SL600 abc issue/problem

[gavstoke]

Hi everyone,
My 2003 SL600 has developed a problem with the rear abc suspension.
Firstly, at the recent MOT the n/s rear shocker was put down as an advisery due to 'slight misting', which after reading some old posts on here didn't worry me too much.............for now!
but now the ABC warning light has started to come on along with 'visit workshop', when this happens something is changing slightly at the rear of the car and it starts to pull to the right, when I pull over and switch off the engine then restart the car, it levels back up again and off you go, this happened once ages ago, but has now started happening more often.
I took it to the local merc specialist and he had to drive it for 20 miles before it happened, then he has said it is showing as a fault in the ABC sensor in the o/s rear shocker, it appears that the sensor cannot be bought separately, so guess what....................looks like I need a new shocker @ 1051.00!
Clutching at straws here maybe, but does anyone know of a less lottery win busting fix for this issue? or does anyone know of a uk based repair company that can overhaul them( like Arrnot industries in the states)
seems mad that you have to replace the whole shocker just because a sensor is faulty?
btw the body rises and falls perfectly when you press the button.

any help would be much appreciated, before I have to choose which child I have to sell!

cheers

Gav

 

[biturbo]

No in the uk mate. Arnott industries do them i got my front 2 struts done with them for 1k for the pair. They have only just been able to do the abc.
I had similar problem. Mine was the rubber mounts must be all of a 10 part was cracket. Guess what done sell the rubber mount so it was a complete strut.

Biturbo

 

[biturbo]

Btw if you do then we can combine the 2 shocks i have to send back cause its like $400 dollar rebate you get.

 

[gavstoke]

How did you go on with the import duties? did they nail you for it or did you get away with it?
I spoke to customs earlier today and they said I should still pay duties even if I get my own shockers refurbed by Arnott( but only for the value of the refurb not the value of the shocker, which would be 599 dollars each off Arnott, unless they would write it down specifically for this purpose)

 

[donubenz]

If Its misting are you sure it is a sensor fault. Most OBD codes will just give a fault code but could be just a leak.
Have a look at this link.
Don

Front Driver's Strut Removal - with Pictures - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum