Coilover conversion on my SL500

[noonboots]

Last week I finally got use of the workshop at my old employers and got to fit the Ceika coilovers to my SL 500. It took a whole two days. It all went without major problems. The front and rear sub frames were dropped in order to fit the SL350 anti roll bars and this part was far less hassle than shown in YouTube videos. Probably the most awkward job was removal of the tandem pump and fitting the new power steering pump. I cut some of the more awkward pipes to remove them, I intended to scrap them all anyway.
I set the ride height to 40mm lower than standard low position and shock hardness to 75% (22 clicks of 30)
I've now done around 50 miles with it and I must say the car rides and drives better than I expected. Its so normal that I'm having trouble remembering how good the ABC system was. Anyway, it's done now and to anyone considering it for whatever reason I would say you have no need to worry. It won't ruin your car and it will still drive perfectly well.

 

[peterws1957]

Great to see someone doing this conversion. ABC does have it's fans, even those who have spent £000's on repairs to the system (although now better understood and cheaper than before). Eliminating all the potential problems and costs sounds like a good move, particularly if you end up with fully adjustable and good handling suspension.

 

[flowrider]

Looks like a worthy conversion if your existing ABC system is kaput. Would be interesting to see your parts list details.

 

[bembo449]

bet you saved a good bit of weight too pal

 

[noonboots]

The ABC on my car was working perfectly. It passed the MOT in early November with no advisories. The only problems present were two leaking struts which started dripping after standing over winter, right rear and left front. If I left the car without starting at for 3 or 4 weeks the suspension would drop approx two inches and the light would come on. I started leaving it in the high position and didn't see the light again.
The ABC pump was fine, I have all the valve blocks and accumulators etc. .

 

[noonboots]

bet you saved a good bit of weight too pal

I could carry the box with four coilovers in it but couldnt carry it with three struts in it. Add all the valve blocks and pipes and I guess there would be a fair bit saved over what I've put back.

 

[rexemper]

That's a good conversion to know about.

 

[bembo449]

I could carry the box with four coilovers in it but couldnt carry it with three struts in it. Add all the valve blocks and pipes and I guess there would be a fair bit saved over what I've put back.

shame you couldn't find a way to weigh it all pal , id be interested to see what KG it is ?

 

[noonboots]

bet you saved a good bit of weight too pal

shame you couldn't find a way to weigh it all pal , id be interested to see what KG it is ?

According to Tavarish in the video he did on YouTube he saved 130lbs. All I know is what I took off was a lot heavier than what went back on. I might weigh it later just for fun. I'll have try to sneak the bathroom scales outside

 

[noonboots]

I've had a little add up on what this coilover conversion cost me. No labour costs involved obviously but it took 16 hours plus time cleaning up the mess of spilt oil. So 16 hours of whatever you happen to pay labour in your part of the world on top of parts.

Ceika coilover kit. £1045
ML500 steering pump. £71
F & R SL350 anti roll bars. £314
Anti roll bar links & ball joints £76
Bolts and fixings £22
PAS oil. £11
Workshop time and equipment £300
Delete ABC warning light. £60
4 wheel alignment c£60
Total. £1899

 

[flowrider]

I'm told the ABC struts can be bought from Mercedes now for about £700 each Chinese knock offs are about £400, I'm told. Makes your conversion cost look like a bargain.

 

[bembo449]

bargain and it keeps another SL on the road for a good few years to come

 

[wizzman]

I’ll come and collect your pile of scrap parts for free !!!!

 

[LostKiwi]

I’ll come and collect your pile of scrap parts for free !!!!

Already ahead of you buddy!
I'll be picking up at least one strut very soon

Finally get rid of the one that's misting (and keep as a spare).

 

[Craiglxviii]

Already ahead of you buddy!
I'll be picking up at least one strut very soon

Finally get rid of the one that's misting (and keep as a spare).

That one’s been misting since 2014 iirc!!!

 

[00slk]

................Finally get rid of the one that's misting......

You can't do that Alistair, what would the mot tester write down for an advisory

 

[ssheikh93]

Lets see how it sits

 

[LostKiwi]

That one’s been misting since 2014 iirc!!!

It has!
It did once drop a huge puddle of oil on the drive and does seem to be getting worse so I think it needs swapping out.

 

[Wighty]

Already ahead of you buddy!
I'll be picking up at least one strut very soon

Finally get rid of the one that's misting (and keep as a spare).

You’ve not been infected by me have you LK ? I see the use of the word “buddy”

 

[LostKiwi]

Just want to say thanks to Keith (@noonboots) for the two rear struts. Was a real pleasure to meet you and have a chat and admire your car!

Many thanks, you're a proper gent