Where did you see a CL500 with a standard spring conversion.?? Very interesting to hear if it works...

 

Guys have been swapping out the Lincoln Mark VIII air suspensions for years.

I think as these cars continue to drop in price and warrantys run out more people are going to get creative rather than spend a fortune at MB dealers.

I imagine there is a way to islolate or cap off the stock system going to the shocks and replace them with a coil over kit.


If my ABC ever craps out, I will certainly be looking into it much more indepth.

 

It seems that if you could get a spring conversion in one of the cars, it would be a great reliable car. Too bad. But I did see one on eBay being advertised as one of the only spring converted cars. This was months ago.


But anyway, coming from owners, is ABC really as bad as it is hyped up online?

 

It seems that if you could get a spring conversion in one of the cars, it would be a great reliable car.

But anyway, coming from owners, is ABC really as bad as it is hyped up online?

It would be much more reliable without the ABC but even with the ABC removed it still would not be reliable.

ABC can be worse than it is hyped up on line. When it fails, it is very very expensive to fix. It will fail and it will be expensive - kind of like death and taxes. It's gonna happen.

The only way I can see to avoid the ABC failures is to replace the hoses every 4 to 5 years. Replace any hydraulic hose that is rubber. It gets brittle and cracks under the intense heat in the engine bay. Once a hose fails, it takes out the pump and introduces metal particles in to the system. Once the metal particles are introduced into the system, it causes issues with your struts and control blocks and then goes full circle back into the pump leading to a shortened life span.

 

The ABC system has problems with the pump/accumulators/valves/pipes to name but a few and they are VERY expensive to fix. Someone really must be the first to attempt a conversion to standard.

 

What do you guys think of this car:

Mercedes-Benz : CL-Class | eBay

He says the ABC pump has been replaced, as well as a fluid change, the struts have not been, and I don't know about the hoses. Do you think this is a safe ar to buy as far as ABC is concerned? I like the fact that it seems to have very good service records.

Again, I don't have much money to spend on repairs, but would love a CL, but then again it may not be the car for me, a C300 is probably better. What do you guys think of getting an aftermarket warranty?

One other thing, just so I can learn what to look for in a CL, what are the parts of the ABC system that fail?
So far I know:
-The hoses
-The pump
-The struts

Anything else known to fail to look to see if it has been replaced or not?
And is it true that the pump really only fails when the system loses fluid?

John

 

I don't have much money to spend on repairs, but would love a CL, but then again it may not be the car for me, a C300 is probably better.

 

The W215 CL is in my opinion the most beautiful newer car MB has ever made. BUT -If you don't have a lot to spend on repairs - stay with the C300 and you won't have to worry each time you drive it!

 

There is a reason why Mercedes put ABC suspension on that car. No ABC no CL ride. You would never get that Rolls royce ride if it wasnt for ABC. Get it checked out make sure there are no leaks. Ask for service records. As far as this car goes try oferring him $18K and then move up a little bit up to $19,500 but not more.

 

But then I run into something like this and it turns me off:

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w215-cl-class/1536200-does-anyone-who-owns-2000-2006-a.html

The guy says that all 2000-06 215s are bound to have the valve issue....

Eric-
whats your opinion on this?

 

I told you earlier in the thread those who get hit with megga bucks problems will, understandably shout loudest, but those with no problems will say nothing so I am giving you that balance, the shouters 2% but loud the silent guys 88% but saying nothing and watching the shouters fight.

The majority of the valve block problems came with the W220 S600 and not with the CL range.

 

Agree with Eric (the Expert) - if pump has been replaced, just get all the hoses checked for leaks, seeping or even dampness. If at all suspect - get them changed. Otherwise go for it.