How to Convert a 1999-2006 Mercedes CL 500 from Hydraulic Struts to Coil Overs with Strutmaster Kit

Brian Eslick from How to Automotive www.howtoautomo... takes you step-by-step through the process of converting a 1999-2006 Mercedes CL 500 from hydraulic strut suspension to coil over suspension with the Strutmaster conversion kit (MB14F).
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Owing to factors beyond the control of How to Automotive/Brian Eslick, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modification of this information, or improper use of this information. How to Automotive/Brian Eslick assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any information contained in this video. How to Automotive/Brian Eslick recommends safe practice when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jacks and jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemical lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Because of factors beyond the control of How to Automotive/Brian Eslick, no information contained in this video shall express or imply warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not How to Automotive/Brain Eslick. #howtoautomotive #StrutMasters #BrianEslick

[@yago9]

same problem, nobody actually shows how the CL vehicle looks after the conversion. If it seats high over the tire and looks like a tractor i’m not interested. Not even strutmasters has a single presentation image for this vehicle

[@mohamedazkoul9544]

You can get a kit from yellow speed costs a 1,000$ where you can control the height

[@alschafer4292]

Ah...$1300 - $1400

[@redfireats1421]

Guys i have a CL55 komp of 2004. I believe the car needs antiroll bars. My question is can we use the antiroll bar off the w220 s500 antiroll bar, front and rear...has anyone done that before...because at high speed and fast cornering, we may have problems as these cars have loads of power...i a now sityingbwith 620 bhp and cant risk to meet into any accident because of springs....without antiroll bar.

[@redidervishi6088]

@@redfireats1421 Ive read that you can actually get all the parts needed from a w220. You should check out the yellow racing springs they seem way better than the strutmasters

[@RealDarkFilm]

I heard you have to change out the power steering pump because the abc and power steering use the same lines

[@alschafer4292]

Seems to me if you close off the ABC Hydraulic lines at each wheel, you still have fluid under pressure in each line. Not good ! Understand there is a direct fit non duplex pump used on vehicles with just Power Steering and no ABC.

[@SavedbyHim]

@@alschafer4292 The W211 power steering pump is a direct fit

[@Level_Up_Nation]

@@SavedbyHim Thought it was the w220 pump? But either way much cheaper than the dual pump shit that keeps burning out.

[@alschafer4292]

@@SavedbyHim Thanks !

[@SavedbyHim]

@@alschafer4292 Look at Tavarish KZbin channel. He did this conversion to a SL and describes the details. Nice channel too!

[@adamsims6080]

What do you do about a sway bar now ? You need one with conventional and if it came with ABC it doesn't have or needed one

[@mikeb1039]

You dont' "need" a swaybar automatically. Lots of cars don't have them.

[@ca3145]

Great vid will order the set and refer back to vid as needed. Thanx Guys Carlos

[@HowtoAutomotive]

ca3145 glad the video is here to help. Thank you for watching. Let me know if you need anything.

[@Mikedevice1]

I brought some shocks and springs from yall but my car sit up like a 4x4..i was looking for the low profile look...not a monster truck look

[@cityheroesclub9566]

how did you manage to low your CL?

[@setidepp4853]

The people from Strutmasters have a rip off with the so called "conversion kit". They advertise this conversion kit will solve the issue of the expensive airmatic ride in Mercedes Benz. On the contrary, the product is a very low quality, highly expensive replacement part since it does not last more than a year and a half. When you contact them, they say it is not their fault, that they only buy parts from other vendors and put them together and they supposedly do not have any control on the durability of parts. The kit is $1,300 initially and they don't sell just the front or back sets, you have to buy the whole thing. Later on, when it fails, they urge you to buy the whole thing again. And the discounted price they tell you they will give you if anything happens in the future is not true. They charge $586 for each seat, front or rear, which is basically the initial price. I urge all owners of Mercedes Benz to buy the replacement airmatic struts and save the headache of having a below average conversion with a kit that does nothing of what is advertised and really turns your car in a piece of junk that is almost impossible to go back to the airmatic. The movements of the car change and then when the Strutmasters shocks begin to fail they make a horrible squeaking noise that is almost unbearable. I wish I never bought the kit from them. I only had to save a little and buy the real thing, the OEM struts that would last years and years before failing.

[@papo1515]

I could not agree with you more, this is garbage and expensive garbage at that, my car was not worth fixing with OEM , the whole system needed to be replaced about 5000.00 dollars , and you are so right about this company, they are the worst company to deal with, once they have your money they're done with you, I tell anyone to STAY AWAY FROM STRUTMASTERS.

[@rmann3638]

Go with the yellowspeeds for good adjustable ride hieght. I did it on my 2003 cl55. Only thing is the car drives super rough after that. You feel every little bump in the road. Only spent around $2500 on parts and labour

[@oglaceddrug]

I do my own work… so I could never see justifying this conversion…. I would sooner get rid of the car

[@alschafer4292]

Excellent video !

[@shannonrose2590]

i have a 2002 cl500 and nothing but problems. when i had it new it ran great best car on the road out handled everything. suspension broke every year

[@HowtoAutomotive]

Shannon Rose O'Rourke's Vlog's they are nice riding car when everything is working.

[@RUS38]

When a German company build a cheap Chinese quality car, make it look expensive and put a premium price on it.

[@blaqlionking6978]

They're Endless Money Pits...

[@coolbox109]

@zerocool got mine at 16😂🤦🏾‍♂️

[@v1cenzo56]

what about the anti roll bar in this kit ?

[@MrJames-ic5jr]

Dont we need sway bars ?

[@dritanv]

based on what i read it will roll like a big boat over 60mph

[@CL500MBZ]

No you don't need them it's great on turns. Get silvers neomax

[@CL500MBZ]

​@@dritanvyou read silly rumors not real facts

[@Sebastian-ms6bj]

Our cars have a slanted top front strut mount. You said to make sure the bottom of the strutmasters spring faces towards me (towards the outside)...is this the best angle for aligning the strut with the bottom suspension arm pin it will sit on?

[@juancarloaquino2349]

How about the pump?

[@car-toonnetwork7723]

12:45 i damaged that bolt holding the strut do you know how i can find that exact bolt please let me know

[@nightcoder5k]

You are a legend!

[@HowtoAutomotive]

Thank you!! And thank you for watching!

[@BMWLDRider]

Very good!

[@bobby_digital9493]

Awesome video and tutorial! I found a good deal on a pair of used coilovers only they are a different brand (Godspeed) then these and are airmatic to coil vs abc to coilover. Would that work as well or is it a whole other setup? Seems like it’s basically the same. Thanks!

[@tommychii]

Did you ever install them?

[@bobby_digital9493]

@@tommychii They turned out to be the wrong ones for the car, sold it. If you buy the car buy with coilovers already to avoid the headaches.

[@philwilliams6248]

Hey guys, thanks for the detailed video. I have a question that I think you answered already but I need to be sure. I have a 1998 SL600, V12. I’ve already contacted Strutmasters whereas they said they did not make the conversion system for my car, however based on that you were able to change out the SL500, V8 to the conversion struts. I really don’t see why the SL500 system would not work on my SL600, V12? Is there something I’m missing other than the weight difference between the two engines? I realize that will make some difference, but is the weight difference too much different to the extent that I should not try it? I’m willing to try this and eliminate the hydraulic system entirely unless the car would not be safe because of the weight differences? What am I’m missing and what are your thoughts? I’m going to find out the weight difference in a few minutes. Thanks again,Phil in NC

[@HowtoAutomotive]

Phil Williams this is something I think you should contact strep masters themselves about. I’m not a hunter percent sure on what the difference between the two cars are in weight is and what the specs on the springs are.

[@luvinusalexander1042]

I'm having suspension problem with my vehicle how can I get a kit like this to change it over

[@CL500MBZ]

Get silvers neomax instead

[@robertb6362]

Did you need to add any fluid for the power steering system?

[@HowtoAutomotive]

Robert B I did not. But you could check the reservoir to make sure it's in spec

[@platenymik7553]

Urgent need to convert my car as well, i can not find Coil Over to suit my car, I have 2000 CL600, 2001 got diffrent chassis...Any help?

[@HowtoAutomotive]

Plateny Mik I would check Strutmasters.com and see if they have a kit

[@DerekSpeareDSD]

Did the module work to clear out the warning?

[@HowtoAutomotive]

DerekSpeare yes by wiring in the module he turn the light on the dash out.

[@DerekSpeareDSD]

GREAT - thanks for the information! I have a 2002 CL500 and will be doing a coilover conversion this Spring.

[@HowtoAutomotive]

DerekSpeare I definitely recommend the strutmaster kit it comes complete. Everything you need to install including the module.there is a link for in the description of the video. If you need anymore assistance feel free to hit me up. Thank you for watching the videos!

[@DerekSpeareDSD]

I am going with the Yellowspeed ones because they can be adjusted both in ride height and dampening. I'm just going to need to figure out a way to get my hands on those line plugs or I will use a replacement banjo bolt at the pump which has been filled in by welding to prevent pressurizing the system. I'm going to get the Strutmasters module, however.

[@HowtoAutomotive]

DerekSpeare you can get the line plugged from strutmaster . Yeah it's too bad that that kit is not adjustable that would be perfect.

[@borotaborota2438]

And how do i reset the error from the dash , the airmatic error?

[@alschafer4292]

Strutmasters has an Light Fix Kit, but mixed reviews on how well it works. Yellowspeed has no light kit but ride height is adjustable.

[@mightbegenius]

Will this work on an SL 500? or just CL? I have a 2003

[@HowtoAutomotive]

mightbegenius yes it will work on the SL.

[@SavedbyHim]

Check Tavarish channel, he did a conversion on His SL55

[@CzarFace6012]

1.) will this fit the 600? 2.) does this get rid of all the ABC issues??

[@HowtoAutomotive]

Shittsy Giggle this will fit the 600. The kit comes with everything you need to shut off the lights on the dash and has a very nice ride when you're done.

[@CzarFace6012]

How to Automotive awesome! Thanks.

[@Jaxson8157]

Will this conversion work a 2000 c280? I know it's not the same class but I can't find anything on coilover conversion for my mercedea!

[@Kaspa254]

Hi great video , how long did the whole process take you from start to finish? As I'm looking to do this myself , thanks

[@HowtoAutomotive]

ian bell I believe it was about 4 to 5 hours.

[@Kaspa254]

Thanks for the reply , I had a quote from an independent MB garage local to me , and they quoted 13 -14 hours , after watching your video I found that hard to believe that it would take that long , that's why I was curious how long it took you , thanks again 👍

[@danielwhite1775]

I need someone to install mine

[@felawes]

My advice is d{ not do this until you have exhaustively confirmed your ABC does not work. Most people on KZbin are not going through the correct procedures and are changing components which frequently are just I'll adjusted. Properly working ABC is by far the best system. Having said that ... this is how to deal with coils.

[@anthonysiracuse1344]

I wish I saw this before I sold my CL. I wanted to ditch that thing as soon as the ABC didn't sit level. That's such a shame Mercedes would do that to their customers. The car has to have some problems because the engine is bulletproof.

[@HowtoAutomotive]

Anthony siracuse yes the air ride suspension on these or hydraulic suspension on these are problematic.

[@jgonzalesm6]

@@HowtoAutomotive - not if you do the routine maintenance on the ABC fluid and ABC filter change in the ABC reservoir every 30k miles. Buy a $125 Foxwell NT510 Elite scanner to do the rodeo test for 15 minutes to get the pressure or bar up then do the change while the rodeo is going on.

[@oglaceddrug]

If the car is over 5 years old… then it’s not Mercedes fault…. This cars isn’t for everyone… real Mercedes customers don’t complain… Toyota is a more suitable car for some.

[@raedghattas]

I want to purchase the four shock absorbers online ....can any one plz give me the number or name of them ??

[@HowtoAutomotive]

If you click the drop-down menu in the description there are links For all the parts.

[@raedghattas]

@@HowtoAutomotive Thank You 🌹💐👍

[@jerrybailey6895]

On the rear, you "NEVER" once mentioned the size of the bolts or sockets needed!!!! 😔😔😔😔

[@HowtoAutomotive]

It’s hard to think of every detail.

[@rickybobby5950]

Lost my business on the opening shot. "Stiltmasters" kits sit like a 4x4 and look awful.

[@sputnik8407]

How are these cars to drive after the conversions ???

[@papo1515]

I just did my E500 using Strutmasters product, DO NOT USE STRUTMASTERS, they are crap parts, DO NOT USE THE BYPASS MODULE, not needed and can short out your CAN MODULE on your car, it happened to me, they're customer support is non-existent, once they get your money you won't hear from them, my suspension is only two weeks old and I'm already replacing the rear shocks, they are garbage, you can do this for half the price of this kit when you see what you get, take a good look at video, you can pick this stuff up anywhere, Strutmasters is making a killing on these kits. As far as the ride...….you'll have to get used to that, my car is older and not worth the $5000.00 to fix, it went from a dream machine to a Ford Focus, but it runs.

[@sputnik8407]

@@papo1515 Thanks for that . I'm having the ABC fixed for now , the car has 20k and I only put 5000k pr year so well see .

[@oglaceddrug]

@@papo1515😂 thanks for your honesty

[@oglaceddrug]

@@sputnik8407I myself, wouldn’t have this to be my only mode of transportation… definitely a weekend car mostly

[@gerardo1560]

Bro wtf ruckus is going on in the background like hells gone loose lol

[@HowtoAutomotive]

CrossFit gym

[@12vgs8606]

Curious:- Was fixing the hydraulic "correct" way *lot* more expensive than conversion? I thought there were few companies (Arnott?) which rebuild those struts for not_outrageous price?

[@HowtoAutomotive]

I'm not sure what the cost is to repair the hydraulic problem on this car. This kit installation was customer request. I too think would've been a much better repair to fix the original system.

[@12vgs8606]

I have always been partial to Big Benzes but so far have resisted urge to get in over my head! Of course, the only way I will take the plunge if I can allocate at least half the budget for expensive repairs!

[@DamonWalker1977]

Yeah I replaced mine with Arnott....$600 I heard at the dealer its $2,000 each

[@maxpower2850]

@@DamonWalker1977 $600 per shock or $600 for all four? Can you be more specific?

[@DamonWalker1977]

@@maxpower2850 $600 each wheel aftermarket .At the dealer $2,000 per wheel

[@earltpt]

Sacrilege

[@FryChicken]

Should be titled “How to ruin your 1999-2006 Mercedes CL 500"

[@sevenseems4917]

either you ruin it.. or the car will ruin you (financially)