Bubo Posted May 21, 2021 Share Posted May 21, 2021 I started doing research on MB SLs used, and was horrified by the reviews regarding reliability, especially but not exclusively the Hydraulic suspension. 2003 MB SL500, ABC Active Suspension was the reference, but not an isolated Lemon, model or manufacturer..... Apparently ABC, fails randomly, frequently, expensively, repetitively and is difficult to diagnose and is never really "fixed". The MB also has electrical gremlins, Convertible top Hydraulic gremlins, transmission plastic critical component gremlins, AC Gremlins, Defective Glue Gremlins that omit a strong skunk like odor in the car etc. Is this an industry wide problem, and are the aftermarket old school spring loaded strut replacements kits, some with roll and sway bars, the answer, not cheap, but at least won't cause the suspension to collapse on the Highway ??? Seductive looks, with substantial misery and financial outlays to follow...... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted May 21, 2021 Share Posted May 21, 2021 Starting to sound like a lemon. What car is this? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bubo Posted May 21, 2021 Author Share Posted May 21, 2021 15 minutes ago, billybob said: Starting to sound like a lemon. What car is this? Thanks 2003 MB SL500, ABC Active Suspension Same ABC system on other models, and mfgs cars with same nightmare And yes the Lemon word is in a number of Edmonds reviews I salute them for not deleting bad reviews 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted May 21, 2021 Share Posted May 21, 2021 Yes but they looked cool. An RTS front would have been better. Air bags jacking up the rear of Continental Lincoln another not better idea. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bubo Posted May 21, 2021 Author Share Posted May 21, 2021 6 minutes ago, billybob said: Yes but they looked cool. An RTS front would have been better. Air bags jacking up the rear of Continental Lincoln another not better idea. I had a 73 Caprice Coup aka The Big Rider 396 2bbl, magic carpet ride at 80 mph Loaded trunk would push the rear down Straight axle Set of low cost "helper springs" between the axle and frame Same ride and would barely go down when loaded Low tech is better. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted May 21, 2021 Share Posted May 21, 2021 (edited) 9 minutes ago, Bubo said: I had a 73 Caprice Coup aka The Big Rider 396 2bbl, magic carpet ride at 80 mph Loaded trunk would push the rear down Straight axle Set of low cost "helper springs" between the axle and frame Same ride and would barely go down when loaded Low tech is better. Yes that was a cruiser I bet. Saw alot of those that were used for jacking rear especially back then. Simple twist and they are in. Like old tech... Just realized you are likely talking other than the spring spacers, lol. Edited May 21, 2021 by billybob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OO1 Posted May 21, 2021 Share Posted May 21, 2021 10 hours ago, Bubo said: I started doing research on MB SLs used, and was horrified by the reviews regarding reliability, especially but not exclusively the Hydraulic suspension. 2003 MB SL500, ABC Active Suspension was the reference, but not an isolated Lemon, model or manufacturer.... the Lexus Sport Coupe SC430 --Legendary Lexus reliability -retractable roof -luxury to match Jaguar -MB-BMW and engine power to boot - 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted May 25, 2021 Share Posted May 25, 2021 Volvo sunroof good, until leaves and debris stop up the drain tubes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted May 25, 2021 Share Posted May 25, 2021 On 5/21/2021 at 2:05 PM, RandyH000 said: the Lexus Sport Coupe SC430 --Legendary Lexus reliability -retractable roof -luxury to match Jaguar -MB-BMW and engine power to boot - Too bad it's so damn ugly. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billybob Posted May 25, 2021 Share Posted May 25, 2021 Those older Continentals that looks dragging it's rear end looking like hauling 800 lbs. of something in the trunk. Yes, the bags likely failed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OO1 Posted May 25, 2021 Share Posted May 25, 2021 1 hour ago, CECAA850 said: Too bad it's so damn ugly. you're right , we just got a new Pacifica AWD -----fully loaded -leather , my Wife loves it --- this is a tank and it's so practical , with the stowngo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CECAA850 Posted May 26, 2021 Share Posted May 26, 2021 5 hours ago, RandyH000 said: you're right , we just got a new Pacifica AWD -----fully loaded -leather , my Wife loves it --- this is a tank and it's so practical , with the stowngo My daughter has one as well. She absolutely loves it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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