SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: ABC question
#1
Member
Thread Starter
ABC question
Guys,
Can anyone tell me what it means when my red ABC warning light is displayed when in sport mode and hit some minor bumps in road?
It doesn't happen as easily when sport mode is off, but it does occur. Also, my ABC light appears whenever I drive over a hump in the road where the car may become slightly airborn. Do those symptoms point to something specific that I need to do or repair?
Thanks,
Can anyone tell me what it means when my red ABC warning light is displayed when in sport mode and hit some minor bumps in road?
It doesn't happen as easily when sport mode is off, but it does occur. Also, my ABC light appears whenever I drive over a hump in the road where the car may become slightly airborn. Do those symptoms point to something specific that I need to do or repair?
Thanks,
#2
Since you noted the warning is "Red" I'd recommend you take your SL in for a service check. The warning light that appears on the dash is not specific to the specific issue and could be one of multiple isssues related to ABC: low fluid, leaky seal, pump, strut... Often times an ABC failure will be preceded by a vehicle sag on one of the corners when parked for several days. Nevertheless have it checked out before the problem progresses to a costly failure.
#4
#5
Super Member
Found front strut dripping and abc lines weeping hydraulic fluids. Doing coilovers conversion. Strut job alone cost $750 with flushing and price are just parts and DIY. Coilovers cost $1k plus $50-75 for PS pump & reservoir. Done! Not dumping money on a 16 yo system
#6
Super Member
where are u finding a coil over kit for 1k? I’m guessing it doesn’t include proper sway bars & you’ll be very disappointed in the results
#7
Super Member
My buddy stopped by with his SL55 on coilovers without sway; I didn’t noticed any “very disappointment” difference.
Tons of guys done the conversion and haven’t reported any disappointment. Hmmmmmmm
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#8
Super Member
The sl350 sway is insufficient for the weight of the 55. VVK is the only sway bar set in aware of that’s got enough torsional rigidity & designed for the v8.
did u try going fast or taking turns in the car without sway bars?
the original ABC will likely both ride & handle better than a coil over kit. That’s the entire point of an adaptive suspension; giving less compromise between the 2. You can get coil over to handle better (certainly not without a sway bar though) but it’s gonna ride like a lumber wagon (just read reviews on the sl65 black series).
there’s been a lot of people regret going to coilover. Look at the CL & S class forums where it’s more common
did u try going fast or taking turns in the car without sway bars?
the original ABC will likely both ride & handle better than a coil over kit. That’s the entire point of an adaptive suspension; giving less compromise between the 2. You can get coil over to handle better (certainly not without a sway bar though) but it’s gonna ride like a lumber wagon (just read reviews on the sl65 black series).
there’s been a lot of people regret going to coilover. Look at the CL & S class forums where it’s more common
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Das Geld 2 (04-22-2021)
#9
Super Member
The sl350 sway is insufficient for the weight of the 55. VVK is the only sway bar set in aware of that’s got enough torsional rigidity & designed for the v8.
did u try going fast or taking turns in the car without sway bars?
the original ABC will likely both ride & handle better than a coil over kit. That’s the entire point of an adaptive suspension; giving less compromise between the 2. You can get coil over to handle better (certainly not without a sway bar though) but it’s gonna ride like a lumber wagon (just read reviews on the sl65 black series).
there’s been a lot of people regret going to coilover. Look at the CL & S class forums where it’s more common
did u try going fast or taking turns in the car without sway bars?
the original ABC will likely both ride & handle better than a coil over kit. That’s the entire point of an adaptive suspension; giving less compromise between the 2. You can get coil over to handle better (certainly not without a sway bar though) but it’s gonna ride like a lumber wagon (just read reviews on the sl65 black series).
there’s been a lot of people regret going to coilover. Look at the CL & S class forums where it’s more common
#10
Super Member
To do a proper coilover with sway bars you’re looking at a ton of labor & the subframe needing dropped BTW
#11
Super Member
think my main concerns are the hydraulic lines bursting. A few line configuration are under the subframes...if they start leaking, I’d hate to deal with that.
#12
Super Member
Main ones that have issues are the pressure side hoses that are exposed to heat in the engine compartment area. The others usually don’t have issues. On mine I had the lines removed & AN fittings welded on. That way in the future when a rubber part starts weeping I can just easily remove that rubber section without removing the entire line. I also wrapped all the lines in heat shielding, which should extend their life dramatically.
#13
Super Member
Main ones that have issues are the pressure side hoses that are exposed to heat in the engine compartment area. The others usually don’t have issues. On mine I had the lines removed & AN fittings welded on. That way in the future when a rubber part starts weeping I can just easily remove that rubber section without removing the entire line. I also wrapped all the lines in heat shielding, which should extend their life dramatically.
#15
Super Member
#16
What coilovers did you end up using? What swaybar(s) would you recommend?
#17
Super Member
Went cheap and did BC Racing. I’m looking to get the RMT sway bars within near future. Coilovers doing good, no complaints or worry about getting slam.
#18
#19
Super Member
Google BC racing for SL55, bought from hoonigan for $999. DIY, I’m pleased