SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: $%@! SL55 ABC
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 23
Likes: 3
2003 SL55
$%@! SL55 ABC
Gentleman,
I've had 3 catastrophic hydraulic line failures in the last 12 months and am seriously thinking about going to coil overs and sway bars. I've read some of your posts on the subject but they all seem to be old. Does anyone have a quality system installed that could give me an honest opinion? I really hate even considering this but the car is getting up in age and there are a dozen more lines that will blow at some point as well as accumulators and pulsation dampeners etc etc. This has been a great car except for the ABC, and I need to be able to jump in and go anywhere and not worry about CHF11s spewing out of all orifices. I could use your guidance. Recommendations??
Thanks
I've had 3 catastrophic hydraulic line failures in the last 12 months and am seriously thinking about going to coil overs and sway bars. I've read some of your posts on the subject but they all seem to be old. Does anyone have a quality system installed that could give me an honest opinion? I really hate even considering this but the car is getting up in age and there are a dozen more lines that will blow at some point as well as accumulators and pulsation dampeners etc etc. This has been a great car except for the ABC, and I need to be able to jump in and go anywhere and not worry about CHF11s spewing out of all orifices. I could use your guidance. Recommendations??
Thanks
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 341
From: NJ
2009 SL63 AMG
How many miles on the car? This sounds extreme/unusual and sorry to hear about your troubles with it.
VVK makes a nice kit. There is also CEIKA (fully customizable): https://ceika-store.com/products/cei...nz~md_sl-class
Although with the latter, I would inquire about what they suggest for sway bars (a must for any ABC delete).
VVK makes a nice kit. There is also CEIKA (fully customizable): https://ceika-store.com/products/cei...nz~md_sl-class
Although with the latter, I would inquire about what they suggest for sway bars (a must for any ABC delete).
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 367
Likes: 36
From: Dawesville, West Australia
2006 E55, 2006 SL55, 2006 LS7 Ute
I just ordered a full coil over kit with anti-roll bars for my SL55 from this mob:https://rebuildmastertech.com/
Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 109
Likes: 30
From: Mississippi
'05 SL55 AMG, '00 SL500, ‘99 SL600, '83 380SL, '15 S550 Coupe
I just ordered a full coil over kit with anti-roll bars for my SL55 from this mob:https://rebuildmastertech.com/
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
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Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 109
Likes: 30
From: Mississippi
'05 SL55 AMG, '00 SL500, ‘99 SL600, '83 380SL, '15 S550 Coupe
Would use VVK or another vendor. Had an issue with a strut failure from them and they wanted to charge me for the repair of the strut. They have a lifetime warranty so I was quite upset they tried to make me pay a "core charge" and said it would take another three weeks for them.to source another strutt. Keep in mind they already had the failed strutt in their possession when they wanted to charge me for another.
They are charging a 'core charge' or taking your ABC struts even if you order a VVK kit at full retail.
Makes zero sense.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,057
Likes: 341
From: NJ
2009 SL63 AMG
I was questioning their 'core charge' and/or taking your ABC struts in 'exchange' for the coil overs. Core charges are for like/same rebuildable parts exchanges - not as a profit center.
They are charging a 'core charge' or taking your ABC struts even if you order a VVK kit at full retail.
Makes zero sense.
They are charging a 'core charge' or taking your ABC struts even if you order a VVK kit at full retail.
Makes zero sense.
If in the market for these coil-overs, just buy from VVK directly.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 367
Likes: 36
From: Dawesville, West Australia
2006 E55, 2006 SL55, 2006 LS7 Ute
Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 109
Likes: 30
From: Mississippi
'05 SL55 AMG, '00 SL500, ‘99 SL600, '83 380SL, '15 S550 Coupe
I explained earlier, core charges are for exchanges of rebuilt/remanufactured/overhauled parts. When the company gets your rebuildable part in exchange, it guarantees a supply of rotable parts. Otherwise, they have to go buy ‘cores’ to rebuild for stock.
In this case, they are charging you for 1) new parts that have no effect on their overhaul/exchange supply, and 2) totally unrelated parts. The coil overs bear no relation to the hydraulic struts of an ABC system.
I could see if they were discounting the kit for value received from your rebuildable struts - but, this is not the case. They charge full retail for a VVK package (same price from VVK directly) and STILL want your hydraulic struts to rebuild and sell - or, pay a core charge.
However, as long as you are happy and the kit performs to your liking... perfect! Good luck and keep us posted with updates.
