CL500 ABC to Shocks?

[hclark3]

Aye up,
I have a mint condition 2005 Cl500 with 41000 miles and full history. I am naturally concerned at the possibility of a problem with ABC system. Has anyone changed the set-up of a (W125) Cl500 to use shock absorbers instead of the troubled ABC? I would be interested to know how what where and when please.
Cheers
H

[anonymous-user]

hclark3 said:

Aye up,
I have a mint condition 2005 Cl500 with 41000 miles and full history. I am naturally concerned at the possibility of a problem with ABC system. Has anyone changed the set-up of a (W125) Cl500 to use shock absorbers instead of the troubled ABC? I would be interested to know how what where and when please.
Cheers
H

Check out the US forums as I think it's been done there. It certainly has on the SL55. Think long and hard before you do it though as the ABC is both one of the biggest assets of these cars and also one of the biggest liabilities. That said the horrifically high repair bills are less of a threat these days as the pumps and accumulators can be rebuilt and even replacement struts aren't as pricey as they once were.

[hclark3]

Thanks, will do! I guess stay away from mb mechanics, unless they’re working for a specialist that is!
Cheers

[alabbasi]

You'll need to swap over the sway bars (anti roll bars) from an airmatic car when you do the conversion as ABC cars don't have them. Realistically. this system is not that expensive to maintain provided that you maintain it. I had a hose blow out on me. I stopped the car right away, pulled the hose and took it to a hydraulic shop that fixed it for $50. $600 on new accumulators and a fluid filter and flush and the system is functioning perfectly.

[alabbasi]

If you're a decent DIY'er , you should be able to maintain your ABC system pretty easily for less than the cost of the conversion. Most of the conversions don't consider the installation of sway bars. Those idiots will claim that the car will run great but will likely brick themselves they minute they have to swerve around something at high speed. If you're not going to have an active suspension system, you need sway bars.

[hclark3]

Alabbasi,
Very good point re the sway bars, it wasn't mentioned by the mechanic that gave me the idea! The car is so good on it's active system, I will most likely keep the car the way it is until I am forced to make any kind of decision. I am not a DIY'er so I am in the so called 'experts' hands.
Invaluable help....Thank you for taking the time to respond.
Cheers