SL55 front shock absorbers

[MichaelSB]

I am trying to buy a SL55 and almost all the cars I come across and do a MOT history check on have an ongoing advisory for oil misting on front shock absorbers, is the a big deal like the front ball joints i.e. Part of the ABC suspension system? and what is the likely cost to fix, useful to negotiate on price.
thank you
michael

 

[G7Wagen]

The ABC pressure runs at a constant 3000psi... so any leaks will be apparent..with misting or a lower than normal suspension. A new MB front Shock is circa £1500 just for the part.. rebuilt one are available from various places at about £800 each.. plus fitting and bleeding of the ABC system.
Always a concern on an ABC equipped car.

 

[Dickster]

Misting, as I’ve said before, is not an issue. I’ve owned my 55 for three years and around 6k miles. It’s had misting on at least one strut the whole time. I monitor the ABC fluid and it’s not used a drop (that you can measure) in two years - since I did some repairs on the ABC.

Get the car checked professionally, and keep some money aside for surprises.

 

[Dickster]

Check out post 7

SL55 Rear ABC strut leaking

My SL55 has developed a bad leak to the rear right ABC strut with a resultant MOT fail today. My local dealer wants £1335 for a replacement strut and I wondered if anyone was aware of a cheaper source. I have seen the Arnott re-manufactured struts a a much lower price and wondered if they were...

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