Bigzzz326

Firs of all hello everyone , I'm new to the forum however not new to MB.
Just recently bought a 2005 MB CL500 with 110k Kms.
After enjoying this absolutely beautiful car for a week my ABC warning light came on. And noticed that the car wAs driving funny. It seems like that other then the passenger rear wheel all the others are fully raised and will not move down. Even when the car parked for a few days it dosnt move at all. I have no leaks , still drives fine. I took it in a shop to get it checked and they said it wAs a code for all 4 corners , they where able to clear 3 but the passenger front sensor would not communicate with their system so they think that needs replacing. Which of course the part of the strut. But also said that they can't guarantee that changing it will for sure fixing the problem.
Any ideas from experience would be extremely appreciated.

Fayde

We're going to need a much better description of what's happening and what error codes was the guy getting? You pushed the ride height button and the car does not elevate?

Bigzzz326

The car is sitting high and can not adjust anything. My pass rear wheel is sitting in normal hight the rest seems to be all the way up. The code he couldn't clear was C1526 , c1132 and C1125

Fayde

First things first..
Check the levels of the ABC and power steering fluids (search site for how).
Does your battery check out? low or intermittent voltage changes can cause sensor problems.

If the level sensor is bad, it needs to be replaced, the chance that it is the strut internal sensor is very low, probably the 010-542-77-17 usually less than $100.

My Next suspect would be the ABC control module or connections/wires/fuses.

What "shop" was it a dealer? Did they try to re-calibrate the ride height, do a rodeo test? The question is could they manually adjust the height of the individual struts? Did they check the ABC pressure (and what was it if they say 'yes')? The C1526 code is "low pressure", c1132 is the Level sensor..

Bigzzz326

It was an independent shop who specializes on European cars. Worked with them before on my 850 BMW. They seemed to know their stuff.
I checked the ABC/ Power steering levels are good.
They said the pump pressure was @195. Which is good. And all the systems seems to operate properly. But they couldn't perform a rodeo because they couldn't clear the last code for the P/F purge sensor. Until that code is cleared it won't let them do it.
The car battery was dead when I got the car so I had to put a brand new battery in it on the day I bought it.

Fayde

I couldn't find the c1125 code for the cl500, and a "purge sensor" is usually for the fuel system unless they are talking about a purge valve in the strut. Was there visible oil leakage anywhere around the strut (usually around the top)? I only have experience from my own cars and what I've read but a bad purge valve in the strut would cause it to rise and not lower. You may have to bite the bullet on the strut but I'd want to make sure it isn't the MUCH cheaper level sensor before replacing the $1300 strut.

Bigzzz326

There is no oil leak anywhere. As per the shop they said all the systems work properly but that purge valve will not communicate with there computer and that's why he can't do anything.
He said he needs to change the strut but he will not guarantee that that is the problem. And that's the reason I'm here. I dont wanna spend the money on a new strut if it's not 100% sure I have to.
How do I go about checking the level sensor? And wouldn't that give it a different code ?

Fayde

After more research on the level sensors it is really looking like the strut. If they are not getting a signal from the strut it's either the connector on the top or the wires linking it to the control module. The module would be giving codes if it was bad. You can get an Arnott rebuilt with lifetime warranty for ~$450-$550 depending on your VIN#. Partsgeek is where I've found them in the past. The c1135 code comes up as the left level sensor but it seems your problem is starting BEFORE the level and probably causing it. I know you don't want to hear more expense added to the problem, but I would really do an ABC fluid replacement (with new filters) at the same time.
These cars can be expensive to maintain, but I have spent way more on my wife and daughters Cadillacs (just spent $1400 on front struts for wifes STS which only has 52000 miles) than i have my two cl500, and my CL's are MUCH better rides..

Bigzzz326

So are you suggesting I should bite the bullet and buy the strutt and change it? I was thinking about taking the car into the MB dealer the get it further diagnosed , I was thinking they maybe able to figure it out exactly what is the problem. However I don't nesesery want to spend and other $300 for diagnostics. Because that's what they charge here.

Fayde

Just one man's opinion..
The problem is like your guys are saying, if there is no signal coming from the strut to the control module, the rest of system won't know where to position and will be erratic. You must have the input from the bad strut to troubleshoot the rest of the system. With this being the only code, the chances are it's the only problem. Sucks, but $580 for the part and ~$200-300 labor is what I'd be doing. IF you're a reasonable mechanic, and have someone that can help you for about 10 min of the job, you can do it yourself. Arnott has a great video for changing out the strut.