Ripping out the ABC

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colin.c43

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Apr 25, 2012
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117
Location
London
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W202 C43
Can anyone tell me what it would cost to pay a specialist to rip out the ABC and replace it with regular suspension?

I want to buy an SL 55 AMG R230, but my budget means I’m looking at a 2003 - 2006 model, around the 80k mileage mark. It appears that cars of that era are increasingly prone to ABC faults. Once the ABC starts failing does it ever stop? With accumulators, sensors, valves and pumps, and every one of them with their own fault codes.

I appreciate the arguments about reducing the resale value, but that isn’t my concern. I want to be able to jump in the car and drive to the South of France without worrying that I’m going to get a warning message every time I hit a bump.

Or if I want reliability should I buy an SLK 55 instead?
 
I wouldn't want to drive to the South of France in my SLK55. Mechanically it would be fine, but I'm a big bugger (6' 1" and 18 stone) and it's a pretty snug fit at best...

About four years ago I nearly bought an R230 SL55 which had had the ABC replaced with coil springs; the work had been done by a reputable aftermarket suspension company, and had cost about £4K.

(If I hadn't mucked up my eBay snipe, I'd probably still have it; the SL500 that I eventually bought was a bit limp in the performance department for my taste...)
 
Or if I want reliability should I buy an SLK 55 instead?

Probably better to buy an Austin Metro.

Jokes aside, just stay on top of the ABC suspension and it will function fine. Regular fluid changes and accumulator replacements should prevent any problems.
On a serious note, there is nothing about a car like the SL55 which is cheap. If running costs are your primary concern, you should probably buy something less sophisticated
 
Probably better to buy an Austin Metro.

Jokes aside, just stay on top of the ABC suspension and it will function fine. Regular fluid changes and accumulator replacements should prevent any problems.
On a serious note, there is nothing about a car like the SL55 which is cheap. If running costs are your primary concern, you should probably buy something less sophisticated
It’s not the money, it’s the reliability. I have a 3000 mile trip planned round Europe in August (Covid/Brexit) permitting. I want to spend the majority of that time in the over-taking lane, not parked on the hard-shoulder. But thanks for your response.
 
I wouldn't want to drive to the South of France in my SLK55. Mechanically it would be fine, but I'm a big bugger (6' 1" and 18 stone) and it's a pretty snug fit at best...

About four years ago I nearly bought an R230 SL55 which had had the ABC replaced with coil springs; the work had been done by a reputable aftermarket suspension company, and had cost about £4K.

(If I hadn't mucked up my eBay snipe, I'd probably still have it; the SL500 that I eventually bought was a bit limp in the performance department for my taste...)
I had a SLK 350 and it took two of us around Europe with no trouble. We pack light in the summer! The other option could be an SL63. I feel the need for a V8!
 
It’s not the money, it’s the reliability. I have a 3000 mile trip planned round Europe in August (Covid/Brexit) permitting. I want to spend the majority of that time in the over-taking lane, not parked on the hard-shoulder. But thanks for your response.

The SL55 should have no problem and getting the ABC sorted will be far less trouble than trying to convert it.
 
I agree, I’ve owned my SL55 for 18 months and it’s been great. Make sure the system is well maintained and you’re good to go - the accumulators will need replacing at that mileage.

I’d be more concerned about carrying a spare wheel than the ABC breaking down. I tracked one down on eBay with the oe mouldings. I’d also carry a spare litre of ABC fluid just in case....😉

Ps there’s no guarantee with any car, just make sure you’ve good breakdown cover
 

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