Mercedes SL500 ABC Suspension 2 - Life Span: When is Enough Too Much

[@Rafymon98]

I have a 2005 CL55AMG, and I really enjoy my Mercedes and I love the ABC suspension system, it has its issues, but we have to remember it is an old girl now. To fix some of the blown hoses, I have used hydraulic compression fittings and hard steel lines rated for 4k psi Makes a world of difference. Thank you for a very comprehensive series of video.

[@DanielBenzs65AMG]

Interesting, i have an 07 s65 and i like to do preventative maintenance and stronger than factory parts are what i want, so you replaced all the hydraulic hoses with stronger ones? Have you had any issues before or after that with the abc? Any info is greatly appreciated

[@azmike3572]

That hose is weeping because it knows it's reaching the end of its life...

[@SnuggleFits]

Single owner of a 2003 SL 500 here. The issues I've had over the many years are far too many to list, most of which have been with the ABC system. Not to mention the currently "finicky" hydraulic roof. Now with 203,000 miles, one of the ABC hydraulic lines burst a couple of weeks ago while driving at low speed. Fluid spewed at the front of the engine (driver's side), sinking the front end. Had it towed to my independent Mercedes mechanic who has serviced that car for much of those years. He spent 15 hours replacing that single line with an OEM part that snaked beneath the length of the vehicle. At today's labor rate, it's easy to do the math to replace that one single ($100-120?) line. Now, I worry about the other lines that haven't been replaced. Oh, did I mention, the left hydraulic shock failed two months ago! What about the other three?! (In the past 20 years, those shocks have been replaced more than I can count...and that expensive pump was replaced once.....). My mechanic also noted that the bushings on the rear subframe are shot. The years have obviously caught up to my treasured SL500, and for the first time ever, I am seriously considering trading it in for something new......with a worry-free warranty. No more nightmares of waking up to an ABC warning light on the dash....or that familiar little puddle of hydraulic fluid beneath one or more corners of the car.

[@nelsonstirling288]

I have an 03 SL55 AMG and I had the rear hose leak, to change it out required dropping out the rear subframe. I called a mobile hydraulic mechanic to take a look at it, and he was able to not only replace it, but has made it so if the hose fails again in the future you can remove it and get it remade without removing anything. I have since had all my hoses replaced and adapted for future events.

[@Toxicadvenger666]

I have changed on mine at home ABC pump $900, rebuilt rear valve block for $80, changed rear accumulator $180 and currently have SBC problem

[@brendab4761]

Hi, I have a 03 SL500 as well, and we've owned it for 5 years and the ABC light pretty much has always been on but because of the beauty of the car we over looked that. And it has 83,000 miles on it. I love my car and love driving it around. We just had the convertible roof fixed, too, so the maintenance on these cars is pricey. Love your videos.

[@Spainnyboi]

2006 SL55 with 98K Purchased in 2020 and currently has 125K. in 3 years I've done 3 shocks, pump, ALL the lines rebuilt the rear valve block and flushed the fluid twice due to line rupturing. Currently, in certain bump low impact high frequency I get in ding with a red message that says ABC Drive Carefully. Now If I were to do it all again knowing what I know now, is that if you repair the system it should be done in sections. All your lines with your shocks accumulators with a pump replacement or valve block repair/replacement or do it all at once sans the pump( which I know isn't realistic). The system is under such high pressure just doesn't leave much margin for wear and age from the lines as you said. And once one goes the others are sure to follow. That said, Personally, I'm just a sucker for MB engineering and old tech. The way it handles and rides considering its curb weight is just unmatched. I know many owners in a few R230 groups that have made the conversion to a non-active setup and enjoy it. At this point, I've spent too much to go back and even if I could turn back the hands of time I would still keep the ABC. Once things are replaced and in working order, you have another 18 Years haha of happy miles. Also as far as the fluid changes a few long terms since new owners have not had any issues with there's 2005-2009 MY cars swear by 20K -25K mile intervals as the contaminants cause the lines to corrode from the inside out etc. Again that's just what I've seen and read in the groups. Regardless you have to do what makes sense to you and the type of liability you're willing to have with a complex setup such as ABC as the car ages. Oh, and they love to be driven.

[@ericvandervelden6824]

2005 SL65 48K miles, in the beginning I replaced some hoses. A local heavy machinery equipment shop can make these hoses if you bring the old ones in. Plus they are all still available from Mercedes. I would replace them. I love my ABC and flat cornering…

[@simonjones4776]

Hi Ken, I have 2002 SL55 amg, 125,000 miles. For the last 5 years the left front suspension drops after being parked but raises back up as soon as I restart the car. I suspect the valve block seals are weeping. I have been putting off the repair but now I know I must sort it. Chances are there are going to be a lot more age related issues with the whole system. The ABC system is amazingly good and warrants money spending on it, its one of the things that make the SL55 a Super Car. If its changed to coil overs, its no longer that Super Car! I also have 1984 280SL so your channel is very useful for me 👍

[@LawrenceMarkFearon]

2009 SL65 68k miles. 20k of those since 2019 purchase. I'm surprised hosiery is your most challenging replacement. This series is going to be very valuable for when I replace my system.

[@ShutterSpeed_auto]

Im surprised too but I guess it makes sense considering how many there are and the snaking paths they take all over the car.. Just bought a 2004 SL55 with 46K miles, so far no issues but the first thing I did was flush the old fluid which was pretty much BLACK 🤮

[@kennethwillis5274]

I have a 2003 sl500 as well and I value your videos

[@TizzleT]

No SL here but I have a GLE with E-ABC and wanted to learn more about the maintenance of these hydraulics. Besides mine running on 48V, is the maintenance that different? Also, some s-class owners say the E-ABC isn't as good as the older ABC system. Just wondering why that would be. Seems like it would be the same or 48v would be quicker at adjusting. Just here to learn. Thank you for making these videos.

[@robertkaplan9145]

I have a 2007 S600 with ABC. As long as you do the maintenance, it will last forever. Replace all the hoses, accumulators, filter, and fluid. I know it is an engine out job. Do it. ABC is superior when well maintained. Consider a hydraulic shop to improve on the OEM hoses.

[@thatmatty231guy]

Yup same here - my systems mint - nearly 200k km on clock

[@nigelmcdonnell1442]

I had my sl 500 abc fixed 10 years ago,still going 💪 the problem with these cars is there not driven enough mine is a 2004 & I drive it everyday,what a car🎉

[@JayvomR]

I have a W220 / 2002 MBZ S55AMG - I love my car / front left hose went out and dropped rear axle to the bottom - I thought it was the end of my car but with some homework I was able to see which hose had broken - ordered it and installed it myself - CHF fluid was fully replaced and my car is now functional. I did hit a bump too and heard a noise then the pesky ABC light came on.

[@MercMad113]

Currently own 2005 SL350 without ABC, but have owned/worked on various cars with ABC/SLS/ADS. I have converted several R129's from ADS1 to coil springs and dampers. I love, absolutely love the hydraulic suspension and as you correctly say, maintenance is key, as is regular use. Cars that lay up for long periods may show low miles but rubber "O" rings and the hoses break down and cause issues. Whilst flushing helps a lot you cant get all of those bits of sludge out from internal pump cavities or from inside struts with serious disassembly. I have repaired many other ADS cars but for R129's and other SLS cars the parts are sometime NLA and you have to have pieces made up. If one can perform the work oneself then I would cast my vote to repair/restore the system. Otherwise a switch to steel suspension may be more cost effective. However to have the car looking properly would require a lot of hose, pipe, clips and wiring removal, a lot of labour. Otherwise it will look like a hack job. I am note sure what needs to be done on an R230 in terms of fooling the various systems into thinking all is okay with ABC removed ??

[@Forge17]

Since you have owned and driven an SL350 without ABS suspension and also the ones with it, would you say the driving pleasure of the ABS system makes a huge difference? I was not aware any R129 SL models were made without the ABC

[@TheHummungbirdesNest]

2004 SL500 45k miles Seattle. Definitely would never use as a daily commuter and expect it to continue to hold up w/o the specter of problems beginning to crop up on a regular basis. Not necessarily because it’s not up to the job but perhaps more so due to the abysmal state of streets, roads and highways. And, it’s worth maintaining and I wouldn’t give it up for the world. I believe and practice walking whenever possible and can thank this car for giving me additional incentive beyond its simply good for my health. I have, thinking ahead, looked at converting to a standard suspension with sway bars and dumping vs. repairing / replacing the ABS. Would love to get your perspective on that.

[@kevhauser8058]

Excellent Video Kent. Appreciate the info that the left side only needs inspection. Any relate R230 videos really apply to me...2009 SL63 AMG. Cheers

[@johnd3413]

Good informative video. I have a 2005 SL65 with 20k miles & a 2005 CL65 with 31k miles. Focusing on the SL for now, the 3-4 ABC soft lines running under the radiator assembly for ABC are all weeping pretty badly. Not horrible to change but as you stated, coming up on 20yrs old the rubber lines are well degraded and contaminating the system. I just foresee one fix leading to another problem and a lot of wasted expensive hydraulic fluid. My mind is pretty well made up to do a coil over swap with custom sway bars. . . .The CL is not weeping not as bad, but probably only a matter of time.

[@DanielBenzs65AMG]

I have a 2007 s65, its on my channel, I’m at 109k and I haven’t had to change any abc components at all, i bought the car with 85k for miles, did a full tune up a month in, rebuilt the entire front suspension other than struts or abc components, i have changed the fluid once, fingers crossed

[@eyalbarmitzvah]

2006 cl500 planning to go to strutmaster or coil overs. Can you talk about removal of the tandem pump and hoses and all of abc to simplify the car. Please

[@donaldcarter4324]

Kent, thank you for all your MB videos! I have a 2004 Sl500 roadster. It had 72k on it when I bought it 3 years ago, now a little over 73k. I've replaced the 2 front struts and had the system flushed. Also, the moter mounts deck lid latch,and the drivers side mirror 🪞 for rainbow 🌈 glass. Most of the work was done at a European auto shop. I too was an A&P mechanic on helicopters 🚁 US Navy for a career and you have inspired me to do some of my own work, perhaps using some of your kits. I've had the car stored in Virginia where I used to live and now live in Florida and am looking for a home with a big garage for my MB and my antique Chevrolet, which is also in storage. As you advised, I have a maintenance tender on the systems battery. But 😮 after watching this series 😢 I have the say concerns over that ABC system that you have. The only. minor issues I have is sometimes after has been stored for a while one side will be lower and on start up the red ABC light would illuminate but once I cycled the body lift it was fine also none of the red indicator lights on the console work but apparently the buttons function ok. I really don't want to give up on this machine, so any advice from your business or other owners would be wonderful. Thank you!

[@lestaylor8165]

I acquired a 2003 CL600 V12 from the first owner who purchased new for $146K. It has 68K and was always garaged and seldom driven long distances. Currently the vehicle when not driven for 3-4 days will lower it's rear driver's side. When first purchased within 4 months of driving one $140 hydraulic line from the pump to the rear ABC manifold blocks ruptured. I drove it several miles to a relatives and had it towed to a shop some 26 miles whom I trusted their work and pricing. I considered switching out the struts for spring-overs but got mixed reviews about the ride never being what it was engineered to do. I had another line leaked after rolling over, at speed, a road bump, again another $200 part with labor in the neighborhood of $1000. Today I simply raise the car before rolling out of the driveway. The slowly deteriorating components will continue to fail...to be sure but, these vehicles were selling for 1/10 of their original price. It's a small price to pay to own a high performance vehicle like the CL 600. Like yourself, I had a history in airframes C-130, E2/C2, SH-3, P-3 Orians back in the day which the pneudralics technology used in aircraft back in the 70's is still far superior in what car manufacturers can muster in today's car manufacturing processes.

[@hausmeisterengineering5952]

Ken I hate to say it but without knowing what your 3 options are I will say that your best bet is a coilover conversion if you want to keep driving the car. And you’ll be able to put a lot more than 8k miles on it too. I mean with the m113 under the hood you’ll only have the top to worry about keeping maintained. Everything else is standard Benz isn’t it?

[@paulspindler5849]

I have a 2006 sl500 (called sl550 in the usa I believe) 120k miles. The suspension works fine, though the front struts have some misting. I replaced the rear brake line flexible hoses last year (aged 16 years) looks like suspension work will be coming my way soon. The idler wheel was replaced in 2020, even though mine was not in the apparent affected engine range. They are expensive cars to own but i think long term are worth it for the enjoyment The cost of repairs is a fraction of the cost of depreciation on a new one. Not really daily drivers at 17 years old though.

[@Toxicadvenger666]

I own SL500 R230 2002 and yes USA does not recognise this year but we received it in Australia

[@EmilioMarinBarragan]

2003 CL600 160.000 miles. Purchased 6 years ago with 124.000 miles. The previous owner had to replace the hose that (at least in the CL600) starts in the pump ahd goes to nowhere after a 180 degrees turn. Blown. Did the flush after the purchase with rodeo test. After less than 10.000miles big puddle under car. Do all the valvle blocks and accumulators. New filters and fluid. Five years of joy and pleasure. Two months ago the line thats goes to nowhere (fabrication date 2017) blow again. This time instead of 600$ in OEM line an independent hydraulic shop repair it for 50$. New rubber rated to 600bar. Solved for now. Of clourse you must add 400$ for new fluid and filters. The OEM rubber lines is not up to the duty as failed in 5 years and less than 30.000miles. Main problem is not only the line but the scarce room in the engine bay with the V12 twin turbo.

[@mattknight1990]

03 SL500 86K Mileage, bleeding green blood hiro coilovers in the mail ,pump winning like a toddler at Walmart, great content help me choose shop said 2500 to change, but begging me not too ,I worry they may be Bias

[@joespittle1]

I've got a 2006 SL500 with 130k miles. I am the second owner, the ABC system has had a few odds and ends replaced over time and it's getting to the point where I'm sick of it. I pulled off my left front fender lining and it was a sight to behold, I'm surprised I haven't had a serious failure -- all of the hoses appear to be weeping and they all felt quite frail. I went around to the rest of the car and a couple of the ones in the back left seemed to have been replaced at some point as they're bone dry. I think I'm going to let this series play out and get a bit more insight to it before I come to a decision.

[@philipjcaputo]

'03 S55 AMG 158k miles - If you are going to rebuild the valve blocks (probably should if you're going to flush the fluid). I have some of the butterfly locking clips that I 3D printed and are a really good fit for a replacement. I found that the original solenoid locking clips were very brittle and broke quite easily. I don't mind sending a few of them your way for the valve block rebuild, let me know. You should be able to take those hoses to a hydraulic service shop and have new rubber sections put on.... right?

[@avezaatb]

I have a S55 AMG from 2004 and thinking of replacing the rear struts, however it seems Mercedes does not make those anymore. Does anyone have a contact where the struts can be purchased?

[@commasNculture]

I have a leak on the rear left side of the car I haven’t taken off the plastic guard yet but I’m suspecting it’s a hose. But how do I I know if the accumulator is bad?

[@wilbertwilson9387]

I own a 2006 CL500. The cars engine, transmission, and interior are great on this car. I have had it for 4 years. Would love to take it on a long road trip as it cruises on the freeway. However, I am so afraid of the ABC going down hundreds of miles from home.😢

[@Mercedessource]

"worry in the background" is more significant than many would admit.

[@180at6percent]

Great video content! I am very curious what you will decide to do because I can relate. I have a 2003 CL55 w/38k miles on it. I love this car! Bought it in Oct of 2021. Previous owner records show car was sagging overnight and ABC system was flushed w/new fluid & filter at 31k. The car now randomly sags after sitting - sometimes overnight and sometimes it can sit days w/no sag. My worry is not the miles, its the age of the system particularly the lines. My biggest fear is the car collapsing over my wheels while driving and damaging the fender and wheel/tire and possibly me. If there was a reasonable way to replace the entire system I would consider it but looking at a schematic of the system, its staggering with a countless number of parts that could fail. If I do decide to do coilovers, I'm going to pass on the ready made conversion kits available and get coilovers custom made and add sway bars front and rear because I intend to keep this car as long as possibly can.

[@timmoles9259]

Had a 2003 S55 AMG and had an accumulator failure. Nightmare

[@collarge]

2007 SL500 40kmiles . Can the accumulators fail over time as well as over use? Did they improve the access to the ABC in later models. Would love to see you replace the lot, as I admire your skills.

[@nixprivate3471]

Hi - thank goodness I found a post where comments haven’t been turned off ! Please advise - I just bought a 2003 SL500 with 104000km on, very well looked after, but got the nasty suspension surprise not disclosed by the seller. The car raises and drops itself and the button doesn’t work. It generally drops after sitting at a red light for a while, and then obviously slowly raises itself as you drive. My mechanic did a recalibration which didn’t solve it, and now ordered a sensor for the strut diagnosed to be the problem. 3 weeks from Germany to South Africa… Does this sound right to you ?

[@Mercedessource]

Now you know why I have to turn off comments. Comments I can accept, but demands for technical help and advice I can not. You can answer your own questions by doing an internet search and learning how the system works.

[@MrCarGuy]

The R230 should've come with Airmatic

[@idris190ify]

Just as I was talking about how good my abs is, I was on the freeway driving, hit a bump, and the red abs light came on that said drive carefully. After about 5 seconds, it went off. But it came on several more times and went off when I hit certain bumps. Smh

[@Leo555ZZZ]

Check your fluid level and ABS sensor connections.

[@Vizenz121_OR]

Those are your accumulators. You probably knew this but in case this helps you. ;)

[@dinispaulino7512]

ABS or ABC?

[@Mercedessource]

Just to clarify are you referring to your ABC suspension warning light or your ABS brake warning light? I assume since you mentioned hitting a bump you are talking about suspension.. :-)

[@idris190ify]

@Mercedessource To be honest with you, I don't know which it is. I'm going to assume that it's the suspension light, because as you said, it comes on when I hit a bump. But I will say this. I've had this issue recently where I would drive the car, and the brake pressure will go down, and that stop light will appear. I think I've sourced that issue to having pressed the emergency brake though.

[@solennejohnson7998]

I hear this now after I just bought a 2000 s430 😩

[@bartoszdrum]

Hello, I have a CL500 and while driving, on large bumps, a message to drive carefully comes on and it only happens when the car jumps. Do you have an idea what could be the reason for this? Regards

[@Mercedessource]

That is a common indication that one or more of your accumulators has failed or is failing. Google the subject, and you will find lots of information about those accumulators.

[@glennbrown8213]

Hello. 2008 s63 amg. My suspension goes all the way up and stays there, any chance that u know what may be the problem

[@Mercedessource]

Don't try to guess. Have the computer scanned for error codes at the dealer or a shop that has the correct scan tool.

[@gasolara2002]

I have a 08 CL600. The older systems are not as good as the systems. With the early applications (c215, r230, and w220) they are way too many junctions and failure points. They were reduced with later applications. If you don't drive the car often enough get rid of the ABC. These cars must be driven and not low miles garage queens to keep the ABC system happy a long with all other systems.

[@Mercedessource]

Great comment and excellent advice. I think the SLs suffer the most because they are often stored for the winter and only driven on nice days. So is the case with mine. Add to that the "fear" factor of ABC failure and you have a recipe for great unhappiness...

[@kennethwillis5274]

Very through with your video ❤