MBNUT1

Looking at a low mileage (31k) 2005 CL500 tomorrow. Read all of the tales of woe associated with the ABC system. Given the car's low miles and newer year is it possible to stay ahead of it or are big failures just a crap shoot?

Welwynnick

Plenty of straightforward preventative maintenance you can do.
First, change all the fluids and filters regularly. Not just the engine oil, but the engine and IC anti-freeze, and transmission, suspension and diff oil as well.
Second, inspect all the ABC flexible hoses for leaks and wetness. They should all be dry - replace them if they're not.
Finally, keep driving - they don't like to be stood for a long time.

Enjoy! Nick

MBNUT1

Thanks Nick!

BlownV8

On the 500, the ABC will be the only real problems you have. It is a crap shoot but if you spend a few thousand up front and proactively change all the hoses it won't be too bad. If the valve blocks start going south, you can rebuild them yourself. Even after you do all that, there is a chance for the pump to go out. It's very expensive.

MBNUT1

Thanks for the feedback. How expensive is the ABC pump? Is it the tandem power steering pump that I have seen on Ebay?

biker349

yes.

MBNUT1

So I went and looked at the car today. It's in pretty nice shape. One woner no accidents. Of interest to the group here is that the dealer replaced a leaking rr strut for with an aftermarket one $347 in 2011. So what does anybody think this car is worth? Non sport pristine flint grey 2005 Cl500 with 31k miles?

Welwynnick

I'm not sure its worth spending thousands on replacing the hoses on a 31k mile car. I'm changing the third ABC hose on mine in 154k miles, as it was starting to get wet. The new hose was made yesterday for £41, and I'm fitting it today. It needn't be that painful.

Nick

BlownV8

Let's not understate the potential cost for a new 215Cl owner. I don't think we would do them any favors if we gave best case scenario. It's more than likely going to be worst case scenario with the CL. If any hose fails while you are on the road, you have the option of immediatly shutting the car down and being stranded and hope the pump didn't already self distruct or drive to your destination and ruin the pump.

Sure, if you are mechanically inclined enough, you can replace the hoses yourself. Most are not going to do that. The car is a complete pain, an expensive one at that, to own unless you have the time to crawl under the car and inspect all the hoses for any weeping before you drive. Even if you have the time to do that, it still doesn't guarantee you won't have a burst hose.

Welwynnick

I've had three cars with ABC, and maybe I've been lucky, but I did get a hose burst on the road with my current car (S600TT) - which has been relatively expensive to keep on the road (lots of tyres, brakes, filters, fluids, hoses, and one coil pack). However, the annual maintenance bill isn't half the car's value, like some folks would have you believe. Yes, you do need to consider ownership with your eyes open, rather than with with your fingers crossed!

My experience with ABC is that preventative measures help, and you do get advance warning of big problems. I think periodic inspection is essential - but I'm talking twice a year, not twice a week. When things go wrong, there are better and cheaper ways than throwing your money at dealers, who really don't help.

That's what these forums are for - here's a brilliant example of what you can do to help yourself:

https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...2003-s600.html

mf219

my 2004 CL500 has been a PLEASURE to own. 4 1/2 years, almost 30k miles and my only maintenance has been A & B service, brake pads and rotors, 4 tires, and a couple light bulbs. Oh yeah, and a can of pentosin to keep the ABC fluid topped off. This has been (by far) the most dependable car I've ever owned. I would not hesitate to drive it anywhere.

MLT

I've had my 2003 CL500 for some years now (101850 miles) and I have enjoyed it! Yes, the Services, Brakes, Registration, and general up keep is expensive. Yes, if your ABC hoses or pump blows it will cost a couple of thousand to fix. However, these are problems that you face with any high end car, in addition these problems don't occur every day. So worst case scenario, your ABC hose/pump blows and you aren't mechanically inclined, you're out at least $3,000 (U.S.$). But it's fixed and you still have a $80,000 luxury sports car that you truly appreciate. The best advice that I can give you is to learn how to work on your own car and get an extended warranty. They don't fix everything and it's truly a pain to work with them but it truly helps out in the wallet area when things break down.