SL55/63/65/R230 AMG ABC Maintenance?

Aug 27, 2025 | 12:51 PM

ldp010

Thread Starter

Junior Member

Joined: Mar 2011

Posts: 17

Likes: 1

From: SF North Bay

2012 SL 63

ABC Maintenance?

Hi. I have a 2012 (maybe mid-year 2011) SL63 with 92K miles that I bought in May 2024. Has a fantastic dealer maintenance history but there is nothing pertaining to ABC maintenance. No filter, no fluid change, no accumulator changes, etc... I have zero issues (currently) and the system works beautifully, but fear this system is a ticking time bomb. What can/should I do to extend the serviceability and use of the ABC system? I've seen mention of a filter and fluid flush. Is there a DIY thread on how to do this? Would it make sense to proactively replace the accumulators?

I found this thread: https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...-one-side.html and it appears replacing the accumulators and some bulging hoses were needed but this person's ABC system was problematic (sagging). Wondering if I should start with a filter and fluid flush and wait for something to go wrong?

Thanks a million in advance...

-Larry

Aug 27, 2025 | 03:14 PM

Iceclimber7

Member

Joined: May 2024

Posts: 104

Likes: 26

SL55

I am not blessed with a 63 but I think the consensus is regular fluid and filter change is a very good idea. My records showed a complete fluid change before I bought the car, so I have only done the accumulators which were throwing errors.

Aug 27, 2025 | 03:38 PM

Baltistyle

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: Feb 2017

Posts: 2,296

Likes: 1,204

From: Baltimore County, MD

'13 s212 63 p30. '06 LX470

Quote:

Originally Posted by ldp010

Start with a very good fluid change with filter. This will help you see the condition of the oil and if it contains any foaminess, rubber or metal bits. IF anything fails, you sill get a light. The best way to prevent hose failures is to replace any accumulators as soon as they fail BUT and a big but is that if you wait for failure, you may get rubber in the lines which is a huge pain to deal with. The system is very easy to work on mechanically. Having xentry or a good diagnostic tool that can read every sensor and module is very necessary imo for the best maintenance. It also allows a better bleed when using rodeo or pitch features, which is better than trying by pushing up and down repeatedly. Last, for the best bleed, depending on your year, is the AGA bleed tool. Depending where you are located, you may be able to borrow one from a member. Im in MD and have one. Oh, make sure to use the right fluid, not the "compatible"fluid. Buy it bulk from amazon or the like, or FCP in their kit, its a fortune to try to buy locally.

Aug 31, 2025 | 10:31 PM

C280 Sport

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Joined: Jan 2009

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From: NY & FL

MB’s of all kinds.

100% do a fluid change. It provides piece of mind. If the oil is good well that is a good sign. Maybe even inspect the system itself such as hoses and fittings.

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SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: ABC Maintenance?

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: ABC Maintenance?