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

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: ABC question

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Old 03-28-2021, 04:18 PM
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2003 SL55 AMG GT , 2000 BMW 323I coupe
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,
Old 03-28-2021, 07:10 PM
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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.
Old 03-29-2021, 10:23 AM
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Originally Posted by 03sl55amgmjd
Also, my ABC light appears whenever I drive over a hump in the road...
A classic symptom of a worn front and/or rear accumulator. These cost about $120 and are a fairly easy DIY repair.
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Old 04-01-2021, 06:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Miami2021
A classic symptom of a worn front and/or rear accumulator. These cost about $120 and are a fairly easy DIY repair.

This. Had that exact symptom happen on my SL
Old 04-09-2021, 03:36 AM
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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
Old 04-10-2021, 12:17 PM
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Originally Posted by MSG 55G
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
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
Old 04-10-2021, 01:22 PM
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Originally Posted by carguyshu
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
BC Racing, Silver, Yellow, strut master...tons of options for around $1k. VVK got package set as well but pricey. Seen front sways options for $500.

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
Old 04-10-2021, 01:40 PM
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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
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Old 04-10-2021, 02:14 PM
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Originally Posted by carguyshu
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
TBH, I haven’t been very impressed with the ABC system, I’m sure is a great system when new. But after 16 years, I’m not sure it’s worth investing and dumping $$$$ to it for daily operations.
Attached Thumbnails ABC question-77f40a56-74a3-4a73-aa28-39b592877dcd.jpeg  
Old 04-10-2021, 02:34 PM
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To do a proper coilover with sway bars you’re looking at a ton of labor & the subframe needing dropped BTW
Old 04-10-2021, 03:18 PM
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Originally Posted by carguyshu
To do a proper coilover with sway bars you’re looking at a ton of labor & the subframe needing dropped BTW
Oh yeah! Coilovers not too bad, front sway can be endured but the rear is a humongous job but doable.

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.
Old 04-10-2021, 03:39 PM
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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.
Old 04-10-2021, 08:02 PM
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Originally Posted by carguyshu
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.
thanks, you got any pictures to share?
Old 04-11-2021, 10:36 AM
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Old 04-11-2021, 12:40 PM
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Originally Posted by carguyshu

thanks
Old 12-21-2021, 08:07 PM
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Originally Posted by MSG 55G
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
All the Way!
What coilovers did you end up using? What swaybar(s) would you recommend?
Old 12-22-2021, 07:28 AM
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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.
Old 12-22-2021, 08:23 AM
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Originally Posted by MSG 55G
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.
Can you link me to part #s? Was cost the driving factor? But you are pleased, right?
Old 12-22-2021, 07:25 PM
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Google BC racing for SL55, bought from hoonigan for $999. DIY, I’m pleased

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