Should I expect ABC issues ?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 47
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2005 CL 500
Should I expect ABC issues ?
I am about to buy my first Benz from my parents, its a 2005 CL500 my dad has been the only owner. There is only 30,000 KM on the car never winter driven and always stored inside and always serviced at the dealer.
When I decided to buy it I found this site and started reading all I could and found allot of ABC threads. Was this a known issues with this model or is it just something that goes wrong sometimes as with any make and model ?
Is there anything I can do to be pro active before something happens ? Are there tale tell sign I could have checked before something happens at a shop ? Thanks just trying to prepare money wise should this happen after all I read
When I decided to buy it I found this site and started reading all I could and found allot of ABC threads. Was this a known issues with this model or is it just something that goes wrong sometimes as with any make and model ?
Is there anything I can do to be pro active before something happens ? Are there tale tell sign I could have checked before something happens at a shop ? Thanks just trying to prepare money wise should this happen after all I read
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 270
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From: City of Angels, CA
C55 / S550 / Lexus IS300 (sold) / C63 (Sold) / SL500 (Sold) / Lambo Gallardo (RIP)
If you park the car for 2 or 3 days and it looks low to the ground it might be leaking or malfunctioning. I bought a SL500 2005 ity only like 2,000/3,000 miles on it and ABC was already going bad. I would park it for a day abd in the morning it would be slammed to the ground until I started it and it inflated back up
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,605
Likes: 343
From: Welwyn, Herts, UK
2006 S600
Lots of potential issues, but there's lots you can do about, rather than waiting for something to go wrong.
Mercedes say there's no routine maintenance, but that's a big mistake. First thing is to change the oil and filter, and use the later 3 micron filter.
Pumps always fail eventually, and they're difficult (i.e. expensive) to replace, but clean oil helps.
The front and rear valves often get contaminated and the suspension sags over time, but they're reasonably straightforward to service.
The other big fail is the flexible hoses, which give you advance warning by seeping at the crimp connections. Its essential that these are ALL inspected every year, and repaired / replaced as necessary.
Vibration dampers sometimes fail from time to time and give strange symptions, but aren't the end of the World.
If the worst comes the worst, and something big fails causing a red ABC warning message - stop and get the car trailored home.
Nick
Mercedes say there's no routine maintenance, but that's a big mistake. First thing is to change the oil and filter, and use the later 3 micron filter.
Pumps always fail eventually, and they're difficult (i.e. expensive) to replace, but clean oil helps.
The front and rear valves often get contaminated and the suspension sags over time, but they're reasonably straightforward to service.
The other big fail is the flexible hoses, which give you advance warning by seeping at the crimp connections. Its essential that these are ALL inspected every year, and repaired / replaced as necessary.
Vibration dampers sometimes fail from time to time and give strange symptions, but aren't the end of the World.
If the worst comes the worst, and something big fails causing a red ABC warning message - stop and get the car trailored home.
Nick
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2013
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2001 cl500
, Hi there when I have a question to ask I have a 2001 CL 500 and my cars been parked for approximately about a week everything looked fine. yesterday I drove it and everything was fine today when I started and drove it about a block I noticed that the red ABC light went on I don't know what to do at this moment I noticed that the suspension on my car felt little bit not normal. I try pushing the button with the LED lights and my card seems like it's not rising up if anybody could help me with any suggestions I really appreciate it because I really don't know what else to do at this point. Should I drive this car while the light is on or should I have it towed to the mechanic shop and have them check it out please if anybody could help me with any suggestions please get back to me ASAP thank you and God bless everyone.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,605
Likes: 343
From: Welwyn, Herts, UK
2006 S600
Don't drive the car if there's a red ABC warning.
Check the oil level in the ABC reservoir.
Check for leaks and nasty noises.
Check the suspension level at each corner.
If oil's not coming out anywhere and the ride height is OK, you've probably lost pressure, and can drive to a dealer or good MB specialist.
Nick
Check the oil level in the ABC reservoir.
Check for leaks and nasty noises.
Check the suspension level at each corner.
If oil's not coming out anywhere and the ride height is OK, you've probably lost pressure, and can drive to a dealer or good MB specialist.
Nick
