bkhack

Hi folks!
my SL63 AMG 2009 leaked all of the ABC system fluid .
leak happened all of a sudden when I moved the car to my home garage! Driven it less than 10 feet!
all fluid got spelled .
took to dealership who said it’s the hydraulic hose and it’s 250$! However they quoted me $10k as they said they will need to remove the engine completely to do the work!
Car has around 50k miles on it.
they said they will replace the engine mounts as they are lifting the engine so they might replace the mounts as well. They also said it needs B service , new batteries and coolant flush !
I feel this is way too much and wondering if the repair can be done without lifting the engine?
thoughts please?

stormhammer

... I feel like they're doing it by the book but it can basically be done at home on a lift - at least I know you can on the S-class and the CL's etc

ldeem

I am not familiar with the SL63 but if you lost all the fluid that would mean the line broke somewhere between the pump and first valve block or pressure regulator. In that case it probably isn't surprising workshop method is to pull the engine.

In your case if they told you the PN of the line or you can identify which line broke you could try calling around independent shops to see what they charge.

Some people splice in new line using compression fittings.

bkhack

thank you so much. Any link oh how to do it please?

bkhack

Thank you so much .
- Most of the fluid is gone , I checked the reservoir and o can confirm only a little at the bottom left. It all spelled out in amatter of a few seconds.

stormhammer

There are a lot of YouTube videos out there on it. I'd recommend that and maybe get a chassis service manual as well

bkhack

Thank you so much. I'm going to take the car from the dealership today as the price is ridiculous.

E55Greasemonkey

Several of the ABC hoses on that side run between the subframe and body, which at minimum requires lowering or removal of the subframe. The hoses then run along the firewall behind the engine.. in your case with the 6.3 not much room to work with. Keep in mind the ABC hard lines are installed at the factory BEFORE the drivetrain is installed. Get a second opinion, but it's a lot of work and you might as well replace any other lines in the area while it's all apart. The ABC system on these cars is great....when it's new and under warranty. After that, it is, and will continue to be a nightmare as long as you own the car.

bkhack

Thank you so much.

bkhack

Update : Dealership diagnose :
ABC line from valve Block (front) to separation point on main floor active leak.

Given this update. is it possible to be replace without removing the engine?
I found at least 3 mechanic shops who confirmed that engine removal is not needed !

Thanks in advance.

bkhack

Update: Got it fixed for a fraction of the dealership price and without taking out the engine or transmission.
I spoke to a technician at Mercedes who works for a different dealership, different state, and he confirmed that they never take out the engine for such service but they have to go by Mercedes book when they do the write up!
Total ripoff and it seems many people fall for it!
To summarize! Never ever have the dealership fix your car. you may get a diagnosis but not the actual service! even the engine mounts don't require a removal of the engine!