SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: ABC question
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 164
Likes: 13
From: NJ
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,
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,
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 271
Likes: 3
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.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 4
Likes: 2
2003 SL500, 1998 SL500
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 699
Likes: 75
From: OC, CA
2006 E55
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
Super Member
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
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
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 699
Likes: 75
From: OC, CA
2006 E55
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
Trending Topics
Super Member
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
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
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 699
Likes: 75
From: OC, CA
2006 E55
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
Super Member
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
To do a proper coilover with sway bars you’re looking at a ton of labor & the subframe needing dropped BTW
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 699
Likes: 75
From: OC, CA
2006 E55
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.
Super Member
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
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.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 699
Likes: 75
From: OC, CA
2006 E55
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 328
Likes: 22
2004 SL55 AMG
What coilovers did you end up using? What swaybar(s) would you recommend?
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 328
Likes: 22
2004 SL55 AMG
