They did so with the SL65 black series. Anything is possible but it might be better to look for a different car. If one is available, it would be nice but I've never heard of a conversion kit.

 

The ABC system and the power steering system share the same pump. Its the pump that causes the most expense (part is well over a grand to replace). Many of the ABC problems come because the pump goes bad due to crud fouling up the system. You can't remove the pump (since its used by the power system system). Better to spend the $ to get a full warranty (you would want one that says "we cover everything BUT the following..."), or to get a different model Benz. Good luck!

 

Since the ABC pump also operates the power steering system, how often should the ABC fluid be replaced, and is there a filter for this system that can be replaced perhaps more often than specified by Mercedes that could alleviate these issues?

 

Theres gotta be a reallt talented technitian out there that has been asked this ?

Are there any talented independants who treat there customers fairly in Orange County,Ca.?
Maybe he can answer this ?

 

Can the the ABC flush be performed without special equipment?

Have any owners performed this service?

 

All work was done at the stealership. Each time they replaced a hose, they had to bleed the system by having the car do the rodeo with the Star diagnostic and add fluid. I'm a DIYer but I did not have confidence to do the repair myself nor did I have a star diagnostic to do the rodeo with the hydraulics.

I'm not a fan of the 216 CL. I think the new S class body looks awesome but it does not translate to the 216 CL. The new CL is also a good bit heavier than the outgoing model and I don't like the quilted seats nor do I care for the layout of the interior.

 

I'm not a fan of the 216 CL. I think the new S class body looks awesome but it does not translate to the 216 CL. The new CL is also a good bit heavier than the outgoing model and I don't like the quilted seats nor do I care for the layout of the interior.

The console-dash arrangement has lost all the fluidity of the 215, 211 etc. What was a slope is now a crevice. However the door design is superior imho, and the NAV is almost competent, which is a big improvement.

Sweet ride and apparently the 216/221 cars and ABC are much more reliable.

The W215 was reliable when it was new, too, relatively speaking.

 

Ok, so I have a question that will probably not go over all too well with some members on here. I have been wanting to pick up a 215 for quite a while as a project and now that I am tired of my Q45 I think it will happen this year.

Ill just say it, I like my projects really low.

I know its not for all, but I build my cars for me. I know the factory air can be driven deflated for a long time comfortably. I am curious if the ABC system is the same between the 220 and the 215. Reason I ask is because a lot of foreign tuners I have contacted regarding their 220's have just removed the fuse from the compressor(s) on the suspension and thus letting it sit fully deflated at all times.

Example:

YouTube - ?????????

 

Example:

YouTube - ?????????

What happens when that car goes over a bump??!!

 

Some 220's have airmatic which uses a compressor but the 215's have ABC and is hydraulic. ABC uses the powersteering pump as the hydraulic pump and I don't believe it can be disconnected by a fuse. If you could, you wouldn't want to risk damaging the suspension and or wheels if you hit a bump. Somethings got to give when a suspension has no travel. The weakest like will break. It may be the wheels or the suspension but something is going to be damaged.

 

Hmm... So its a completely different system. I have talked to a few with the airmatic and the suspension does have travel at full drop, it just doesnt have any upward mobility movement.

And there is not replacement shock available for the CL?? They all come with ABC??

 

All the modern CL's have ABC.

 

I think only about 1 inch but other owners that have witnessed the conversion from stock to lowered can chime in.

 

Any have an idea how to get a drop similar to such??

 

You can do it with lowering links or through the ABC system with a lowering module from Renntech or Kleeman. I'd imagine at that height that you would trip the suspension "too low" warning on the instrument cluster.

 

Yes.
Jack the car up on jackstands........remove whels............remove all supension and drop to the ground.
Place wheels in wheel wells and whallaa!............In da weeds!

Seriously.......A pro would have to RnD an air suspension system AKA lowrider type and it would probably ruin the beautiful ride characteristics the car was designed with. A pro shop would also be big$ + big $ for all the new suspension components.
I have heard that when owners try to drop the stock suspension too much there are issues with blowing seals in the stock hydraulic strut assemblies when encountering potholes,etc.

 

You're hurting my eyes! :crybaby2:


Sorry, I'm just all old-school. I still have stock 17's on mine

 

Hey, I already said I might not be PC with everyone on here. The CL will be a project/weekend/show car, I have usually had one as well as a daily, and they are usually a little off the beaten path from conventional tuning. Its just the way I like things, and I honestly cant wait to see what I my mind can come up with for a CL.

As for custom air, thats something I am very good at. I did the full setup on my Q45 using a few shops I am in with locally and WAY too much of my own time. I am a civil engineer with an extra year I spent in mechanical engineering and have been building and designing custom car parts since I was 17. The entire suspension of my Infiniti was redone by my hand and my planning.

 

How did you do the Infinity?

Why not try the same method on your CL?

My understanding is that the mechanical limits of the stock struts would prevent you from going that low.

 

The Infiniti, I used aftermarket fully adjustable coilovers that were meant for the car as the base and everything else for the airbags was custom fabricated.

Are there any aftermarket suspension options for this car?? Even such as a Sport shock available?? I have yet to see anything in the aftermarket world for this cars suspension. I am going to assume I will just have to modify an S-Class aftermarket suspension or something of the similar to make it work.

Another question. If the ABC system is run off the Power steering pump. Can one take a Basic w220(or similar) power steering pump and replace the ABC pump with it, to completely eliminate the ABC system(I am sure computer tweeking will also be required to make this work.

 

Not that i have heard of because its a hydraulic system and wouldn't justify a business to prototype a product. Cost and sales volume would not make sense.
Throwing codes would also be another issue which would have to be addressed
I will ask Vadim of VRP Tuning Though!

 

Please do so, and if anyone has any other info regarding this, please let me know. Otherwise something crazy might just have to be done.

 

That model Q was always one of my favorites. Nearly bought one once!

I don't get the reverse camber on the wheels. What is that about?

And I still don't know what happens when you go over a bump, especially if turning at the time. What prevents the tire from contacting the wheel arch??