mercy-me
Got the Google translation, good article. I've been planning to flush/replace my ABC system (48K miles, bought car last August, no history of ABC being flushed/replaced), as soon as the weather gets cooperative (won't be driven again until ABC is flushed).
After reading the article, and their comments about metal particles, (and their in house developed magnet system), I'm wondering if it isn't worthwhile putting a small magnet INSIDE the new 3micron filter???? With a small round magnet, a hole could be drilled in the middle and the center spring wire placed through that hole. The spring wire would hold it in place. Just a thought - any opinions?
Gary--
PS: I just found the price for their magnetic filter is: Euro, 99.95. Or, about $135 US plus shipping. I have sent an e-mail inquiring about sale to the US.
After reading the article, and their comments about metal particles, (and their in house developed magnet system), I'm wondering if it isn't worthwhile putting a small magnet INSIDE the new 3micron filter???? With a small round magnet, a hole could be drilled in the middle and the center spring wire placed through that hole. The spring wire would hold it in place. Just a thought - any opinions?
Gary--
PS: I just found the price for their magnetic filter is: Euro, 99.95. Or, about $135 US plus shipping. I have sent an e-mail inquiring about sale to the US.
I found a very good price on Pentosin CHF 11S. 20L for $215.64.
No reason to not change more often at that price. I hope that you can continue to pursue obtaining the magnetic filter. That would help the whole "ABC" community.
Thanks, Bob
No reason to not change more often at that price. I hope that you can continue to pursue obtaining the magnetic filter. That would help the whole "ABC" community.
Thanks, Bob
I used Google Translation, combined with my ancient knowledge of Deutsche (last time I really translated was in 1965 to pass requirements for technical doctorate) to bring the prose of this document to those who do not read/understand German. It's a bit long, and some duplication. (I made a couple of comments - in purple).
Gary--
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mercedes Benz ABC Suspension
Our company has specialized on the ABC suspension for years.
We diagnose , repair, and replace all components in the ABC suspension.
For questions please contact our phone number. We are happy to help and assist you with tips and tricks that work.
What is the ABC suspension?
The ABC suspension is an electro-hydraulic active system combined with a coil spring.
The Active Body Control (ABC) can compensate within milliseconds to the rolling and pitching movements of the body when starting, braking and cornering. The ABC is thus superior to air suspension systems.
Care of the ABC system:
The ABC suspension has a gotten a bad reputation because many owners do not maintain it, and critical components become damaged – eventually destroying the whole system. Regular maintenance results in an ABC suspension with the same life expectancy of the rest of the vehicle. Below you will find some hints from our experience.
If it is operated for years with the original hydraulic fluid, or after this fluid has become dirty, then many if not all of the components of the ABC chassis can be destroyed. OR if it is operated with low fluid levels, the owner will have the same result. This includes the hydraulic pump, struts and valve units.
You can easily check your oil quality using the dipstick from the reservoir. This sits next to the fill cover which contains the white filter. Take a white lint free towel and pat the oil from the dipstick onto it. Clean oil is green, light brown in ‘fair condition. IT SHOULD BE REPLACED BEFORE IT BECOMES DARK BROWN OR BLACK. If it is very dark brown or black, replace it immediately (or be prepared to replace expensive components).
The system uses about 15-16 liter of Pentosinöl (A00198924003-10, or Pentosin CHF 11S). To replace you will need about 10-12 liters. This will replace MOST, but not ALL the hydraulic fluid, as some will remain in the individual spring reservoirs.
But, that is not a major problem. The large amount of new fluid mixes with the small amount of old fluid. You will also replace the filter in the ABC reservoir with the new 3mm filter. This new fine filter will clean the resulting fluid mixture. After about 750 -1500 miles you should once again flush/replace both the Pentosin fluid and the 3mm filter. Then you should end up with only clean/green fluid in the system. ( Anleitung_Spülen pdf. )
In one of the pictures you can see an additional filter, which we developed. This magnetic filter is specially designed to trap metal abrasion particles that can come from components of the ABC chassis. These metal shavings are caused when old ‘dirty/abrasive’ fluid flows through the ABC hydraulic pump, causing mild to severe erosion of metal. This magnetic filter removes any future metal abrasion or metal chips from the fluid, thus protecting the whole system (the fluid is repeatedly flushed and cleaned with every circulation through the reservoir).
Once metal shavings are created, they can infiltrate the entire system, making it necessary to disassemble the entire system and clean by hand!
The installation of the magnetic filter will help prevent this from happening. With the crystal clear case, as you open the hood, you can readily see and check the color of the ABC fluid and observe whether any metal has been collected by the filter. The filter is washable, so you make a one-time purchase. In the rare event that somehow something gets broken, all parts can be ordered individually.
CLEAN OIL is important for the long term durability of the ABC system
In the first picture you can clearly see an ABC pump that has run 120,00 miles in the clean ABC system looks like. In the pictures below, the pump has been running about 48,000 miles, and the fluid was very dark brown. The metal debris in the oil has produced fluid that is the equivalent of liquid sandpaper – which has rubbed and damaged everything - with every mile that was driven. Moreover, with this abrasive fluid, more friction occurs in the system, especially in the ABC pump. High friction means more heat. On some occasions pumps have become so hot that they overheat and glow! When this occurs, EVERYTHING DETERIORATES your fluid becomes progressively worse and begins to smell like burnt oil.
If the Pentosinöl in the ABC system is renewed every 15 to 30K miles, or every ~3 years, depending on load and driving style, the ABC system should last for 300,000 miles or longer.
This longevity has been proven by our own car and the maintenance we have done on it. This car is a W215 CL 65 AMG V12 Biturbo, and after about 6K to miles the fluid begins to turn brown. After 12K miles it is dark brown.
For vehicles with less engine power, it may take longer. But we have found the fluid usually starts to turn a dark brown to black color after ~18-25K miles. For vehicles that are have not had adequate service to the ABC system can change color even faster after the first flush/change.
We have driven our frequently used 2003 W220 S Class long version S55 AMG Kompressor ~250K miles. We have changed the ABC fluid approximately every 18K miles. All suspension components on this car are original except for 2 dust covers for rear shocks and a pressure hose to the right front strut. AND, the ABC pump from our vehicle had after all these miles is still ~190 Bar (~2,850 PSI) at operating temperature.
Our latest acquisition an S Class W220 S65 AMG V12 Biturbo long version 25K miles. The Pentosinöl was black as tar.
We had to disassemble everything clean and repair many components.
At this point, it is important - both for vehicle owners with ABC suspension (and Mercedes shop foremen and those who want to be) – to remember that the Pentosinöl has properties similar to brake fluid. They are both hygroscopic meaning they absorb water, such as from the air. Therefore, it is IMPORTANT that the Pentosinöl is replaced after a maximum of 5 years to prevent corrosion in the suspension components. (here they state this time interval is also recommended by Mercedes Benz – certainly it is for brake fluid, but not clearly stated for ABC fluid as far as I know).
For this reason alone, this fluid is not maintenance free as is always claimed by the MB dealer. You can check about the hygroscopic effect under brake fluid at Wikipedia.
Pentisol is hygroscopic, like brake fluid it absorbs moisture and deteriorates!
We found one incident where a SL 55 AMG was stored in October and brought out for driving in April. During the winter, the pistons had rusted in the ABC hydraulic pump. When first started, the pump was destroyed and there was, within seconds, a red error message on the instrument cluster.
"ABC defective please visit workshop". If that appears, the pump pressure is below 100 bar. At any pressure of 99 bar or lower, this red error message appears and the car DEFINITELY should not be driven further.
ABC pumps and systems are ONLY destroyed by bad fluid!!
The ABC pump is lubricated by the Pentosinöl and 200 bar pressure which it produces. This fluid passes through micro sieves and around and through very small passages to the main shaft and main bearings. Contaminated fluid first contacts the screens. These become partially plugged, and as a result the main bearings are inadequately or not at all lubricated. Then, the pump starts making bearing noise. When that occurs, if you then press the ABC button for lifting and your vehicle goes up. During the raising of the vehicle the ABC pump is quiet for a short time. When it reaches full height, the pump becomes loud again!! Reason for this is that during the lifting operation, the main shaft is pressed under load into the main bearing, so the ABC pump for this moment is quiet. When the vehicle is at full height the load is no longer holding the main shaft to the bearing. Thus, the main shaft is rattling in the main bearings because the fluid pressure/film is missing.
IF the wear of the shaft and bearing is advanced, the pump is constantly loud.
It also happens that if the oil supply rapidly goes to zero, then the main shaft overheats the main bearing and they VERY RAPIDLY wear on each other. The pump is ruined. In these cases, repair is not possible. The pump housing is useless because the bearing seats are damaged in the pump housing and new bearing not available.
The most common cause of pump damage is the overheating of the pump through abrasive fluid. The metal debris in the oil is like sandpaper between the rotating parts. Due to the poor FLUID, higher friction results and the pump over-heats and is destroyed.
In rare cases, the pressure housing may crack, thus the pump leaks and fluid level drops dramatically. Also, the breaking off of the plugs from the pressure housing can cause this catastrophic loss of fluid and pump destruction.
Consequences of inadequate care and maintenance of your ABC system:
Dirty fluid will first slow the ABC hydraulic pump (plugged sieves). Many errors of the suspension result from the insufficient pump pressure. If the pump pressure of 200 Bar drops to about 160 Bar, the instrument panel will display in white/black: "ABC defective, please visit workshop".
If you then continue to drive the vehicle and the pump is working, the warning message will soon appear in red, (the pump pressure has dropped below 100 bar) and the ABC system goes into limp home mode. It closes the shut-off valves in the valve unit, so that the vehicle does not fall down. Your vehicle drives as if the shock absorber is defective.
With a red error message it is best to stop immediately and have your car transported to a service facility. If your ABC pump fails suddenly damage usually occurs throughout the system, as the fluid brings the chips with it. Continuing, the chips are distributed with the still small pressure in the system. That would be the worst thing that can happen. Your ABC suspension would then actually be a total loss. Mercedes Benz then recommends that all ABC suspension parts be replaced with new components. The ABC pump is a precision high pressure hydraulic pump that generates 200 bar, so everything must function precisely and with VERY low clearances. A metal chip left in the system is sufficient for the new ABC pump to be destroyed. Flushing the system in place brings no guarantee that it is clean, due to the branches (nooks and crannies??) throughout this complex system. A complete dis-assembly, flushing and cleaning by hand is the ONLY possible way to avoid future problems from such debris. Any other approach is Russian Roulette.
The cars we have serviced or repaired over the past years is proof of our approach. They continue to run well and do not return for ‘repairs’, only service.
Do you have questions, problems with your ABC suspension? Give us a call!
Phone : 03877-56 26 81 (Germany)
IF you are interested in seeing the components 'under repair', I strongly recommend going through the slide show of pictures at the bottom of their page.
Gary Knox
PS: To save a lot of reading, I never found a way to get these economically. Still think the magnetic filter is a good idea. Here is what I ended up using: https://www.ebay.com/i/122309510375?chn=ps&dispItem=1
It was named 'Magnefine' when I bought it. Looks like Raybestos may have bought the company.
G--
Gary--
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mercedes Benz ABC Suspension
Our company has specialized on the ABC suspension for years.
We diagnose , repair, and replace all components in the ABC suspension.
For questions please contact our phone number. We are happy to help and assist you with tips and tricks that work.
What is the ABC suspension?
The ABC suspension is an electro-hydraulic active system combined with a coil spring.
The Active Body Control (ABC) can compensate within milliseconds to the rolling and pitching movements of the body when starting, braking and cornering. The ABC is thus superior to air suspension systems.
Care of the ABC system:
The ABC suspension has a gotten a bad reputation because many owners do not maintain it, and critical components become damaged – eventually destroying the whole system. Regular maintenance results in an ABC suspension with the same life expectancy of the rest of the vehicle. Below you will find some hints from our experience.
If it is operated for years with the original hydraulic fluid, or after this fluid has become dirty, then many if not all of the components of the ABC chassis can be destroyed. OR if it is operated with low fluid levels, the owner will have the same result. This includes the hydraulic pump, struts and valve units.
You can easily check your oil quality using the dipstick from the reservoir. This sits next to the fill cover which contains the white filter. Take a white lint free towel and pat the oil from the dipstick onto it. Clean oil is green, light brown in ‘fair condition. IT SHOULD BE REPLACED BEFORE IT BECOMES DARK BROWN OR BLACK. If it is very dark brown or black, replace it immediately (or be prepared to replace expensive components).
The system uses about 15-16 liter of Pentosinöl (A00198924003-10, or Pentosin CHF 11S). To replace you will need about 10-12 liters. This will replace MOST, but not ALL the hydraulic fluid, as some will remain in the individual spring reservoirs.
But, that is not a major problem. The large amount of new fluid mixes with the small amount of old fluid. You will also replace the filter in the ABC reservoir with the new 3mm filter. This new fine filter will clean the resulting fluid mixture. After about 750 -1500 miles you should once again flush/replace both the Pentosin fluid and the 3mm filter. Then you should end up with only clean/green fluid in the system. ( Anleitung_Spülen pdf. )
In one of the pictures you can see an additional filter, which we developed. This magnetic filter is specially designed to trap metal abrasion particles that can come from components of the ABC chassis. These metal shavings are caused when old ‘dirty/abrasive’ fluid flows through the ABC hydraulic pump, causing mild to severe erosion of metal. This magnetic filter removes any future metal abrasion or metal chips from the fluid, thus protecting the whole system (the fluid is repeatedly flushed and cleaned with every circulation through the reservoir).
Once metal shavings are created, they can infiltrate the entire system, making it necessary to disassemble the entire system and clean by hand!
The installation of the magnetic filter will help prevent this from happening. With the crystal clear case, as you open the hood, you can readily see and check the color of the ABC fluid and observe whether any metal has been collected by the filter. The filter is washable, so you make a one-time purchase. In the rare event that somehow something gets broken, all parts can be ordered individually.
CLEAN OIL is important for the long term durability of the ABC system
In the first picture you can clearly see an ABC pump that has run 120,00 miles in the clean ABC system looks like. In the pictures below, the pump has been running about 48,000 miles, and the fluid was very dark brown. The metal debris in the oil has produced fluid that is the equivalent of liquid sandpaper – which has rubbed and damaged everything - with every mile that was driven. Moreover, with this abrasive fluid, more friction occurs in the system, especially in the ABC pump. High friction means more heat. On some occasions pumps have become so hot that they overheat and glow! When this occurs, EVERYTHING DETERIORATES your fluid becomes progressively worse and begins to smell like burnt oil.
If the Pentosinöl in the ABC system is renewed every 15 to 30K miles, or every ~3 years, depending on load and driving style, the ABC system should last for 300,000 miles or longer.
This longevity has been proven by our own car and the maintenance we have done on it. This car is a W215 CL 65 AMG V12 Biturbo, and after about 6K to miles the fluid begins to turn brown. After 12K miles it is dark brown.
For vehicles with less engine power, it may take longer. But we have found the fluid usually starts to turn a dark brown to black color after ~18-25K miles. For vehicles that are have not had adequate service to the ABC system can change color even faster after the first flush/change.
We have driven our frequently used 2003 W220 S Class long version S55 AMG Kompressor ~250K miles. We have changed the ABC fluid approximately every 18K miles. All suspension components on this car are original except for 2 dust covers for rear shocks and a pressure hose to the right front strut. AND, the ABC pump from our vehicle had after all these miles is still ~190 Bar (~2,850 PSI) at operating temperature.
Our latest acquisition an S Class W220 S65 AMG V12 Biturbo long version 25K miles. The Pentosinöl was black as tar.
We had to disassemble everything clean and repair many components.
At this point, it is important - both for vehicle owners with ABC suspension (and Mercedes shop foremen and those who want to be) – to remember that the Pentosinöl has properties similar to brake fluid. They are both hygroscopic meaning they absorb water, such as from the air. Therefore, it is IMPORTANT that the Pentosinöl is replaced after a maximum of 5 years to prevent corrosion in the suspension components. (here they state this time interval is also recommended by Mercedes Benz – certainly it is for brake fluid, but not clearly stated for ABC fluid as far as I know).
For this reason alone, this fluid is not maintenance free as is always claimed by the MB dealer. You can check about the hygroscopic effect under brake fluid at Wikipedia.
Pentisol is hygroscopic, like brake fluid it absorbs moisture and deteriorates!
We found one incident where a SL 55 AMG was stored in October and brought out for driving in April. During the winter, the pistons had rusted in the ABC hydraulic pump. When first started, the pump was destroyed and there was, within seconds, a red error message on the instrument cluster.
"ABC defective please visit workshop". If that appears, the pump pressure is below 100 bar. At any pressure of 99 bar or lower, this red error message appears and the car DEFINITELY should not be driven further.
ABC pumps and systems are ONLY destroyed by bad fluid!!
The ABC pump is lubricated by the Pentosinöl and 200 bar pressure which it produces. This fluid passes through micro sieves and around and through very small passages to the main shaft and main bearings. Contaminated fluid first contacts the screens. These become partially plugged, and as a result the main bearings are inadequately or not at all lubricated. Then, the pump starts making bearing noise. When that occurs, if you then press the ABC button for lifting and your vehicle goes up. During the raising of the vehicle the ABC pump is quiet for a short time. When it reaches full height, the pump becomes loud again!! Reason for this is that during the lifting operation, the main shaft is pressed under load into the main bearing, so the ABC pump for this moment is quiet. When the vehicle is at full height the load is no longer holding the main shaft to the bearing. Thus, the main shaft is rattling in the main bearings because the fluid pressure/film is missing.
IF the wear of the shaft and bearing is advanced, the pump is constantly loud.
It also happens that if the oil supply rapidly goes to zero, then the main shaft overheats the main bearing and they VERY RAPIDLY wear on each other. The pump is ruined. In these cases, repair is not possible. The pump housing is useless because the bearing seats are damaged in the pump housing and new bearing not available.
The most common cause of pump damage is the overheating of the pump through abrasive fluid. The metal debris in the oil is like sandpaper between the rotating parts. Due to the poor FLUID, higher friction results and the pump over-heats and is destroyed.
In rare cases, the pressure housing may crack, thus the pump leaks and fluid level drops dramatically. Also, the breaking off of the plugs from the pressure housing can cause this catastrophic loss of fluid and pump destruction.
Consequences of inadequate care and maintenance of your ABC system:
Dirty fluid will first slow the ABC hydraulic pump (plugged sieves). Many errors of the suspension result from the insufficient pump pressure. If the pump pressure of 200 Bar drops to about 160 Bar, the instrument panel will display in white/black: "ABC defective, please visit workshop".
If you then continue to drive the vehicle and the pump is working, the warning message will soon appear in red, (the pump pressure has dropped below 100 bar) and the ABC system goes into limp home mode. It closes the shut-off valves in the valve unit, so that the vehicle does not fall down. Your vehicle drives as if the shock absorber is defective.
With a red error message it is best to stop immediately and have your car transported to a service facility. If your ABC pump fails suddenly damage usually occurs throughout the system, as the fluid brings the chips with it. Continuing, the chips are distributed with the still small pressure in the system. That would be the worst thing that can happen. Your ABC suspension would then actually be a total loss. Mercedes Benz then recommends that all ABC suspension parts be replaced with new components. The ABC pump is a precision high pressure hydraulic pump that generates 200 bar, so everything must function precisely and with VERY low clearances. A metal chip left in the system is sufficient for the new ABC pump to be destroyed. Flushing the system in place brings no guarantee that it is clean, due to the branches (nooks and crannies??) throughout this complex system. A complete dis-assembly, flushing and cleaning by hand is the ONLY possible way to avoid future problems from such debris. Any other approach is Russian Roulette.
The cars we have serviced or repaired over the past years is proof of our approach. They continue to run well and do not return for ‘repairs’, only service.
Do you have questions, problems with your ABC suspension? Give us a call!
Phone : 03877-56 26 81 (Germany)
IF you are interested in seeing the components 'under repair', I strongly recommend going through the slide show of pictures at the bottom of their page.
Gary Knox
PS: To save a lot of reading, I never found a way to get these economically. Still think the magnetic filter is a good idea. Here is what I ended up using: https://www.ebay.com/i/122309510375?chn=ps&dispItem=1
It was named 'Magnefine' when I bought it. Looks like Raybestos may have bought the company.
G--
Bob,
Good find. But we must all remember that since it is hygroscopic, once you open it, it should be resealed ASAP, then kept in as dry an area as possible. Otherwise, once unsealed and opened, it will deteriorate just as brake fluid does.
Gary--
PS: I found Pentosin CHF 11S in one liter cans at local NAPA dealers. BUT, one dealer was about $25 per liter and one was $19.50 a liter. Guess where I bought my 12 liters!!
Good find. But we must all remember that since it is hygroscopic, once you open it, it should be resealed ASAP, then kept in as dry an area as possible. Otherwise, once unsealed and opened, it will deteriorate just as brake fluid does.
Gary--
PS: I found Pentosin CHF 11S in one liter cans at local NAPA dealers. BUT, one dealer was about $25 per liter and one was $19.50 a liter. Guess where I bought my 12 liters!!
I just bought 20L, Now, can someone help Me find one of those clear filters? I would love to have one, My ABC system has been great so far, and I hope to keep it that way!!!!, I believe that frequent service on this very complex system is a MUST!!!! It would be nice to just open the hood and look at the little filter and see the color of the oil.
Drags,
Stay tuned. I'm working on finding a way to order/purchase these valves in the US. I WILL have one for my car, and hope I can find a way that anyone who has an ABC system can purchase one.
It may take a week or two, but I have 4 different approaches to try. I'm currently working via e-mail on the first two. IF neither of these work out, I'm quite confident I'll find one that does.
Gary-
PS: Had a JD 318 for several years. Now have an all wheel steer 445 that I've had since '99. Great vehicle!
Stay tuned. I'm working on finding a way to order/purchase these valves in the US. I WILL have one for my car, and hope I can find a way that anyone who has an ABC system can purchase one.
It may take a week or two, but I have 4 different approaches to try. I'm currently working via e-mail on the first two. IF neither of these work out, I'm quite confident I'll find one that does.
Gary-
PS: Had a JD 318 for several years. Now have an all wheel steer 445 that I've had since '99. Great vehicle!
quote by drags 1998. It would be nice to just open the hood and look at the little filter and see the color of the oil.
you have given me a GREAT IDEA lmk what you all think,...vette if you are readin this let me know
how about an additional inline filter,a clear one, like the old fashioned inline fuel filters-maybe even find an inline type with a magnet in it or you could splice a clear high pressure hose,an inch or two, just to make a 'window" to see your fluid. this would naturally be placed right by the in-cap, easy to service and see
naturally the filter must not have too much resistance,not to hinder the fluid flow.the clear hose is a bunt to add, just to act as a window.
JUST REMEMBERED...from my boating days, there are diesel-fuel inline filters that are glass or plastic and may provide the viscosity flow we need. they are 2-3 inches long .now to find one with a magnet...i will look at a graingers catalog they look like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/8MM-5-16-Ch.../291011173461?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43c19e1c55&vxp=mtr
or here....you get the idea
https://www.google.com/search?q=inl...&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=AjH0Uru9BsnesATIy4GoDw&ved=0CDAQsAQ&biw=1680&bih=985
you have given me a GREAT IDEA lmk what you all think,...vette if you are readin this let me know
how about an additional inline filter,a clear one, like the old fashioned inline fuel filters-maybe even find an inline type with a magnet in it or you could splice a clear high pressure hose,an inch or two, just to make a 'window" to see your fluid. this would naturally be placed right by the in-cap, easy to service and see
naturally the filter must not have too much resistance,not to hinder the fluid flow.the clear hose is a bunt to add, just to act as a window.
JUST REMEMBERED...from my boating days, there are diesel-fuel inline filters that are glass or plastic and may provide the viscosity flow we need. they are 2-3 inches long .now to find one with a magnet...i will look at a graingers catalog they look like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/8MM-5-16-Ch.../291011173461?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item43c19e1c55&vxp=mtr
or here....you get the idea
https://www.google.com/search?q=inl...&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=AjH0Uru9BsnesATIy4GoDw&ved=0CDAQsAQ&biw=1680&bih=985
Not a bad idea, However, fuel is thin, oil is thick, a fuel filter won't work!!! the clear line is a good idea, it just won't give you a filter. My concern is that without a high quality filter in the return line you run the risk of getting crap back into the pump. I fully understand that the 3 micron in tank filter SHOULD take care of anything in the system, BUT, That is the 64K question, It can't hurt to have a second filter!!!! And for a $100, I think a second filter is CHEAP insurance.
Since you must not have gone to the original article and looked at the slide show at the bottom of the page, I'm going to post a picture or two of the filter the German company has developed. The thumbnail shows it in line with the OE MB 3mm filter that goes into the reservoir. The 'attachment' is a pix of it installed with the green Pentosin CHF 11S hydraulic fluid.
Gary-
Gary-
Attachments
oh thought that site was known.........reading it a while ago definitely made me get in and do my fluid change......like they say my oil was burnt smelling and dirty at 90,000kms....hopefully caught it in time.....
:thumbsup: to Gary for cleaning up some of the translation - made it much easier to read certain bits than google
keep us posted on the filter........
:thumbsup: to Gary for cleaning up some of the translation - made it much easier to read certain bits than google
keep us posted on the filter........
Stay tuned, as I received a "yes, I'm interested in possibly pursuing this product" from my friend who has the aftermarket supply business for Porsche 928's (along with some other marques). IF he finds it worthwhile to move forward, I'll start collecting names of those who would commit to purchase (assuming $150-200 price here in the US).
Gary--
Gary--
Why not just drop a strong magnet in the oil reservoir would do the same job with regular oil changes and a lot cheaper
Lloyds,
Yes, I agree that is a lot cheaper. Please let us know how it works about 75K miles after you've started using it.
I originally thought of doing that too, but to ME an investment of <100 lbs Sterling in a proven product to protect a $2K pump, and who knows how much other stuff is pretty good insurance. I'm very sure this filter/magnet won't interfere with fluid flow to the pump. Starvation of the pump could be pretty expensive.
That's just me, however. I do look forward to hearing your results.
Gary-
Yes, I agree that is a lot cheaper. Please let us know how it works about 75K miles after you've started using it.
I originally thought of doing that too, but to ME an investment of <100 lbs Sterling in a proven product to protect a $2K pump, and who knows how much other stuff is pretty good insurance. I'm very sure this filter/magnet won't interfere with fluid flow to the pump. Starvation of the pump could be pretty expensive.
That's just me, however. I do look forward to hearing your results.
Gary-
I will be looking for a magnet that will fit inside of the ABC filter. This way when it comes time to clean the magnet off I can remove the complete filter from the res. and cleaning the whole thing without the chance of knocking any crap into the pump. By the way, I got My 20Ltr bucket or CHF11 the other day, Holy shit, that's ALOT of oil!!!!! Well, at least I can change it a couple of more times.
what we need is out there, we have to find it
here is a dead link of an inline filter, that should work -it is clear and magnetic for diesel fuel. i have also found other inline magnetics,but they are not clear
Google Image Result for http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SNpbxlrQKHA/TE6KVaQxlfI/AAAAAAAAADs/vDFfmJ4Zdec/s1600/Fuel%2BLine%2BFilters.jpg
when i have time later i will look
here is a dead link of an inline filter, that should work -it is clear and magnetic for diesel fuel. i have also found other inline magnetics,but they are not clear
Google Image Result for http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_SNpbxlrQKHA/TE6KVaQxlfI/AAAAAAAAADs/vDFfmJ4Zdec/s1600/Fuel%2BLine%2BFilters.jpg
when i have time later i will look
Any thoughts on this product?... relatively inexpensive...too bad it is not clear:
Magnefine 1/2" Magnetic Inline Transmission Filter
it has the 1/2 intake so install is easy, and i will add a two inch clear hose to monitor flow. i will buy two, and swap one out after a week or so,incase there are particles in the system that may choke the filter. the only issue i may have, is the flow rate of this filter. it will be interesting to disassemble the first filter and see if it is contaminated.
this is a paste from the magnefine site:
Will it clog?
Magnefine double filtration is so efficient it removes 99% of all wear metal contaminants. It¹s design holds the majority of contaminants on the uniquely positioned magnet. Even if the filter element becomes full, it's safety bypass opens for full flow and the magnet still cleans metal from the system.
Magnefine 1/2" Magnetic Inline Transmission Filter
it has the 1/2 intake so install is easy, and i will add a two inch clear hose to monitor flow. i will buy two, and swap one out after a week or so,incase there are particles in the system that may choke the filter. the only issue i may have, is the flow rate of this filter. it will be interesting to disassemble the first filter and see if it is contaminated.
this is a paste from the magnefine site:
Will it clog?
Magnefine double filtration is so efficient it removes 99% of all wear metal contaminants. It¹s design holds the majority of contaminants on the uniquely positioned magnet. Even if the filter element becomes full, it's safety bypass opens for full flow and the magnet still cleans metal from the system.
I purchased one of the Magnefine filters as a possible improvement for my '03 SL55's ABC hydraulic fluid system AFTER I flush the system and install fresh Pentosin CHF 11S in a month or so (car not being driven).
I've concluded that this would probably work VERY well, but I don't like the size (or appearance) in the engine compartment on the SL55. The return hose comes up and engages the reservoir at about an 85 degree angle, and the Magnefine filter takes up about 50% or more of the hose length. To me this is going to put too much of a kink in the hose where it fastens onto the nipples of the Magnefine filter. And, to me it will look 'klunky' in an impressive engine bay! So - for me at least, this option is gone!
As a result, I've contacted some of my 928 buddies who live in Germany and asked them to call the company that makes the filter in post #13 above and get information on how and when we can get some of these shipped to the US and what the eventual cost will be upon arrival. It may be a week or so, but I expect to have information available soon and will post it here.
IF you are interested in having a magnetic filter in your ABC fluid line, as I am, be sure to check back every day or so. When I get prices, delivery, etc. I plan to place an order within about 10 days. You'll need to get your order in for a group purchase before those 10 days are up!
Cheers, and keep the fluid green!
Gary--
I've concluded that this would probably work VERY well, but I don't like the size (or appearance) in the engine compartment on the SL55. The return hose comes up and engages the reservoir at about an 85 degree angle, and the Magnefine filter takes up about 50% or more of the hose length. To me this is going to put too much of a kink in the hose where it fastens onto the nipples of the Magnefine filter. And, to me it will look 'klunky' in an impressive engine bay! So - for me at least, this option is gone!
As a result, I've contacted some of my 928 buddies who live in Germany and asked them to call the company that makes the filter in post #13 above and get information on how and when we can get some of these shipped to the US and what the eventual cost will be upon arrival. It may be a week or so, but I expect to have information available soon and will post it here.
IF you are interested in having a magnetic filter in your ABC fluid line, as I am, be sure to check back every day or so. When I get prices, delivery, etc. I plan to place an order within about 10 days. You'll need to get your order in for a group purchase before those 10 days are up!
Cheers, and keep the fluid green!
Gary--
C:\Users\STUPID\Desktop\filter pix
the ugly part are the after market hose clamps
i ordered benz clamps for a slightly more finished look
and ps it took me 7.5 liters for vtvettes method ,cycling the three height levels
constantly. spoke to the engineer at magnefine filter and he said this application would be fine
NATURALLY THE EUROPEAN FILTER WOULD GIVE A MORE FINISHED LOOK
WITH THE WINDOW BUILT IN
i will disassemble this filter in a few months to check the debris field
and report my findings
the ugly part are the after market hose clamps
i ordered benz clamps for a slightly more finished look
and ps it took me 7.5 liters for vtvettes method ,cycling the three height levels
constantly. spoke to the engineer at magnefine filter and he said this application would be fine
NATURALLY THE EUROPEAN FILTER WOULD GIVE A MORE FINISHED LOOK
WITH THE WINDOW BUILT IN
i will disassemble this filter in a few months to check the debris field
and report my findings
Attachments
Cominpeace
Nice installation - I can't tell what 'hose' you have between the filter and the reservoir. IF it is a piece of transparent (tygon) hose, that's a great idea, as you have a clear view of the fluid color!!
This just might work for me too!!! I'm giving the Exclusive Automotive 'volks' one more week before I abandon them!
Gary-
Nice installation - I can't tell what 'hose' you have between the filter and the reservoir. IF it is a piece of transparent (tygon) hose, that's a great idea, as you have a clear view of the fluid color!!
This just might work for me too!!! I'm giving the Exclusive Automotive 'volks' one more week before I abandon them!
Gary-
ty
yes it is clear, and my fluid is GREEN,did not remove any of the original hose.(totally and easily reversible)
all you need to do is find a right angle clear,thick hydrolic fluid capable hose, and your install will look even nicer, if you do it-but use Mercedes hose clamps as they look alot nicer
yes it is clear, and my fluid is GREEN,did not remove any of the original hose.(totally and easily reversible)
all you need to do is find a right angle clear,thick hydrolic fluid capable hose, and your install will look even nicer, if you do it-but use Mercedes hose clamps as they look alot nicer
ABC magnetic filter from Germany - status
For about a month, I have been trying to get a response from the German company (Exclusive Automotive) that 'brags' about their excellent maintenance program for the ABC hydraulic system on MB's. A translation of their procedure has been posted on this web site, and several of us found the filter they developed (for which they charge ~100 Euros) intriguing. I've sent e-mails, a contact of mine in Germany has sent e-mails, and made two telephone calls, both times having a conversation with the company representative who assured him they would promptly answer my e-mail(s). It has been 2 1/2 weeks since his last telephone call, and they have not responded to the last e-mail I sent, which was within about 6 hours of his last telephone call. I'd asked for a price for a dozen filters - an order of well over 1,000 Euros probably.
Well, I'm done trying to give them business! Other owners on this and other forums have been searching for a similar solution to the one this German company developed. IF you search, you'll find at least two filters that should work. The one I've chosen to use is the Magnafine filter.
I just did a complete flush of my ABC system last week, installing a new MB reservoir filter at completion. I've now installed a Magnafine filter made by Magnafilter (MagnaFilter | Magnetic Filtration Technology For Engines) in line just ahead of the reservoir. I used their 1/2" line filter, cutting about 3 1/2" or so off the OE hose, and using a short piece of that to connect between the filter outlet and the reservoir inlet. VERY simple installation, not quite as elegant as the German one, but probably equally effective. The color of the ABC fluid is not visible with this system, but there may be options for a durable transparent or translucent connecting hose between the filter and the reservoir. Another owner is pursuing this, and there will probably be a posting about it once he's determined the best product.
My final cost is well less than $25 for the Magnafine filter (eBay) and two Norma hose clamps. I'm sure the cost for the German filter would have been in the $125-150 range by the time we got it delivered. I'm satisfied that the Mangafine system will protect the ABC system from any magnetic debris that might be present.
Pictures of the installation:
For about a month, I have been trying to get a response from the German company (Exclusive Automotive) that 'brags' about their excellent maintenance program for the ABC hydraulic system on MB's. A translation of their procedure has been posted on this web site, and several of us found the filter they developed (for which they charge ~100 Euros) intriguing. I've sent e-mails, a contact of mine in Germany has sent e-mails, and made two telephone calls, both times having a conversation with the company representative who assured him they would promptly answer my e-mail(s). It has been 2 1/2 weeks since his last telephone call, and they have not responded to the last e-mail I sent, which was within about 6 hours of his last telephone call. I'd asked for a price for a dozen filters - an order of well over 1,000 Euros probably.
Well, I'm done trying to give them business! Other owners on this and other forums have been searching for a similar solution to the one this German company developed. IF you search, you'll find at least two filters that should work. The one I've chosen to use is the Magnafine filter.
I just did a complete flush of my ABC system last week, installing a new MB reservoir filter at completion. I've now installed a Magnafine filter made by Magnafilter (MagnaFilter | Magnetic Filtration Technology For Engines) in line just ahead of the reservoir. I used their 1/2" line filter, cutting about 3 1/2" or so off the OE hose, and using a short piece of that to connect between the filter outlet and the reservoir inlet. VERY simple installation, not quite as elegant as the German one, but probably equally effective. The color of the ABC fluid is not visible with this system, but there may be options for a durable transparent or translucent connecting hose between the filter and the reservoir. Another owner is pursuing this, and there will probably be a posting about it once he's determined the best product.
My final cost is well less than $25 for the Magnafine filter (eBay) and two Norma hose clamps. I'm sure the cost for the German filter would have been in the $125-150 range by the time we got it delivered. I'm satisfied that the Mangafine system will protect the ABC system from any magnetic debris that might be present.
Pictures of the installation:
Attachments
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
