comes down rapidly. This is a sign of a leaking oring on a valve block. Have orings replaced (less than $10). This also applies if the car sags overnight. It is a different plunger in the valve block, but still the same problem.

strut fails- get lifetime replacement from arnott
pump fails- this could show up as either a leak or it flat out no longer pumping enough

There's really nothing else. Accumulators and fluid are maintenance, the rest is sort of as needed.
Reply
Old May 6, 2015 | 09:15 PM
  #3  
GoodBeach's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 136
Likes: 0
From: Eastern NC
CL 65/LX470
Vehicle is a 2005 so age is a factor.

If I replace accumulators and a hose blows later does that ruin the accumulator? I know pump can be fried if you don't stop but I would hate to have a new accumulator wasted.
Reply
Old May 7, 2015 | 07:53 AM
  #4  
kbob999's Avatar
Super Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 992
Likes: 245
From: Tucson, AZ
'20 X5 M50i; '17 Ram 3500; Golf Cart; Bikes; Scooters
Accumulators will not be harmed if the system loses pressure due to hose breakage.
If engine is stopped quickly, the pump will not be damaged either.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:23 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE