Geo3

I have very happily owned my trouble-free 2003 SL55 AMG for eight years and wish to continue.

For sometime, I have perused the MB forums, especially watching for information on ABC coil-over conversions (with sway bars), to be ready should my car need future ABC replacement. Considering the estimated, rough cost of replacement parts (see below), I may be considering the coil-over option.

The two options that come to mind, are either the SL350 (European SL with MB coil-overs as standard) or the VVK Nordic Car design, both available from Rebuild Master Tech (see below).

However, having contacted Rebuild Master Tech, I am unable to obtain referred contact with anyone who has had either installed and I have not been able to locate any videos of the vehicle driving following conversion. I’m looking for a “street” softer driving feel and just want to know what others have found with their conversion.

Please could anybody provide feedback on their SL55 AMG coil-over conversions?

Many thanks in anticipation.

jtse

Very much like to know this too. For the peace of mind whether I should keep this car forever or get rid of it soon.

Thanks,

J

V12TTenthusiast

There was a guy who did a VVK set up on his SL55 and it fit 100%. He was in Thailand but idk what happened to him
On a 600/65 is only fits 90%. But I cant compalin it handles well and can take the heavy nose of a 65

Geo3

Knowing about future possible ABC issues and costs involved, I have been attempting to gather together information on coil-over options with sway/ant-roll bars (see attached PDF with listings and part numbers).

Mercedes-Benz sold their SL350 in rest of the world, but NOT in North America, so it's hard finding these parts here, without personally importing.

Just wondering if anyone in Canada sells SL350 suspension parts?

Thanks in advance.

Joe Chu

Hello Geo3,

I am seeking a conversion kit for my 2003 SL55 AMG,
because the ABC system is very expensive in each repair. Therefore, I would like to convert it.
Could you please PM me some photos about the conversion kit installation process and procedures?
also I am confusing how to install the front sway bar in the V8 Kompressor when using the SL350 factory sway bar, could you please give me more details?
In this moment, I prefer install the Bilstein B12 pro kit with Eibach spring, replace the single steering pump, install front & rear sway bar (SL350), and cancel the ABC system in IC with using XENTRY with developer mode.
Could you please give me advice, thank you very much.

with best regards,
Joe

Geo3

This is all I have gathered so far so far on coil-over conversions (click on "ABC to coil-overs button") :

http://www3.sympatico.ca/gmacgruer/SL55_AMG.html

Joe Chu

Thank you so much Geo3 Love you so much
I had read this attachment, but there were no mentioned about the front sway bar installation process, Did you have installed the front &a rear sway bar in your SL55 AMG? If yes, could you please tell me the parts brand & number?
Thank you so much.

Geo3

Hi Joe,

Part numbers should be in the PDF.

I haven't yet attempted to install yet on my SL55 AMG, but trying to get as much information as possible, in advance.

Information, so far, has been very difficult to obtain, especially any installation "step by step" guides and follow-ups of how owners found their cars to be affected/improved/spoiled afterwards.

I keep on looking......Geo3.

carguyshu

the vvk kit sway bar is much better. search the forums. they have a very detailed explanation of how their kit and custom made sway bar is a superior option to the sl350 parts.

wlelandj

Also noticed Rebuild Master Tech has started selling the kit, though "out of stock". I consider that an endorsement of VVK's product, since RMT has their own kit.
http://www.rebuildmastertech.com/mer...bc-suspension/

jvakos

SUBSCRIBED - I'm in the same ABC predicament as you unfortunately as I just got a dealer repair bill of over $6k to replace leaking pump, accumulators and some other ABC items as I'm leaking significant ABC fluid from under the front and getting some low pressure codes here at 72K miles. The ABC system is still functioning but it just keeps leaking about 1/2 liter of fluid ever time I drive the car so I'm torn here about going to throw more $$$ at attempting to repair the ABC or going the coil over route which I've seen many forum members do with various pros/cons but certainly is a more permanent fix vs ABC repair which will ultimately leak somewhere it seems. My SL55 is a 2004 and is driven maybe 1k miles per year as its one of 4 older sports cars I have and drive purely for leisure so the softer ride really isnt an issue to me considering my old Z06 and 996TT ride really firm already.

There seems to be numerous coil over options (Strutmasters, RebuildMaster Tech, VVK, SL350 OEM parts -- per list here from another post ) so I am struggling to determine which is best to go with based on reliability of the coil overs once installed and quality of the coil over kit and its install instructions?

My indy who's done a few of these recommends going the route of the R230/SL350 OEM parts (attached super helpful PDF from another Benzworld member who did this and documented EVERYTHING) and perhaps an aftermarket sway bar but several forum members have given positive reviews of the other kits too....

After reading all of these related SL55/Coil-over threads I'm fully convinced this is the best route for me based on needing reliability more than comfort - but still undecided about which path to go down here... welcome any others feedback who have done this. Thx J

Other helpful SL / R230 coil over threads.....
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...lp-please.html
https://www.benzworld.org/threads/ab...e-faq.2156657/
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...ew-s-must.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...kit-works.html

Geo3

This is the stage I'm currently at with my coil-over conversion on my 2003 SL55 AMG.
All parts are OEM Mercedes-Benz and installed by my local MB dealer almot three years ago. I love the conversion (see my thoughts in attached PDF).

I also have a rear anti-roll/sway bar installed, but yet to get the front one fitted, due to clearance difficulties and getting correct spacers and as the car drives so well even minus the front bar, I'm not in any rush.
The PDF below includes all part numbers, etc.

jvakos

GEO - thank you so much!! You've done an AMAZING job documenting in detail your path with going OEM replacement (SL350) parts to replace your ABC which is what I am 99% sure is what I'll do. BTW your car looks beautiful in silver which is same as mine but mine is a 04.

Few other questions....

Were you able to get all the OEM parts through your dealer or where there any issues sourcing any of the parts?

Is that front sway bar required, or do you feel your car performs just find and safely without it?

Did the dealer code out the ABC warnings or do you just live with those?

Reliability (not ride quality) is my primary objective here with this coil-over option as my SL55 is purely a leisure drive vehicle with an occasional spirited run on a high way, but no track use as I have other cars that I use for track purposes. Once I get this coil-over done I will be so thrilled to NEVER see another ABC warning light or puddles of Pentosin on my garage floor

Thank you again sir for sharing your details which are hugely helpful an I truly appreciate.

Geo3

Hi jvakos,

Had issue getting my updated PDF attached in my post above, but finally compressed and it's OK. It may be worth reading. Let me know......

This PDF lists all done, part numbers, instructions for dealer to code out ABC warnings, includes my thoughts on the car's handling/ride and details my current decision as to how to finish off with the one item missing; front anti-roll/sway bar.

Trust this helps somewhat.......Geo.

Tomcat SL

I am doing this conversion with VVK swaybars and Silver's NEOMAX shock with "standard springs".

ldeem

Geo3 I read your PDF and noted you installed W220 high pressure power steering line. How did the routing work out? Do you have any pictures to share? I did the power steering pump with SL55 line but I don't like the routing. I thought I would have to make up a custom line but if W220 works that would be a lot easier. The main issue I have is I don't like how the line from the pump does not have a support near the connection.

Geo3

Unfortunately, I don't have that information, as my Mercedes-Benz dealer did the full conversion, incuding sourcing and installing the W220 power steering pump instead of the "tandem" PS/ABC pump.

My understanding is that it was fairly straightforward to install W220 pump on original bracket and that the original power steering line was hooked up (remember, the ABC had different line to other side of tandem pump).

I'll pop out to the garage and see if I can take a couple of pics.....Geo.

Geo3

Just been into the garage and taken these pics of W220 P/S pump installed and working well......best I can do at moment.........Geo.

ldeem

Thank you

Tomcat SL

So far, I like my conversion (NEOMAX/VVK sway bars). I will admit that, due to the dynamic changes of the original ABC, it was amazing how compliant the suspension was going down the rough roads and then how tight it was in the corners (again it was actively changing). Now, there is an ever so slight compromise between ride quality and cornering (due to "fixed settings")...BUT that being said it rides well and handles great with NEOMAX/VVK.

jvakos

im getting mine done in 2 weeks by Brandon at Gold Element Auto... am only doing the Silvers Neomax coilovers for now.

did you get a chance to test driving your SL in scenarios of the coil overs only and then with the coil over plus VVK sway bar? am curious how much the sway bar improves the suspension and driving experience in non-track casual driving use cases.

Tomcat SL

I have been driving mine like a normal car and finding no issues with daily driving (in the mid-Atlantic area).
I am interested in the installation cost others experience. It cost me $1,800 to do everything/all-in (NEOMAX coilovers, VVK swaybars, steering pump) BUT I also got a refund from Arnott for my old struts...so I am pleased.

jvakos

Tomcat - hey is $1800 your net cost for NEOMAX + VVK sway bar after you sold your struts/parts to Arnotts?

Curious on that and what Arnotts gave you for the 4 struts (and accumulators, pump, valve blocks etc or am guessing they only want the struts)

My understanding is the labor cost to install NEOMAX kit is around $1500-200 which includes removing all ABC components and install of new pump (non-tandem).

thx

Tomcat SL

$1,800 labor only (to do EVERYTHING)
Arnott is $200/strut right now...and they had no use for the other stuff.
If labor is $1,500-$2,000...then I am right in the middle.

ldeem

$1,500 to $2,000 for strut's, pump and sway bars sounds like a really good deal. Especially if you get the strut cores to sell. Even without sway bar that is still a good price.

I am doing the VVK kit now and it has taken a long time. I am also doing motor mounts, trans mount, rebuild drive shaft, soon full transmission service and an oil change.

I made some YouTube videos on tips I learned doing the front sway bar. On my channel, 4 videos
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxc...flLhbBBxaNNbZA

I am working on rear sway bar now and will add videos for that when I can.