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, 2001 clk430
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235 Posts
Discussion Starter · #1 ·
My 2003 SL55 with 83K miles is in great shape and performs flawlessly. It doesn't leak anything, and the suspension doesn't sag after sitting for weeks, although I usually drive it every few days. The height adjustment buttons on the center console work fine. I leave it in the upper levels due to a steep driveway and rough roads near me. I lower it for highway trips, maybe twice a month. The ride is silky smooth and corners nice and flat .The fluid is clean and green and reads the proper levels both AN and AUS (running and off). I've added about 1/2 quart since I bought it when it first started giving ABC warnings occasionally and I learned how to check it. I thought one or more accumulators had leaked through since no fluid leaks out. The ABC warnings quit for about a year, but returned recently. There is one delta road on the way to our favorite eating spot that has a series of rises and dips that trips the warning every few miles, if I have my wife with me. Short trips around town don't trip it at all if I'm by myself.
So, since I'm retired and have 3 cars and a truck and motorcycle, I put very few miles on the SL55 each year.
So all this begs the question, do I want to throw money at this "problem". I've read much about this system, and realize how many parts may be involved if I take it to my local indie. I'm also considering buying 2 accumulators for about $200 from CARID, and replacing them myself in hopes this will solve the problem with the beep and red ABC warning. This would be pretty hard for me since I'm 76, but would cost about the same as an estimate from the Indie. Or do I just drive it and not worry about it since I put so few miles on it? Or just park it and drive something else. The problem is, I love driving this car. Any opinions would be appreciated.
 

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2004 SL55 AMG Designo Graphite Edition, 2013 ML63 AMG w/PP, 2009 ML350 4matic,
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85 Posts
Accumulator or multiple. Mine did the exact same thing. No sag, no apparent leak, Height adjustment worked, but over dip at Highway speed got the REd ABC warning momentarily. Since it was so sporadic, I let it go for quite a while. Then it began exhibiting the warning more often and over smaller imperfections. The previous owner had supposedly done the accumulators. Turned oput the rears were fine, but the shop he took it to didn't replace the fron and left it unbolted and it was leaking.
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Auto part Machine Engine Automotive engine part
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Auto part Vehicle Automotive fuel system Fuel line Subcompact car
 

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2005 SL 500, mileage 99K
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211 Posts
With your mileage and age of vehicle it is likely the accumulators require replacement. You don't want one to rupture and possibly contaminate the fluid. There are four in the vehicle. The two front ones are relatively easy to replace. The one in the rear is not bad either, but the fourth one, the smaller one that requires removal of the control valve assy. I did the easy three, but the fourth one I had my shop replace it, three hours labor. Regardless, without a lift , lying the ground and a jacked up vehicle it is a bit of work. My suggestion is take it to a shop let them diagnose the issue and if you need accumulators do all four and they are a maintenance item and sooner or later the others will go out. I didn't wait, I replaced mine around 85K miles.
 

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Current: 2003 SL55 Obsidian Black, 2007 ML500 Silver. Former: SL500, 560SEL, 450SEL, 300SEL 6.3
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160 Posts
I replaced the front and rear accumulators and the ABC pump pulsation damper a few years ago;

Here are some write ups on them:

the other comments in the threads will help

None of them are particularly tricky, a bit awkward but very doable with the normal jack and an axle stand for extra security

Good Luck

Peter
 

· Registered
, 2001 clk430
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235 Posts
Discussion Starter · #6 ·
Thanks for the quick replies!
After speaking with the Indie I've used in the past,(and my wife) I made an appointment for an estimate.
I'm apparently getting too old for this job. I'd hate to die with any money in the bank anyway!:rolleyes:
 

· Registered
2004 SL55 AMG Designo Graphite Edition, 2013 ML63 AMG w/PP, 2009 ML350 4matic,
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85 Posts
I had my indie do it. It was not ridiculous. He only charged me $650.00 to diagnose and replace 1 accumulator in front, fluid, filter flush and bleed ...rodeo test. You won't believe how much better the car rides. I think he gave me a hell of a deal!
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· Registered
, 2001 clk430
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235 Posts
Discussion Starter · #8 ·
I had my indie do it. It was not ridiculous. He only charged me $650.00 to diagnose and replace 1 accumulator in front, fluid, filter flush and bleed ...rodeo test. You won't believe how much better the car rides. I think he gave me a hell of a deal!
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I'd be happy with that result too!
 

· Registered
, 2001 clk430
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235 Posts
Discussion Starter · #9 ·
So I just got an estimate from my local shop I've used before, and they want to change all four accumulators, filter and fluid with genuine Mercedes parts with a three year warranty. Including the diagnostic and taxes $2301 out the door. With encouragement from my wife, I gave them the go ahead. I really like this car and don't ever want to sell it.
 

· Registered
, 2001 clk430
Joined
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235 Posts
Discussion Starter · #10 ·
So I just got an estimate from my local shop I've used before, and they want to change all four accumulators, filter and fluid with genuine Mercedes parts with a three year warranty. Including the diagnostic and taxes $2301 out the door. With encouragement from my wife, I gave them the go ahead. I really like this car and don't ever want to sell it.
Btw I’m getting the old parts back with the car in the morning
I’m curious to see what shape they are in
If any are good I would give them to a member if anybody is interested
 

· Registered
, 2001 clk430
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235 Posts
Discussion Starter · #11 ·
So I picked up the car and old parts and took it for a spin. Seems perfect now.
I checked the 4 accumulators and only one big one was blown. But I'm happy that I had it all done at once plus a flush filter and rodeo.
I also just got new tires, so hopefully I can just enjoy it, which I really do.
 
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