RichInCanada

I am picking up a 2005 SL65 AMG.

Is the ABC1 that inferior in ride and handling vs. the 2006+ ABC2 system on these cars ?

I have a great mechanic, what can/should be upgraded on the ABC1 aside from regular fluid and filter changes ?

Barry Hanna

Unless you have records showing a recent service, change the ABC fluid immediately if not sooner. And make sure they do a proper “rodeo” purge. And make sure the area around the fill and check points are operating room clean. There’s not much else to do because at that age seals and o rings will inevitably deteriorate and leak. At that point, prepare to spend lots of dollars on repair. It’s just the nature of the beast. When you face the astronomical repair estimate you may want to consider removing the ABC system and retrofitting a spring, strut and anti-roll bar suspension. Tovarish on You Tube has a video of the process and parts lists.That will save you half or more than a dealer rebuild with the advantage of no further surprises from what may be the most complicated system since a 747. Prayer is always an option.

carguyshu

only difference with ABC is one accumulator is on the pump rather than on the pressure relief valve in the fender and there is no return accumulator since the programming is slightly different. at stops instead of just activating the locking valve it will slowly move the car slightly up/down so that pressure isn't built up. the valve blocks started being manufactured by someone else and look a bit different and are NOT rebuild able with ABC 2, but new valve blocks and older onces are a straight swap for the front, but require a few different hoses to be changed in the back b/c of rerouting. nothing really noteworthy other than that. over the course of production many hoses got beefier with more heat shielding. i wrapped all of my pressure side hoses in the engine compartment with heat wrap after having them rebuilt to extend their life. ABC 2 is not really anymore reliable than ABC 1. The hydraulic hoses have a lifespan based on heat/age and the best thing you can do is try and protect them from heat to extend their life.