Rear driver side strut on an SL500-how f*cking much?!!

[daveco]

My father's 2003 SL500 has been having issues with its ABC, the light's gone red apparently, and it's affecting how the car drives. He's had the car looked at and the part (Part number 230 320 05 13)that needs replacing is coming in at up to €3,000-is that correct??

[dazren]

Had an off side rear strut replaced 2 years ago on an 02 SL500, due to leakage. The part alone was £1,230 inc vat, plus fitting.

[RDMcG]

SL parts are not cheap. Had a hedlight bulb go on my 2003 (bi xenons)..had to replace unit. $3000.

[roboxm3]

Doesn't look like you can get them through GSF, so they may be a 'dealer only' part in which case it's never likely to be "cheap".

[RemyMartin]

Just remember how much the car cost new!

[RobM77]

RemyMartin said:

Just remember how much the car cost new!

An £80k car is obviously made up of components that total a lot more than a £20k car.

[northwest monkey]

Is there no alternative replacement - i.e. one that isn't tied in to the ABC?

[anonymous-user]

ABC is a bit of a nightmare system. Put me off buying a CL500 a few years back as repair costs are eye watering.

[J4CKO]

http://mbworld.org/forums/cl-class-w215/418545-rep...

[Herbs]

Sounds about right as I was quoted around £1500 when I had mine - one of the few cars I wouldn't have again unless it had a cast iron warranty in place.

[berlintaxi]

daveco said:

My father's 2003 SL500 has been having issues with its ABC,

Say no more, great system but comes with eye-watering bills when it goes wrong.

[daveco]

Thanks for the responses all, he's looking at reconditioned parts from America that are coming in far cheaper, but that thread is an eye opener J4CKO

Mercedes really let the build quality go during this period it seems...

[EvoSlayer]

This is one of the reasons I bought a '350'

Had the height adjustable ABC on the CL600 and it was fantastic but didn't fancy pushing my luck.

I believe the ABC struts can be reconditioned...worth looking into.

Edited by EvoSlayer on Tuesday 26th November 17:30