Modern Tech
Ken Adams
The ABCs of Active Body Suspension
Active suspension systems are becoming more popular these days, so it seems appropriate to review the technology-rich Active Body Control systems (ABC) and Airmatic.
Mercede...
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is this available in 2009 C300?
Is there any negatives to turning my ABC on? It just seems they are great, and if they should always be on, why does MB make it optional to turn it on? There must be something that you may not like when ABC is activated...
Marty
I think it makes no difference to the ABC system stress if its on or off, it just tightens up the suspension for a more firmer ride - that is what the option is that they offer you. On my 2003 S series the ABC is sports on or sport off mode. I would not be surprised if the ABC gets automatically firmer at very high speeds to improve stability without you even knowing.
Marty
I think it makes no difference to the ABC system stress if its on or off, it just tightens up the suspension for a more firmer ride - that is what the option is that they offer you. On my 2003 S series the ABC is sports on or sport off mode. I would not be surprised if the ABC gets automatically firmer at very high speeds to improve stability without you even knowing.
Ken,
One of the factory video clips that came with my STAR diagnostics software includes a repair of a failing suspension unit where when parked for a short period of time one corner of the car dropped and came back up when the car started.
The video claimed dirt particulars in the system that were flushed out by draining ABC fluid, filter change, refill, Star diagnostics rodeo mode for 15 minutes, then repeat the whole thing again (do it twice). Now I understand why by design the ABC filter element is on the return side of the fluid back into the reservoir.
Suspension was then fine since it was dirt in one of the valves that got removed.
At the end it says that regular servicing of the ABC is critical for long life.
So this begs the question since ABC service is not a regular or well understood by anyone. Should those of us with over $60K miles perform this ABC fluid and filter change as mentioned above at regular intervals?