http://www.usrecallnews.com/2008/09/nhtsa-1879.html

Mercedes Benz Recall on Models: CL215, CL216, S220, S221, and SL230
September 6, 2008
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
MERCEDES BENZ / CL215 2001-2006
MERCEDES BENZ / CL216 2007-2008
MERCEDES BENZ / S220 2002-2006
MERCEDES BENZ / S221 2007
MERCEDES BENZ / SL230 2003-2007
Manufacturer : MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. Mfr’s Report Date : AUG 01, 2008
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 08V405000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: SUSPENSION
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 4564
Summary: MERCEDES BENZ IS RECALLING 4,564 MY 2001-2006 CL-CLASS (MODEL 215), MY 2002-2006 S-CLASS (MODEL 220), MY 2003-2007 SL-CLASS (MODEL 230), MY 2007-2008 CL-CLASS (MODEL 216), AND MY 2007 S-CLASS (MODEL 221)PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ACTIVE BODY CONTROL (ABC) ACCELERATION SENSORS ON THE FRONT STRUTS. THESE SENSORS MEASURE ACCELERATION AROUND THE Z-AXIS OF THE VEHICLE AND ASSURE AN AUTOMATIC ADAPTATION OF THE FRONT STRUTS TO MAINTAIN A RELATIVELY LEVEL BODY POSITION. VARIATIONS IN THE SOLDERING PROCESS RESULTED IN SOLDERING POINTS ON THE BOARD OF THE ABC SENSORS WHICH MAY NOT BE WITHIN DESIGN TOLERANCES. SIGNALS FROM THE AFFECTED SENSORS MEASURING THE ACCELERATION MAY NOT BE ACCURATELY TRANSMITTED TO THE ENGINE CONTROL UNIT.
Consequence: A VARIATION IN THE TRANSMITTED VALUES BETWEEN AFFECTED AND UNAFFECTED SENSORS CAN RESULT IN ONE FRONT STRUT ADJUSTING TO A VALUE INDICATING BODY MOVEMENT WHILE ANOTHER STRUT DOES NOT ADJUST PRESENTING THE DRIVER WITH AN UNEVEN FRONT SUSPENSION. THIS CONDITION MAY LEAD TO UNEXPECTED BODY MOVEMENTS AT THE FRONT AXLE WHICH CAN ADVERSELY INFLUENCE THE VEHICLE’S DIRECTIONAL STABILITY AND COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE FRONT ABC SENSORS IN ALL POTENTIALLY AFFECTED VEHICLES. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING SEPTEMBER 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MERCEDES-BENZ AT 1-800-367-6372.
Notes: CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

 

I wonder if this will fix the ABC problems that everyone is having

 

No, it will not fix the issues. The issues revolve around how the pump self destructs if you blow a hydraulic line. When the line fails, the pump keeps spinning causing it to run with no lubrication and fail.

I think the issue with the ABC pump could be solved if it had some type of electronic clutch that would deactivate if it sensed a sudden loss of pressure. Also, make all of the lines with either stainless reinforced hoses or solid lines. The standard hydraulic hoses are not durable enough and have a tendency to fail too often.

It would be nice if their was an aftermarket alternative so the ABC system could be removed all together like the SL65 Black. That way, there would be no issues and the car would still handle well. The ABC system is nice but it fails all too often.

The coil pack issue could be lessened if the packs could be changed individually instead of 6 at a time. Who designed a system that you have to replace an entire bank of coils packs if one goes bad???

Intercooler pump on the 65 and 600 could be solved by using one that is built better. They probably should have looked to the boating industry for a good pump: Johnson.

 

Do you know if the hydrolic hoses were recalled, i remember that something else was recalled around that area but i cant remember what it was.

 

http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/o...stedDocId=8527

 

i guess we have to replace the hydrolic pump hoses too

 

It's only one hose out of many. The problem is that all the other hoses fail too. I wouldn't be very surprised if the NHTSA stepped in expanded the recall to include more of the ABC hydraulic system.

 

has anyone had any ABC problems lately?

 

I think everyone with a CL has had a ABC problem lately, haha. We need to all come together to make this ABC system be either replaced or removed from the cars all together.

This is one of the best designed Mercedes out there and these problems are putting our values on the car in the tubes........! Does anyone agree! I just looked on ebay and seen a 2002 CL 500 go for 12k... WTF... This is crazy...

The value should drop a bit, but that much.... I don't think so.. All the problems are costing us value... This specific model should hold better if not the best value out of the entire mercedes line.

 

No problems here, ever since I bought the car, the ABC has been fine. The initial recall was performed before I purchased it.

 

fatmike,
What year/model do you own? How many miles?

I was about to purchase a used CL65 but after reading all of the abc threads here and speaking with a service advisor, I have been scared off. I wish that there was some hard data on the frequency of abc system failure. The extended warranty covering the vehicle I was researching will not cover hoses.

My current plan is to wait until the '07 model year cars depreciate to under 50k. It appears that the abc was more reliable after 2006. Any advice from forum members about my findings?

 

No problems here either, 76K on a 2004

 

Mines a 2004 500. 38k miles. Nothings for sure though, I guess it could happen to anyone. A warranty is the most important thing.

 

I printed that recall and took it to MB and had them look it up. They ran my VIN number and could find any matches for this recall. They then called head quarters and said there is no recall for this at the present time. I don't understand how to validate this claim. I even called the number that was listed and they didnt know anything about it. Anyone looked into this?

 

same story with me too

 

I asked the dealership the day this 'recall' was posted, nothing.

 

All of you should go to Edmunds.com to check for recalls for your particular model year or just go to the dealership where they can check the history of your car. I found an interesting recall for my car involving the instrument cluster. Apparently, there is a problem where the instrument cluster can fail, causing the lights to go out while you are driving. Mercedes is just replacing them for free. I'm taking my car today. Might as well get one thing for free, since I just paid 1700.00 for my rear valve block to be replaced.

 

I have a 2008 CL with the 2nd generation ABC system. I noticed that before I bought I looked at all the new CL forums and did not see anyone having ABC problems like the early CL's. I wonder if MB finally did a fix? I also saw the samething on the 2007 and newer SL's with the 2nd generation ABC system.

 

I didn't want to buy the new CL yet, due to the fact that I am not 100% sold on it's looks, but I am getting fed up with the ABC problems. I think I may just have to get the new one, or at least a 2006. The 2000-2004 CL's were the guinea pigs for the new CL. I doubt any new CL's will have as many problems.

 

I think the problems are related to wear and tear. The new ones just haven't seen the mileage or time that takes a toll on the rubber hoses and hydraulic parts. Time will tell.

 

Seems like a lot of low mileage older models had problems, but you could be right. I will never own a MB that is not under Mfg. warranty. If I still have this new one when I am getting close to the end of the 4 year and or 50K mile warranty I will extend it for 3 more years and 100K miles. The extension will be cheaper then the repair of the ABC system.

 

Why doesnt some aftermarket company make a nonadjustable strut that wont drop?

Is it possible to freeze/prevent the stock ABC strut from adjusting? Like a spacer/clamp kind of thing?

 

I just experienced a wild, what I think Ive seen referred to as the "rodeo" ride about a week ago on the CL600. I have about 43K miles and this is the first time Ive ever noticed anything like this. I guess I will take it in for the recall. And Im all for making a group effort on getting this completely taken care of by MB. This IS too good of a car to be plagued by something like this.

On another note, Ive been following the extended oil change intervals and I hope I havent done any irreversable damage at this point. Im convinced now Im going back to the 4k intervals or so that I usually follow with my other synth oil cars. This was my first MB so I thought I should follow exactly what they said in the manual. Is the Mobil M1c253 filter good enough or should I look for something better.

Thanks all for the good input on this forum. Im new, but Ive been on a few and this one seems to have some really good info.

 

It should be fine using the MB recommended interval and oil. I for one with 2 cars only put about 6-7K miles a year on my MB and that is nothing for a good synthetic oil.

 

Could this be why whenever I go over a bump the car feels like it takes a sec to grip the road again? I have had this problem for last year and shocks and ABC seem to be fine.

Alex

02 CL500