My 2003 with 65k miles blew the front transverse line near the pump. It cost me $1800 USD to replace, mostly due to labor (and the expensive fluid) because the front crossnember had to be dropped as well as other disassembly. I knew there was a risk when I bought the car and set aside $ for repairs. I plan to rebuild the valve blocks as there is some settling after the car sits more than 3 days. Love the car!
Hi Guys im from France and im about to buy an SL 500 , 2003 with 200000km , for 6000 k, the car is from UK So the driving side is on the right but im ok with that< its one of the reason why its so cheap!! the car looks really really good!! i love it!! But after reading all theses comments im actually a bit confused. I asked the seller about the suspensions and he said that he changed them last year and that the car works fine, no probleme! what else should i ask check before buying ? do you think its worth it for 6k ? thnks
My advice, based on a CL500, is 1 Replace the fluid regularly 2 Use a specialist to perform the 'Rodeo' calibration 3 Regularly activate ABC Sport setting 4 Regularly raise and lower the car. I always do it for speed bumps. From my experience regular use and maintainence are the keys. When it's working it is brilliant.
too bad you are not near me. I am a MB tech who specializes in the ABC system. it is an awesome system when you know how to fix it correctly and take care of it properly. make sure you repl all 4 accumulators, filter, fluid. then every oil change suck out abc fluid and refill the reservoir with new fluid. when the accumulators wear out they destroy everything else. same with the fluid.
@@wilbertwilson9387 IN FLORIDA. if they are older than 10 years they will be getting old. make sure the accumulators are replaced. they go first and cause the old weak hoses to break.
dann hienn @dann: are the accumulators the one with nitrogen inside? I heard once nitrogen leaks out, any road bump will all go to the hydraulic and the weakest hose will burst.
Dear @narcissistinjurygiver2932, Can I ask you for information? The ABC error appears periodically. Diagnostics shows error - C1127-001 Malfunction in component B22/5 (plunger stroke sensor, front right). When the engine warms up, if the car is stopped, turned off and started again, the suspension works as expected, there is no ABC error. If the suspension starts working, then you can drive and there are no errors. But if you stop the car for 5 minutes, turning off the engine, then the ABC error will pop up again, if the car runs for a minute, turn it off, and immediately start it again, the suspension works again as if nothing had happened, there is no error. I'm not sure if this is a sensor problem at all. As a Mercedes technician, what can you say about such a problem? Where to look for the problem? Is this related to this sensor or could there be another reason?
ABC is nearly single handedly responsible for the epic depreciation that SL' s suffer from. Even the many barely driven SL's are drastically cut in market value. Especially here in America were people define reliability as a car's tolerance for neglect. Driving the SL and experiencing the compliant ride paired with very very tight flat handling was astonishing. Few cars can ride so smoothly and yet corner completely flat. Then it can change it's ride height automatically or on demand as stated. Few super cars can do all that [ I don't know of any] This is exotic car technology.
fann0727 don’t buy an SL if you have no tolerance for ABC. If you insist on replacing it with springs and struts it can be done without error codes but the handling is much worse.
This technology was invented by Citroen in the 30s or 40s and perfected with years. Mercedes has just complicated so maintenance must be extremely expensive and profitable for them.
Very helpful video thanks have some abc issues on a car i just bought recently wish i seen the video earlier . Lovely car love driving it but deff should have done more research before buying you only see videos of the good stuff usualy
I have a Mercedes w215 with abc and costs are bearable only need to be looked after I drove about 60 thousand km I repair myself and the prices of repairs have not yet exceeded 500 euros (or an equivalent amount) you just forgot to mention the pressure accumulators (which should be replaced every 60k km according to the service book Regards, the channel is cool and reliable my car is from 1999 and now it have258 k km thx
I had both front suspension struts on my SL55 reconditioned last year by a German company called 'Zadow Automotive'. Easy and efficient to deal with; excellent workmanship!..
I had a leak on my AMG CL55 near the near side rear wheel caused by the ABC pipe going through a clamp which had over the years worn a small hole in the pipe. Had I gone to the main dealer it most probably have been a very expensive job because that pipe routes over the back axle and would have necessitated the lowering of the rear axle. I went to my local hydraulic pipe specialist and had a piece of pipe made up with two high pressure joints and connectors at each end. A small section of pipe was cut out and the new replacement one was inserted using the high pressure joint connectors. Cost of the pipe and connectors was £125. There was just the cost of some fluid to add to this amount.
My CL55 rubber boot on RR strut started cracking which let in sand & road debris. That stuff messed up the seal on it. Now I need a new one. So lesson learned keep up with your boots. China makes them. I just ordered a complete set of 4 off eBay for like $100. If they start to crack replace them immediately
Great video! Very good explanation of the system. When I bought my SL55 AMG I didn’t know it has this system but find it very interesting. Although for my type of driving a standard “steel suspension” would be enough, I like it. I did an hydraulic fluid change myself at 105000 km. As I only drive it in good weather, after not driving it for a week or two the rear end of my car sag’s but recovers as soon as I start it. I love the car but too many bells and whistles !
As MGUY states - ensure your MB has been maintained by main dealer with FMBSH, but that being said - once you buy one of these vehicles, so you may have to spend a few grand getting right - who cares your driving a 100k + top end sports cars and even in 10 more years it will still be an Icon and as much fun.
In my SL 55 AMG I have an extra magnetic filter that being developed by a German company. The previous owner of my car also wisting then and rebuilt the ABC system for 5k euro. As I learned, the oil is hydroscopic. Meaning it drag moisture into the system from the air. So I shift oil every second yeare. Same like break fluid. Thanks for good educational videos. Best luck from Norway
Nice video. In my opinion people that experience major problems with the ABC suspension did not maintain it properly. They don’t realize the importance of flushing out the fluid periodically. They don’t realize the importance of replacing the rubber seals and hoses before they start to dry rot. Also people that buy these ABC suspension Benz’s especially used probably can’t afford to properly maintain the car to begin with.
I bought a CL500 with low miles last year at a steal of a price, due to parts of the ABC system needing maintenance. I bought a set of brand new coil overs for pretty much the same price as one ABC strut and did the conversion. My tandem pump was still in good shape so I re-routed the ABC side to a low pressure loop. This is a viable option for those not wanting to spend the money overhauling the ABC system. Does it handle as well as ABC? Of course not, it handles just like a regular car with conventional suspension since the “active” part of it no longer applies. For me, it didn’t matter so much since the car is a third car for me and I mainly use it on longer distance out of town trips. It is a strangely good feeling though, not having to worry about whether you will blow an ABC hydraulic line or whether the valve block will fail and your car will start sagging.
i wouldnt lower the car - it puts more strain on the system so a failure is more probable. furthermore it doesnt get sportier (handling wise) - on the contrary.
Absolutely stellar video! You covered and answered every single question I had. I was considering trading up from my R170 to an R230 and wanted to get some real-world input on life with ABC. Thank you for your honesty and detailed information.
If it fails just convert to coil and normal strut system with front and read stabilizers. Alsonnew pump(normal one). Easy job to find the parts in europe or other markets where the 350 was sold, as parts are interchangeable! Good video !!!
I've considered this option in the event of a catastrophic failure. If you can do it yourself it can be a good alternative. If not, the labor to install the sway bars is quite high as the differential/rear has to be dropped as well as the front crossnember. Removing all the ABC lines and components is rather intensive as well. Not necessary but will save quite a bit of weight.
Excellent video for a number of reasons: 1) despite driving while filming, audio was excellent, 2) points well explained, 3) you covered the subject objectively. Good job man
Thanks man. I’m considering a 02 CL55 it’s for a really good price but big reason to the suspension being shot dead. Has me REALLY reevaluating my decisions.
I love that red interior!!!!! sl55 is my favourite car...except for the new mercedes gtr and the gt63. That said, I bought the cls55 because of the engine. Simply put, the m113k is the sweetest thing I've set my eyes upon. Once I tore out that aweul airmatic system and put in coilovers, the car is bulletproof. You should mention about the maintenance you're gunna need on the conductor plate of your transmission. $60 CAD part out of China and you're golden.
I just got 2004 sl500 and will immediately change the ABC to the hydraulic coils conversion kit which costs 2000 bucks. I paid 10k for this car and I want it to last my lifetime and as flawlessly as possible. I can't think of a car that looks so nice, especially driving with the top down, so I will keep it until the cows come home. I plan to change the radio as this one looks dumb, and I want the real wood steering wheel. Other than that, it looks and runs nicely. Having an 8 cylinder feels glorious after a lifetime of 4 cyls, plus I've given up on this whole "saving the planet" bs since all them fake environmentalist celebs fly private jets anyway. In today's inflated money, it would easily cost over $100,000 new, so driving a super car with the top down is a special experience; I plan to commute in this car and upgrade my life. Why not?
Hi! Great video. Very informative. I have a 2009 SL63 that I've owned for 2 yr. now. Great car. 87000 miles. I've replace one ign. coil and just recently the high press. hose coming from the pump started leaking. Luckily I caught in my driveway so no great lose of fluid. I purchased a new hose and am in process of replacing it. I am the second owner. Previous owner had all service work completed at the Mercedes Benz Dealer. I have history and all Maintenance has been completed per scheduled time. Am very happy with the car. Am going to raise car and remove panels to check all other hoses in the system. Hopefully I will avoid an on the road failure.
Thanks for that video. I have a 2007 SL550, whose ABC system has worked very well for the most part, in the 10,000+ miles that I have owned the car. The problems I have had have consisted of one broken height sensor when I got the car (the plastic arm broke in half), and a failed pulsation damper. The sensor, of course, caused an ABC fault code. I replaced it with a used one, but did not pay to have the heights recalibrated, as that, AFAIK, requires STAR. It still works OK, but I think it could benefit from recalibration to even out the tire wear. Re the pulsation damper, it doesn't appear to hurt the system, at least short term, but is very noisy. Pretty easy fix, although the rebuilt part is $200. BTW, if you had the opportunity to run through setting the suspension height with your knock-off STAR system, I would be very interested in a video of that. Cheers!
I have a sl600 and no amount pre maintenance can help, father time takes his course on these almost 20 year old vehicles, I change my fluid/filters often but I'm replacing my abc pump right now. This something you have to live with older hp vehicles, they still cheaper to maintain then older Lamborghinis, Ferraris.
Thank you for this, I am checking out a very cheap on in a few days. Will try and get there early and check it out when it is cold and then get that ride hight button pressed once it is running. Does everyone agree that this is the biggest worry about buying these? What a machine for not much money I hope it works...!!! 😍
Dear, Can I ask you for information? The ABC error appears periodically. Diagnostics shows error - C1127-001 Malfunction in component B22/5 (plunger stroke sensor, front right). When the engine warms up, if the car is stopped, turned off and started again, the suspension works as expected, there is no ABC error. If the suspension starts working, then you can drive and there are no errors. But if you stop the car for 5 minutes, turning off the engine, then the ABC error will pop up again, if the car runs for a minute, turn it off, and immediately start it again, the suspension works again as if nothing had happened, there is no error. I'm not sure if this is a sensor problem at all. As a Mercedes technician, what can you say about such a problem? Where to look for the problem? Is this related to this sensor or could there be another reason?
Most of these issues with the ABC system is simply from never ever flushing the fluid. Of course when there is an issue then its a 5K repair, which could have been avoided for a few hundred in fluid and filters.
I noticed my 2003 SL55 seemed to be running warm so when I got back to my garage, I opened the hood/bonnet and the cap on the ABC reservoir blew off and hit the ceiling and then the ABC oil boiled out of the tank on to the ground for almost three minutes until almost none was left in the tank. Am awaiting an appt with my mechanic to see what happened. After watching this video, I think it might be the pump. Wish me luck!
Very interersting, I did know a lot of the points you raised but it was good to hear someone else share my opinions. Personally I do not rate the ABC system. I have a 2013 Jaguar XKR and it goes around corners like it is on a rail road, I know the SL55 is heavier, but the ABC is not worth the hassle and no better than y XKR. I bought and sold within 9 months (sold due to fear of ABC / Struts failures - £1000 per strut) a 2004 SL500, lovely car but lazy engine and the fear of failure forced me to sell, HOWEVER, I am now looking to buy a 2002=2004 SL55 and I am prepared to take charge of a time bomb as the power and sound ease my mind.....!!!! Good Video, Thumbs Up!
So it's similar to the 70 year old Citroen designed hydraulic suspension? Even the hydraulic fluid is green à la Citroen, the same fluid Jaguar used in its braking system and self-levelling suspension 🤔
One ABC check into take a white pipe cleaner and dip it into the ABC reservoir to check the color of the fluid. If brown vs green expect issues for sure. I have had to replace one front strut on my 06 S65. SL55 is low milage and trouble free.
Common can someone help. I hope I can trust you cuz you all claim to be real Mercedes enthusiasts .so many people Ive ran into nd so many people that have owned a car with the. Same problem !!yet nobody ever helped!! Ima make my own detailed videos nd I hope I get a bunch of followers too wtf yall Ain't even posting shit. Yall ain't even helping the mb community out . Yall ain't even covering nothing. Even the videos that say they are that's pretty much bs! I know at least 1 damn person has had the problem . I seen sooooooooooo many videos with the same problem yet nobody!! Seems to know. .common on man !
My pump started leaking when a piston plug backed out and cracked the pump's reservoir. I replaced the pump with a rebuilt unit from Amazon for $350. Plus the cost of several liters of CHF11S and a new ABC filter. About $500 for all plus my time. The knowledge I gained is priceless. Oh, I did buy a Star SDS system to read and clear codes and perform routines such as Rodeo, but Star will continue to pay for itself beyond this one repair job.
Hi Mguy, very useful video. Couple of great tips. I've just bought my first SL500 with usage of your recommendations. Thanks for all of this. Happy to see more...
The ABC pump has been changed on my 2005 SL 500 plus two shocks but it was still under warranty. Since 2009 no problem and no maintenance on that system. I had to pay for another pump in the trunk that operate the roof system plus one more shock has to be change. Car run like new and the ABC system works perfectly. It is stored in winter and always park in the garage used it only on weekends. Since 2008 I only made oil change of the engine directly at the MB dealer and no other maintenance what so ever. The car has only 40 000 miles and looks like new. If something broke and I have to pay a few thousands dollars and have to invest on it it's not a deal breaker cause for the same money I will not get a car like this. It's a Fantastic machine and so beautiful plus it is extremely "fun" to drive. The more it get older the more it look unique. Silver color with light grey interior with black glass roof. SL 500 has also more then enough power for a reasonable driver.
Despite all the expense of rebuilding the "block" the CL500 (once MGUY 3) still settles down on the front right corner after 4-5 days standing, fortunately though it still works perfectly, so well in fact that the first couple of times it sagged I started the engine in the garage without getting in the car and when I half sat in the car to reach the "raise" button it felt like a kick in the bum when I pushed it. The mystery is that there is no loss of hydraulic fluid in or outside the system.
Sorry to hear that Richard but I think even MB say some sagging after a few days is within spec, actually, and as you say, pressing the height control will restore it immediately. If no fluid leaks then I think you're OK. I have to say the SL seems less prone to the sagging than the CL - not sure if there are any differences in the systems...
great question! Besides there is also a system that controls the shocks damper valves electrically. I am sure it's got to have built-in weaknesses for good measire 👍
I bought a 2002 SL500 with 34000 miles on it 4 months ago with the intention of touring as a supplement to my BMW GS1200 motorbike and I planned the same route through Spain that I would have taken on my bike. First of all without ABC I doubt I could have travelled to some of the places we visited without damaging the front of the car. I'm talking about extremely steep ramps on ferries and at hotels and driving on rough mountain roads and dirt tracks. The bike would eat these for breakfast but so did the car and in addition it goes round corners as fast as I would go on a bike. The SL is as much about adventure for me as the bike, myself and my wife both find the SL a fantastic way to explore especially with the roof down. It also great to be able to put the roof up at the touch of a button when it starts raining. I understand the concerns on the ABC system but it wouldnt be the same car without it, push a button and forget about limited ground clearance and engage sport mode for amazing cornering ability. The SL500's are cheap to buy now so should be in reach of a modest budget like mine and compared to buying a new bike at £20k the savings are more than enough to maintain the ABC.
That's a lot of parts! Great video was curious why my 94sl500 was so smooth going around corners? If felt like the back end was floating then would roll straight when I press the gas again!! Thank you!
The ABC system was only introduced in the R230 SL in 2002, so if yours is a 94 SL500 (R129) if may have the optional adaptive damping system (ADS) - sounds like it may be a similar system
Another tell tale sign the system hasn’t been maintained well is to smell the fluid in the reservoir. If it smells burnt then trouble is not far away with regards to the pump. I had to replace two struts, the pump and a dampener in my CL500. Fortunately the car was under a warranty at the time and covered the cost.
Great video! I have a r230 too.. My right front corner of my car sags at times. Not all the time. But I need need to get O-rings replaced eventually. What I do now is if it doesn't correct itself, I merely up the suspension a level. And lower the suspension down almost immediately ! This is been going on for a couple years not much of a change! And oddly the cold weather doesn't affect the is much as the warm weather! I have lost I don't think any fluid but I have had the ABC fluid changed about a year and 1/2 ago. Once again great video! I very rarely dried this and ABC sports mode,, but I have opted for the sports mode.
Some say that sagging after a few days is normal behaviour and your method of correction is perfectly adequate! Replacing the o rings would almost certainly fix this - thanks for watching!
What if my switches dont work .. but it goes up on it's own . EXCEPT Right rear does not come up watsoever .I have no leaks and I fixed the buttons so the 2 little lights and everything comes on
Excellent video! I live in North Ryde, just bought my 08 S63 and have had the accelerator sensor changed as this causes the abc to go a tad funny when accelerating. Also my radar unit has gone so replacing that also. They can become corroded inside them!
I've had a CL500 for four years 3 new struts 2 valve blocks 2 tandem pumps It's currently broken again after another blown tandem pump. I'm removing this system and moving to yellowspeed coilovers and ripping this system out.
Fluid flushed and a rubber conditioner agent are key to maintaining the seals, o rings, rubber lines, and tandem rubber pump seals. ATP-205 in the USA at least is proven to restore rubber elasticity and density. For o rings it restore the original size without swelling beyond its original size. No matter the concentration even without dilution. Use it in both PS and ABC reservoir as its the same pump that runs both hydraulic systems. Helps the valve block o rings as well.
Hey brother i have a 2013 s550 and after driving traction off alittle bit having fun in the rain. My steering went hard i dont know what could be wrong it keeps getting heavier and very anoying to drive
If the steering is getting heavier that indicates a possible problem with the power steering pump, which is also the ABC pump - suggest getting it checked out pretty quick...
@@mguytv i was thinking to drive it untill it gets worse because the. Computer says its perfect no codes and i got tired of spending money on diegnostics . Do you think a fluid flush can fix the problem ? I used a seringe to get some of the oil out and it looks pretty clean At this point I don't know what I can do to get the problem fixed feels like a old BMW . Thanks for the reply
Just had a hose blown on my 2003 SL500 Base model . Part no. A230 997 67 82. Just purchased part for 170.00USD. All fluid leaked out and made quite a mess. Have the car on my own lift at home and will change that part myself. Car only has 17000 original miles. Took wheel well inserts out and exposed the blown hose. Waiting for part to come. My question is when I change the part do I just fill the reservoir with hydraulic fluid and do I have to charge the system again. Also would like to know how I can change the filter for the ABC system and where it is located. Any information that you can give me will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
I have a 2003 sl55 amg I have had the pump replaced on the ABC system and have replaced the o-ring and seal behind the left front tire I believe the sensors are bad on the left for and right rear struts Haven’t had much luck locating just the sensors Other than that it’s been a great system
Hi Guys im from France and im about to buy an SL 500 , 2003 with 200000km , for 6000 k, the car is from UK So the driving side is on the right but im ok with that< its one of the reason why its so cheap!! the car looks really really good!! i love it!! But after reading all theses comments im actually a bit confused. I asked the seller about the suspensions and he said that he changed them last year and that the car works fine, no probleme! what else should i ask check before buying ? do you think its worth it for 6k ? thnks
I had a 2009 SL 550 AMG that had serious issues with only 38000 miles on it. At first, it was a noise coming from the dual power steering pump. I changed the CHS 11 fluid and bled the entire system. It lessened the noise for a while. Then it blew a hose and that ruined the dual pump and the hose and pump and pulsation dampener had to be replaced (that cost a fortune) after that the front right strut started leaking and needed repair right away or I could lose another pump. After repairing that another strut started leaking. That made me sell the car as I had had enough of that garbage system that Mercedes intentionally sells that is designed to drain your wallet. Honestly, I thought it would be a much better-made vehicle than it was. On a dependability score, I would give it a 3 out of 10. If you buy one make sure you have something else to drive while your Mercedes is being worked on. A very expensive vehicle to maintain as it has so many unnecessary parts that are designed to break. I would never buy one again!
Have a 2011 S600 almost from new and with now 78,000 km with any possible maintenance done but just changed the tandem pump as it made whining noise. Dealer confirmed need to be changed after around 80,000 km - keep in mind that this rather expensive pump breaks sooner or later... Other than that fantastic ride and ideal combination with the V12.
Hi from Scotland , excellent video and very informative,I’ve owned my SL500 2002 model for about 5 months now and love it , today I noticed it sitting lower at the rear passenger side , now it may have been like this since I bought it and only now caught my eye , the car was owned by a local garage owner and very well maintained ( I haven’t spoken to him yet to see if it was like this when he had it ) . Today I measured the 4 corners and all 4 different measured, the main difference is that the rear passenger body at wheel is 17mm lower than the drivers side , about three quarters of an inch , quite noticeable now that I know it’s like that . I have used the suspension height settings and its are working fine , I have the car on a ramp and can see no leaks , just checked fluid and it’s fine and looks recent . Just wondering if each corner height can be manually adjusted and does the front sit the same height above wheels as rear . Many thanks
He has been very lucky with the ABC. Once he starts having the issues and expense from that garbage ABC system he will have another opinion. It's designed to break and drain you of massive amounts of cash. Never will I be the sucker who buys that again.
Just seen this video very informative 👍I’m based in UK can decide between sl 500 or the 3.7 It’s mainly going to be used weekends but realise the car need ticking over during the week keep the fluids going along with the roof being used regularly any other tip I should know ???
My right side goes down as soon as I drive off and slowly settles back as I drive away. It used to go up and down responsively but isn't doing what should or used to. Any advice? Is it the block? Thank you for your great videos. 2003 SL55 AMG with ~74K.
I have a 2008 SL550 that I purchased in November of 2022. Recently I started hearing a whirring, whining type noise coming from the front left of the car. Took it to the shop and was told the bearings in the tandem pump are going bad. So it is now sitting at the shop waiting for the part(s) to come in so it can be replaced. Hopefully, as you mentioned in the video, no metal fragments have been pumped through the ABC system that are going to lead to other issues.
Hi, I got a 2014 W222 S550 with the magic body control aka abc. Is it same with the older generation abc system in 215 220 230? should I do something extra maintenance compared to regular Airmatic W222? As you said that the abc system cost a lot to repair when it broke. I’m already worrying about that system cause the car is getting aged, also there isn’t much discussion about that ABC system on w222.
Go to your local MB dealer to have them inspect the MBC system condition. If no history of fluid flush, you should do it right away. Preventive care is always cheaper than waiting for the warning light to come on.
Thanks for a great video. I am UK based and about to purchase an SL55 AMG. The one I have my eyes on is a 2003 with full main dealer history so I hope I can check the ABC service history. Can I ask what mileage yours has done? The one I am interested in is just on 100k but with such a good history I'm not to worried.
Hi from Slovenia, Mguy. Great stuff u got there and here on yt. I'm interested, if ABC suspension works only when the button is pressed, or all the time (kind of comfort setting)? So, when the button is off, car drives comfy but dives more at the curves...? Thx a lot for the answer.
I purchased a 2004 SL500 with only 31,000 miles on it. The ABC system was amazing! Although, after 2 years of ownership and 10,000 miles later the dreaded ABC warning light popped up. Was quoted for nearly $7,000 to replace a leaky strut and a sensor. If one needed replacement then the other 3 were going to need replacement in the near future. Fixing all 4 is more than the value of the vehicle, so I decided it was time for a trade in. I loved and enjoyed every second in my SL but I would warn others to be mindful of the costs to repair the ABC system.
It sounds like you didn’t check/maintain your SL500 ABC system until the warning light came on, which is usually too late. A 2004 SL500 is a 16 years old car (assuming we’re talking 2020), it’s a14 year old when you bought it 2 years ago with only 31k miles. All fluids and their hoses including ABC are must check/replace items that should never be skipped for a 14 years old Mercedes that was sitting as a garage queen all these years.
