R129 with ABC suspsnsion?

[niva441]

I took the car back to the dealer last week to have the anti roll bar replaced as it knocked intermittently. I was surprised when I collected it when they said they'd reset the ABC system.

I'm assuming they were referring to the Active Body Control system. I wasn't aware of it being fitted to this car and none of its option codes indicate it's fitted. I also didn't realise it was fitted to this model of SL (let alone a lowly 320).

Has anyone got any ideas what else they could have been referring to?

 

[BTB 500]

On the R129 it's called ADS (adaptive damping system), not ABC. It was an expensive option (code 214) - only the SL600 had it as standard.

If your car has it there will be a mode switch on the centre console (looking like a shock absorber) to select normal/sport. Also a raise switch next to the headlamp knob, in place of the headlamp alignment switch (which is not needed with ADS as the car auto-levels).

 

[niva441]

Thanks

No sign of the extra switch, or option code 214. I suppose the raise switch may be to lift the vehicle for speed humps, kerbs etc. We were looking at a similar system on a vehicle I worked on previously.

 

[BTB 500]

Yup the raise switch is supposedly for rough ground etc., it has 2 stages. This is mine on maximum lift:

You can only use this at low speeds - it automatically drops otherwise. ADS also lowers the car below the normal ride height at a certain speed (70 ish, IIRC).

You can see the raise switch here - I believe early cars (with "ADS I" rather than ADS II") didn't have this though. The red oblong switch next to it locks the suspension, for jacking the car.

 

[stumpy1]

On the R129 it's called ADS (adaptive damping system), not ABC. It was an expensive option (code 214) - only the SL600 had it as standard.

If your car has it there will be a mode switch on the centre console (looking like a shock absorber) to select normal/sport. Also a raise switch next to the headlamp knob, in place of the headlamp alignment switch (which is not needed with ADS as the car auto-levels).

Didn't the SL60 AMG have it as standard too

 

[niva441]

No sign of that switch on mine, plus I'd have certainly played with it by now and had the car jumping up and down.

 

[BTB 500]

Here's the suspension mode switch on the centre console (to the right of the hazard warning light switch)

If your car has none of these then I'd be asking the garage to explain what they'd done ...

 

[BTB 500]

Didn't the SL60 AMG have it as standard too

No, it was an option. Think I've only ever seen one SL60 with it.

 

[niva441]

If your car has none of these then I'd be asking the garage to explain what they'd done ...

Yes I'm in discussion with them.

 

[Sp!ke]

Did they change the whole ARB or just the bushes?

I'm surprised if it were the former unless you car has done high miles.

 

[niva441]

Apparently it was the bar that was worn (surprised me), but they changed the bushes as well. The car has done 77,000 miles.

 

[Sp!ke]

Actually the bars do wear but its rare to hear of a dealer replace it.

The dealers seem happier to charge for changing the bushes on a regular basis as the wear on the roll bar accelerates the wear on the bushes.

 

[niva441]

It gives me some confidence in the dealer, that they replaced the whole unit, rather than just the bushes for a warranty repair.