ABC System Flush in 2012 Mercedes Benz S65

[@sixpointthreeamg]

Thanks for the video! Purchased the tool, fluid and filter and performed the service today on my S63. It took quite awhile to warm up the fluid in the rodeo mode as you wrote but the actual drain and fill and Dynamic Test to finish were pretty quick. I also used a funnel which made it very easy to pour and watch and was able to do it by myself. I had two 5 liter Pentosin jugs, so it was easier than ten bottles. I found your video watching somebody else's video on an oil change and that person talked about the ABC hydraulic fluid....then my interest started. Found info on the tool and then saw your video. Thank you again!

[@johnsworkshop3312]

Those 5 liter jugs sound nice. Thanks for your comments, and I’m glad this video was helpful.

[@ironworkerwella1]

Ive always flushed my CL65 every 10K miles and the rule of thumb on abc fluid when you buy a ABC car is check the fluid, light green is good, slightly dark means change asap and black fluid means avoid! I hope your car is ok after that flush that fluid looks really dark. Ive had 2 CL600s and 1 CL65 i think im qualified to speak on this.... good luck

[@johnsworkshop3312]

Thanks for you comments MANsA MUSA, I hope it will be ok even though the fluid was pretty dark. Going forward I will keep an eye on the color of the fluid using the dipstick to check. During this COVID-19 period it sat for over a month and no noticeable sagging and no leaking so far. Fingers crossed...

[@BeatNovakane]

Would a light come on your dash saying ABC fluid is low? or how would you know on a CL550?... ill be checking mine tomorrow tho

[@ironworkerwella1]

@@BeatNovakane you have to pull the dipstick for the ABC reservoir . The top line means cold check and the lower line is checking when it’s hot..

[@Sam_AMG]

Great video! Thank you for taking the time to record it and shows us how to do it step by step. I will get this done on my S65AMG. It’s good to also know how to order the filter because I tried to order one from Mercedes and they said it doesn’t have one. Now it makes sense why it didn’t come up in their system.

[@johnsworkshop3312]

Thank you for the feedback Sam!!

[@LeoLipert]

Great video John. Thanks for taking the time to share the process with us.

[@johnsworkshop3312]

You bet

[@jonathangclarke]

Great video thank you. I've got 11,500 miles on my 2010 S65. Getting myself ready for this.

[@ZKhweziN]

Not confident enough to do this myself, but what a great video. Absolutely informative. Thank you.

[@johnsworkshop3312]

Thank you Zweli!

[@PRZEMO_PL]

Hello. Thanks for tutorial. What about the power steering fluid? Did you changed it too?

[@johnsworkshop3312]

Yes. But just a simple change of the reservoir fluid. I do that every few oil changes.

[@robsteal3887]

Great video, thanks for posting. I saw that tool for sale recently, great to see someone use and talk about it before I get around to buying it.

[@johnsworkshop3312]

Thank you for the feedback. Glad I could help.

[@angturil]

Hello thanks a ton for this video. What's the diameter of the bottom part of the tool ? (the one that goes inside the reservoir) ? many thanks!

[@Chrissy212]

halfway through it already looked great why 11 liter's when its already coming out green and clean

[@johnsworkshop3312]

You are right. But sometimes it looks good as a thin stream but then when it is all together looks dirty. Hopefully that clean fluid was bringing particles with it out of the system.

[@Pennychaser1]

Nice Benz! Got Cl55k myself. Just went with coilovers so no more ABC issue. Ride is almost stock-like.

[@johnsworkshop3312]

Thanks for the comment. Switching over definitely simplifies the maintenance.

[@BeatNovakane]

How much did that cost (if you dont mind)?

[@supersmeshbroz8570]

Where did you buy your star tool?

[@FryChicken]

When I did the flush on my '05 CL600 the fluid in the reservoir was sort of crappy, but what was coming out seemed quite nice. Felt like I wasted some fluid;

[@johnsworkshop3312]

I had the same thought. I believe that the flushing does get out additional dirt and old fluid, but it takes quite a lot of good fluid to accomplish that.

[@juniordace1347]

Hey John, I have a W222, I just plan to add fluid (since I don't need to change it yet), do you add fluid to where the dip stick is at? Thanks!

[@johnsworkshop3312]

You are correct. You can add fluid through the dipstick hole. Good idea to use a funnel.

[@a.g.pennypacker3464]

Great video! I need to flush my ABC system too. Where and what STAR (computer system) did you get to run the routine (rodeo) to flush the ABC?

[@johnsworkshop3312]

Thank you. Regarding the STAR system - take a look at this forum: mbworld.org/forums/mercedes-tech-talk/763275-das-xentry-my-experience-recommendation.html

[@johnsworkshop3312]

I appreciate the comment Dave. Glad you got up and running with the Star System. Seems like a must with these cars. Thanks, and you stay safe as well - keep away from that virus!

[@a.g.pennypacker3464]

@@johnsworkshop3312 Thank you. I also contacted Peter. He walked me through everything and set up the system. Great guy and knows his stuff.

[@NoWheelDrive]

Nice video! I have a Benz with airmatic suspension and currently trying to watch several videos regarding ABC to see what's going on in that camp. Seems flushing is not that hard and you don't have to skip it. I'd like to find a way to get that fluid with a discount. I see they sell 5L for around $75. Or maybe there are identical fluids made by different brands...

[@johnsworkshop3312]

I used my Mercedes Benz club discount and bought it at the dealer. Still pretty expensive but cheaper than buying new parts for the ABS system. I’m sure I paid much more than the price you mention.

[@NoWheelDrive]

@@johnsworkshop3312 Thank you for this info! I guess any discount matters since MSRP is too high.

[@dragospahontu]

A former mechanic from L.A Mercedes-Benz has a problem with his ABC and can't fix it. And was a mechanic for 10 years working on these cars😂

[@NoWheelDrive]

@@dragospahontu I'm sorry, but I think I'm a bit confused. Please tell me who's the former Mercedes mechanic? Do you mean the author of this channel or someone else? TIA

[@dragospahontu]

@@NoWheelDrive someone else. There was a news article on it

[@tonybaray7666]

How do I get rodeo mode

[@jgonzalesm6]

I bought a Foxtell NT510 Elite (Mercedes Benz) for my 16,500 mile 2009 SL550 with AMG package. It too does the rodeo test. The scanner was less than $125.

[@johnsworkshop3312]

Good information Joe. That is a great price for rodeo capability! And, that is some really low mileage. Have you flushed your ABS yet?

[@jgonzalesm6]

@@johnsworkshop3312 - I will soon. I already got 20ltrs of Pentosin CHF-11S from Amazon for about $211-->good for 2 flushes. Also bought 2 reservoir filters as well from Amazon. Note: the scanner is a FOXWELL and not Foxtell...fyi.

[@jayroc0109]

Nice car I own a 09 s65

[@johnsworkshop3312]

Thanks for your comment Jerrod. These are really special cars. It is pretty amazing how much car you can get with 7 or more years of depreciation. They are amazing machines.

[@maureenbonnotz4309]

Nice and informative. Presented clearly. Other content creators would do well to emulate your technique

[@johnsworkshop3312]

Thank you very much for your compliment.

[@hardipusa]

Great video John, where you located? Planning on upgrading to the 06 s65 soon in addition to my clk430 and wanna make great mechanic friends!

[@johnsworkshop3312]

Thanks hardip. I'm located in the St. Louis area. Love the 2012 S65!!

[@1995RangeRover]

Thanks for sharing 😊

[@johnsworkshop3312]

I appreciate the feedback!

[@nath1774]

I am going to do this job in a couple days. I noticed you were adding the fluid through the fill hole, instead of the reservoir. I’ve seen others adding fluid at the reservoir. Any particular reason one should use one place or the other, that you are aware of?

[@johnsworkshop3312]

My funnel fit nicely in the dipstick hole and then I could see the level through the wider filler cap so I could keep it from getting too low. Good luck with your job.

[@Jason-Jason]

Excellent video

[@johnsworkshop3312]

Thanks Jason!

[@basketball798]

Need help, my 2015 S65 AMG Sedan constantly squeaks when driving? Is that normal for hydrolic suspension? Any help would be highly appreciated.

[@johnsworkshop3312]

That is definitely not right. I would think that it wouldn't be related to the ABC system, but most likely a dry joint - maybe a ball joint or an bad suspension bushing where the rubber is no longer retaining the two parts in the proper position. Those squeaks can be tough to locate. Good luck resolving that.

[@sikhpilot.]

Hey John. I adore the S65. Your interior colour spec is very rare. I dont ever see that on the S65 here in the UK. It's usually a black interior. I believe yours is a tan colour? I would love if you could review your vehicle and show the interior of it. Its absolutely gorgeous.

[@johnsworkshop3312]

Thank you Sikhpilot. The official color name is "Microfiber-Brown", and is option 914A in the build code. Good idea on the review. I'll have to do that once I wash it. I really like the interior color too - seems like it stays cooler than the black interior.

[@sikhpilot.]

@@johnsworkshop3312 absolutely. It will radiate heat better than a black interior. Look forward to further updates. God bless

[@cossy8169]

So which exactly was the route through star diagnostic? Did you select the dynamic test function from the beginning of the process to flash the old fluid? Or you select the dynamic test function at the end of the process, just to verify that everything was okay after all? Thank you.

[@johnsworkshop3312]

Good question. I was not very clear on that in the video, but I used rodeo mode to warm it up further after I drove it around. The menu also calls this mode "Cyclically alternating actuation of all suspension struts in a circular motion". Then I used the menu pick "Cyclically alternating actuation of front and rear suspension struts (pitch)" while I was changing the fluid. Then, finally, after I was all done I used the menu option "Dynamic Test" to check out the system to ensure it was working properly.

[@cossy8169]

@@johnsworkshop3312 Thank you for your clarification.

[@darrenwang2356]

Great video! I have a 2014 W222 S550 with the magic body control aka abc. Is it same with the older generation abc system? should I do something extra maintenance compared to regular Airmatic W222? 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.

[@johnsworkshop3312]

Darren, I have not read much about the W222 improvements, but I understand that system uses the same hardware as the older ABC system but adds cameras which attempt to anticipate bumps before they are experienced by the tires. If that is indeed the case, then I would think that the same maintenance would apply to your system. See my response to the previous comment for a good link on maintenance.

[@darrenwang2356]

Thanks for the reply, I just contacted a local dealer, they told me it’s the same procedure as older system(flush oil, change filter). But they don’t flush the system as regular maintenance, they only do it when errors show up. Sounds kinda wired... Any recommendations on when should I flush the system? currently have 40,000 miles on it.

[@jgonzalesm6]

@@darrenwang2356 - you should change the filter(reservoir), flush and add new hydraulic fluid every 30k miles.

[@OatesSteve]

Go to E-bay abcteile-24 they sell a Magnetic filter that you add to your ABC line, their custom made in Germany, they work great use on all my ABC suspension vehicles. It gives you that extra piece of mind. They work great. I’ve been using them for years.STEVEO55

[@stevev7745]

Hi! One question. For flushing the system cca 10-12 liters, and after when fill the system plus 10-12 liters? Or under flushing exchanged the liquid? So, for this enough 10-12 liters or need 20-24 liters? Best regards

[@johnsworkshop3312]

I used 11 liters total which includes all the flushing and topping it off when done

[@stevev7745]

@@johnsworkshop3312 thank you

[@MrJUNIORFL]

John do you have the software of Mercedes to do this ? What kid of software you recomend ?

[@johnsworkshop3312]

Yes, I have the Star Diagnostic Xentry software. A handy reference and discussion forum for this is: mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/326084-star-diagnostic-how-diy-lots-o-pics.html. A member named Mackhack was very helpful to me.

[@jgonzalesm6]

You could buy a Foxtell NT510 Elite (Mercedes Benz) for less than $125 and that scanner will do the rodeo test.

[@nicolasmartinezsantibanez8596]

hello friend how to check the oil level?

[@johnsworkshop3312]

There is a small dipstick in the reservoir. Level should be just below top line.

[@darwins7385]

how reguler should we flush the pentosin? is it count by years/ milleage? mine is S500 2008, it has 23k kilometer on it.

[@johnsworkshop3312]

From what I have read it sounds like a good schedule is 20,000 miles or 2-3 yrs. Taking a look at the color of the fluid is also helpful and it should be clear and have a green tint. The below link is a good reference and he talks about maintenance near the bottom of the article. mercedes-abc-drive-carefully.blogspot.com/

[@racereid192]

as far as i know the 08 s500 has airmatic and does not have a fluid that would need changing.

[@Jack-qn4vt]

Does mercedes have a recommend service interval?

[@johnsworkshop3312]

I have not found an official service interval printed anywhere by the factory, but from researching on the web it sounds like it is advised in the range of every 20,000 to 30,000 miles. I did mine at 30,000, and you could see that the fluid in the reservoir was definitely discolored, and the fluid that was flushed out contained some sediment that was somehow not picked up by the filter, so I am thinking that my next change should be in 20,000 miles.

[@culture777tm]

How could you direct or help me do my 2011 S65?

[@johnsworkshop3312]

I would start by getting all of the necessary supplies: the Pentosin fluid, the filter, the AGA tool, and a STAR system. After that, it is a matter of taking your time and being careful as you go through the steps shown in the video. If you get behind in filling the reservoir you can always have your assistant stop the test mode until you catch up. Let me know if you have any questions. Good luck with your 2011 S65!

[@robertmontgomery7158]

You know you just stop the cycling of the abc if you feel you are falling behind?

[@johnsworkshop3312]

Robert Montgomery Good point Robert. Thanks.

[@filmkatonakino]

That benz looks quite nice. How much did you have to pay for it? Are you happy with the purchase? Is there something that annoys you with your s65? Great video tho ✌🏼👍🏼

[@johnsworkshop3312]

Thanks, these cars really are amazing. Like searching for any car, the price correlates directly with mileage and condition. I was looking for a 2012 or 2013 S65 and searched for about 1 year. Finally found this one in FL. It only had 27k miles on it. I have seen similar models as low as the low 40's but then for really low mileage examples, all the way up to $72k. I've had mine for about 1 year, so prices will have dropped since then. One key for these cars is to ensure you have a well documented service history and be sure the owner was changing oil and transmission fluid regularly. Good luck in your search.

[@DrGamble28]

It's insane that Mercedes says you dont need to change it when it's clear as day you need to at least every 50k miles. I have 59k miles on my 2014 S550 with MBC and the fluid looks like shit. They were trying to tell me that's normal.

[@johnsworkshop3312]

Yeah - that just doesn't seem right to have dirty fluid full of particles running around in a system that has tight clearances and small moving parts, like the valves.

[@Rolls72]

That is the difference between a driver and one who needs transportation

[@BeatNovakane]

Dang how many liter bottles u putting in there? 😂

[@johnsworkshop3312]

Ten. Gets expensive.

[@Chrissy212]

cause that fluid is extremely expensive

[@mrkongsimr]

Hi how can one tell if it has ABC or air ?? Thanks do all 63 amg have abc?

[@johnsworkshop3312]

Most S63s have ABC. If you have airmatic then you will have an airline going into the top of each front strut which you can see with the hood open.