CL-Class (W215) 2000-2006: CL 500, CL 600

2001 CL600 ABC Problems

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Old Jul 13, 2018 | 08:10 PM
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CL600
2001 CL600 ABC Problems

Hey everyone! I recently purchased a 2001 CL600 from an auction. When I got it the suspension was sagging all the way around and hardly driveable. The message center said Display Defective ABC,Visit Workshop, and the switches on the dashboard for the ABC do not light up at all. I found a strut that looked like it had dried hydraulic oil around it on the right rear side. I just barely replaced it and tried to start it again. The system still doesnt raise back up like it should and the lights/switches still do not work. I thought maybe the pump was burnt out, but it started to spew out fluid when I tried checking the fluid level when it was running. I figure this means the pump is working fine.

Does anyone know how to get the lights and switches back running? Im sure theres some air in the lines that needs to be bled out. I've read that the way to bleed the lines is by lifting and raising the ABC height, yet I cannot when the lights and switches do not work.

Thanks!

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Old Nov 14, 2018 | 08:36 AM
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ML JUNKIE's Avatar
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99 ML430
have you resolved the issue?
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Old Nov 24, 2018 | 02:05 PM
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2002 CL500 to CL55 conversion
hello was this the one from florida for very very cheap? my friend used to own this car if so

there are points to bleed the system in each corner of the car. start there. once you've bled the major air bubbles you can further bleed the system by raising and lowering the car. in my experience if the car was sagging at all four corners, this is not an issue with one strut and rather indicative of some major ABC work. maybe return your strut while you still can and order one of the coilover conversion kits for this car.
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Old Nov 24, 2018 | 03:28 PM
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2003 CL 600
If the system was opened you will probably have to start by priming the pump, using air pressure in the reservoir with the engine running to force fluid to it, then keep it full as you are working to pump up the system. Any leaks will drain it quickly so be ready to turn it off. The pump is probably trash if it was run for any length of time with no fluid.
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Old Dec 13, 2018 | 04:16 AM
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2007 S550 & 2009 CL63 AMG & 2009 BMW 328i Convertible
A DOG

I owned one of these. This car was a dog. It has a design flaw in the engine. Something about oil in the center between the two banks. I don't remember exactly the details. I had to get rid of this doggie.
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Old Dec 13, 2018 | 04:42 AM
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Originally Posted by MrTracy
I owned one of these. This car was a dog. It has a design flaw in the engine. Something about oil in the center between the two banks. I don't remember exactly the details. I had to get rid of this doggie.
yes the oil cooler was located between the V of the engine and had problems . It was only in the 2001-2002 cl600. The later cars did not have the problem
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Old Dec 26, 2018 | 11:25 PM
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SL55 CL600 and 335D (rip flood) 325ci
I have a 2003 CL 600 and the issue is no longer in the same place but the newer engines will still leak oil from an o ring that requires an engine out to fix. This car doesn't have the turbos so consider parting it out. ASAP. You will go down a rabbit hole you won't enjoy.
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