Have you had ABC Problem?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
2003 CL55 AMG
Have you had ABC Problem?
Hey guys, i recently purchased 03 CL55 and well aware of the ABC problem. Although it seems like its inevitable, based on my research there are handful of people that have experienced this problem and there seem to be those lucky enough to run 100k miles+ bone stock and are still running strong then there are those of you who are in the dark. I thought it would be cool if everyone (Experienced ABC problem and those problem free alike) posted their experience with w215 and get a clearer picture:
1) Did you experience ABC problem?
2) What year is your w215 and how many miles?
3) Where are you located and the type of roads and weather condition?
4) If you experienced ABC problem, what was the damage and cost to repair? Did you have any mods that might have contributed to the problem (example: lowered suspension, aftermarket wheels, etc.?)
Please note that this thread is not to argue if this ABC will fail or not but to see bigger picture and try to get a statistic of how many of these vehicles have failed ABC and how many of those lucky ones are running strong. Thanks!
1) Did you experience ABC problem?
2) What year is your w215 and how many miles?
3) Where are you located and the type of roads and weather condition?
4) If you experienced ABC problem, what was the damage and cost to repair? Did you have any mods that might have contributed to the problem (example: lowered suspension, aftermarket wheels, etc.?)
Please note that this thread is not to argue if this ABC will fail or not but to see bigger picture and try to get a statistic of how many of these vehicles have failed ABC and how many of those lucky ones are running strong. Thanks!
Last edited by cl55er; Jun 20, 2011 at 08:03 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
2003 CL55 AMG
Let me start first:
1) Haven't had ABC problem yet
2) 2003 CL55, 70,000 miles.
3) I'm the 3rd owner. First registered to owner in Florida(30k miles), second owner registered in NYC (70k miles). I'm the 3rd owner that just bought the car a week ago. Road conditions here are probably the worst in the nation with all the cracks and potholes and we see some hot summer days(temps up to 100+) and pretty freezing winter days(10-20F) with sometimes snow storms as high as 2-3 foot of snow.
1) Haven't had ABC problem yet
2) 2003 CL55, 70,000 miles.
3) I'm the 3rd owner. First registered to owner in Florida(30k miles), second owner registered in NYC (70k miles). I'm the 3rd owner that just bought the car a week ago. Road conditions here are probably the worst in the nation with all the cracks and potholes and we see some hot summer days(temps up to 100+) and pretty freezing winter days(10-20F) with sometimes snow storms as high as 2-3 foot of snow.
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 6
From: Atlanta
05 CL65 AMG, 07 Ferrari F430, 03 Range Rover HSE
I have an 05 CL65.
88,000 currently - daily driver
Spent first 4 years of life in California, now in Atlanta
ABC went at about 80,000 miles. Started with errors on startup that cleared quickly. Then on an unusual cold snap day of 15 degrees (very unusual for ATL), it went. Two weeks total elapsed time from starting problems to total failure.
As a Mercedes supplier, we get MB parts at jobber cost, so total with labor was $3800
88,000 currently - daily driver
Spent first 4 years of life in California, now in Atlanta
ABC went at about 80,000 miles. Started with errors on startup that cleared quickly. Then on an unusual cold snap day of 15 degrees (very unusual for ATL), it went. Two weeks total elapsed time from starting problems to total failure.
As a Mercedes supplier, we get MB parts at jobber cost, so total with labor was $3800
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 741
Likes: 6
From: SIN CITY
CL65
when i was 3. sorry, could not resist
3 cl 215's
02 cl55-abc line ruptured at about 70kmiles. covered under ext warr(sold)
05 cl65-32kmiles. no probs as of yet, but have ext warr till 2015(current)
04 cl500-83kmiles. no probs yet, just bought 2 weeks ago w/ no warr(daily driver)
i did notice on my old 02 and current 04, the car suspension does raise up/down while its in park running. all three are lowered via links but the 65 is not acting up like the 02 or 04
3 cl 215's
02 cl55-abc line ruptured at about 70kmiles. covered under ext warr(sold)
05 cl65-32kmiles. no probs as of yet, but have ext warr till 2015(current)
04 cl500-83kmiles. no probs yet, just bought 2 weeks ago w/ no warr(daily driver)
i did notice on my old 02 and current 04, the car suspension does raise up/down while its in park running. all three are lowered via links but the 65 is not acting up like the 02 or 04
Last edited by 02cl55amg; Jun 21, 2011 at 05:03 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 60
Likes: 2
From: Tromso, Norway
11' E220 CDI
1) Did you experience ABC problem?
2) What year is your w215 and how many miles?
3) Where are you located and the type of roads and weather condition?
4) If you experienced ABC problem, what was the damage and cost to repair? Did you have any mods that might have contributed to the problem (example: lowered suspension, aftermarket wheels, etc.?)
2) What year is your w215 and how many miles?
3) Where are you located and the type of roads and weather condition?
4) If you experienced ABC problem, what was the damage and cost to repair? Did you have any mods that might have contributed to the problem (example: lowered suspension, aftermarket wheels, etc.?)
2) 2000 CL 500 - 75 000 miles (4th owner).
3) Norway - Bad roads / Winter lasts for about 6-7 months of the year.
4) Replaced all struts. Cost: 50 000,- NOK or about 9,100 USD
(Dealership first wanted 86 700,- NOK or about 15,790 USD
) Car was not lowered at the time of repair. Only aftermarket wheels - 18" both summer and winter.
ABC-pump is up next.
Last edited by CL500; Jun 21, 2011 at 03:19 PM.
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Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 37
Likes: 2
From: Roseville, CA
2003 CL55 AMG
I have had the car for 9 days. It has been sitting with a ruptured line for 7. Now that I fully understand WHAT actually happened. I am ordering the parts Tomorrow (2 accumulators and 1 high pressure hose) about $475 [refer to my thread about ruptured ABC line for part numbers] I will either fix it myself or pay for 6 hours labor $540 (Includes SDS, bleeding, and Rodeo) total repair will cost me $1015 plus a AAA membership.
I firmly believe if you change your accumulators every 3 - 5 years you will have no problems. But that's' just my opinion
I firmly believe if you change your accumulators every 3 - 5 years you will have no problems. But that's' just my opinion
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Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 390
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
CL65, FJ80, Sportsmobile 4x4, Model X Plaid
Let me start first:
1) Haven't had ABC problem yet
2) 2003 CL55, 70,000 miles.
3) I'm the 3rd owner. First registered to owner in Florida(30k miles), second owner registered in NYC (70k miles). I'm the 3rd owner that just bought the car a week ago. Road conditions here are probably the worst in the nation with all the cracks and potholes and we see some hot summer days(temps up to 100+) and pretty freezing winter days(10-20F) with sometimes snow storms as high as 2-3 foot of snow.
1) Haven't had ABC problem yet
2) 2003 CL55, 70,000 miles.
3) I'm the 3rd owner. First registered to owner in Florida(30k miles), second owner registered in NYC (70k miles). I'm the 3rd owner that just bought the car a week ago. Road conditions here are probably the worst in the nation with all the cracks and potholes and we see some hot summer days(temps up to 100+) and pretty freezing winter days(10-20F) with sometimes snow storms as high as 2-3 foot of snow.
1) Repaired once at super authorized dealer early on in its life. Possibly valve block or lines. No current ABC problems. Car is perfect.
2) 2005 CL65 67,000 miles
3) 2nd Owner at 65,000 miles. 1st Owner Babied at FJ. Sunny SoCal, OC.
Last edited by NRL; Jun 23, 2011 at 01:14 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
From: London UK
S500 LWB ( W221 ) - CL63 Biturbo ( W216 ) CL 55 Kompressor ( W215 Sold ) C43 AMG ( W202 Sold )
1,Yes
2,2003 85,000, 3rd owner
3,London + ( Surrey ) SE England. Roads, good and bad.
4, Pump + O/S rear strut £2000 = £ 3,250 under warranty. No mods before, have had it remapped since and secondary cats removed.
2,2003 85,000, 3rd owner
3,London + ( Surrey ) SE England. Roads, good and bad.
4, Pump + O/S rear strut £2000 = £ 3,250 under warranty. No mods before, have had it remapped since and secondary cats removed.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
CL55
Hey guys, i recently purchased 03 CL55 and well aware of the ABC problem. Although it seems like its inevitable, based on my research there are handful of people that have experienced this problem and there seem to be those lucky enough to run 100k miles+ bone stock and are still running strong then there are those of you who are in the dark. I thought it would be cool if everyone (Experienced ABC problem and those problem free alike) posted their experience with w215 and get a clearer picture:
1) Did you experience ABC problem?
2) What year is your w215 and how many miles?
3) Where are you located and the type of roads and weather condition?
4) If you experienced ABC problem, what was the damage and cost to repair? Did you have any mods that might have contributed to the problem (example: lowered suspension, aftermarket wheels, etc.?)
Please note that this thread is not to argue if this ABC will fail or not but to see bigger picture and try to get a statistic of how many of these vehicles have failed ABC and how many of those lucky ones are running strong. Thanks!
1) Did you experience ABC problem?
2) What year is your w215 and how many miles?
3) Where are you located and the type of roads and weather condition?
4) If you experienced ABC problem, what was the damage and cost to repair? Did you have any mods that might have contributed to the problem (example: lowered suspension, aftermarket wheels, etc.?)
Please note that this thread is not to argue if this ABC will fail or not but to see bigger picture and try to get a statistic of how many of these vehicles have failed ABC and how many of those lucky ones are running strong. Thanks!
I'm in NE Texas with average roads. I'll post the $$$ when I can.
Thanks to Kahn for his post on the accumulators...
Last edited by scottramy; Aug 28, 2011 at 08:26 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,559
Likes: 79
2015 Challenger Hellcat, 2023 Ram 3500, 2005 E55 Wagon, 2019 GLC63s
Yes. Bought the car with 70000miles and when it came off the train the car wouldnt rise up. Replaced the ABC pump and now everything is great. The car is a 2005 CL65. Cost of repairs was $3000 which included the transmission plug that was leaking.
R.K.
R.K.
Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: SC
2003 Lincoln LS V8
2004 CL55 with just over 70,000 mi. I bought it in May 2009 with less than 35,000 mi, so for the first part of it's life it wasn't driven much, but since then it's been driven on some fairly rough roads.
If it sits for more than a week, the left front corner will drop noticeably (not enough for the wheel to hit the inside of the wheel well after three weeks). The strut's not leaking, so I figure a valve is leaking by. From everything I've heard this is normal, and I don't plan on having it fixed unless it gets worse.
If it sits for more than a week, the left front corner will drop noticeably (not enough for the wheel to hit the inside of the wheel well after three weeks). The strut's not leaking, so I figure a valve is leaking by. From everything I've heard this is normal, and I don't plan on having it fixed unless it gets worse.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 46
Likes: 1
From: San Luis Obispo
2015 SL63
CL600 2005 with 30K miles.
I am just having the third ABC hose repair in the last 9000 miles. I am basically averaging 2500 miles per repair, and the same hose was affected last time so it lasted literally only 2000 miles.
Is my dealership using a bad batch of hoses or are they incompetent? I know the ABC is a problem but this is just ridiculous.
I am just having the third ABC hose repair in the last 9000 miles. I am basically averaging 2500 miles per repair, and the same hose was affected last time so it lasted literally only 2000 miles.
Is my dealership using a bad batch of hoses or are they incompetent? I know the ABC is a problem but this is just ridiculous.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 12
From: Charleston, SC
GL450
CL600 2005 with 30K miles.
I am just having the third ABC hose repair in the last 9000 miles. I am basically averaging 2500 miles per repair, and the same hose was affected last time so it lasted literally only 2000 miles.
Is my dealership using a bad batch of hoses or are they incompetent? I know the ABC is a problem but this is just ridiculous.
I am just having the third ABC hose repair in the last 9000 miles. I am basically averaging 2500 miles per repair, and the same hose was affected last time so it lasted literally only 2000 miles.
Is my dealership using a bad batch of hoses or are they incompetent? I know the ABC is a problem but this is just ridiculous.
I was under the car today and realized that the ABC system is not that complex, it just is misunderstood (I still don't fully understand it). I think small things like a shot accumulator, which costs $400 and should be replaced periodically but people don't know it, were engineered for a reason and when neglected cause big problems. The other problem is that the valve blocks are metal sealed and are designed to leak. People don't get this. Any small leak and they change them. They are supposed to leak a small amount. Finally, the struts leak, and that is bad. I think that's really the only real flaw. I take it that with working accumulators, the hoses are generally safe.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 12
From: Charleston, SC
GL450
2004 CL55 with just over 70,000 mi. I bought it in May 2009 with less than 35,000 mi, so for the first part of it's life it wasn't driven much, but since then it's been driven on some fairly rough roads.
If it sits for more than a week, the left front corner will drop noticeably (not enough for the wheel to hit the inside of the wheel well after three weeks). The strut's not leaking, so I figure a valve is leaking by. From everything I've heard this is normal, and I don't plan on having it fixed unless it gets worse.
If it sits for more than a week, the left front corner will drop noticeably (not enough for the wheel to hit the inside of the wheel well after three weeks). The strut's not leaking, so I figure a valve is leaking by. From everything I've heard this is normal, and I don't plan on having it fixed unless it gets worse.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 9
From: Toronto
V12TT
Never had any ABC problems on the CL55. I'm scared to say this.
Even though dealer wanted to scam me out of 10 grand of doing pointless replacing the ABC pump and struts. This was 60,000 miles ago.
Maybe the Brabus module on the stiffest setting has something to do with it? Or perhaps always leaving it on ABC sport mode? Maybe the shocks are not moving and not dampening the bumps thus prolonging the life of the struts/pump? Just thinking out loud..
Even though dealer wanted to scam me out of 10 grand of doing pointless replacing the ABC pump and struts. This was 60,000 miles ago.
Maybe the Brabus module on the stiffest setting has something to do with it? Or perhaps always leaving it on ABC sport mode? Maybe the shocks are not moving and not dampening the bumps thus prolonging the life of the struts/pump? Just thinking out loud..
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 379
Likes: 3
From: Southcoast England
CL500 216
ABC problem,,please do not remind me,,, First back in 2005 and 14k miles 2 struts failed, cost £2300. 4 months later all fluid was lost through the front valve block when the alli washer failed on the return to tank valve.
Next every now and then the ABC message would come up, but the car stayed level, my STAR said front level sensor at fault,replaced the hall effect sensor but fault still there, in the end I removed the ABC ECU and re soldered the pins to the plug sockets and the fault finally went. These things cost some £1000.
Last year all fluid came out again from the valve block and this was the alli washer on the pressure feed, so replaced that with a copper one.
Please note that ABC struts are OK if they just mist up with oil, but if they drip fluid then they are unsafe and will not pass a MOT test. One of mine has been misting for some 5 years and no change in all that time.
I have always got home as I keep a bottle of fluid in the car at all times, you just never know when
Next every now and then the ABC message would come up, but the car stayed level, my STAR said front level sensor at fault,replaced the hall effect sensor but fault still there, in the end I removed the ABC ECU and re soldered the pins to the plug sockets and the fault finally went. These things cost some £1000.
Last year all fluid came out again from the valve block and this was the alli washer on the pressure feed, so replaced that with a copper one.
Please note that ABC struts are OK if they just mist up with oil, but if they drip fluid then they are unsafe and will not pass a MOT test. One of mine has been misting for some 5 years and no change in all that time.
I have always got home as I keep a bottle of fluid in the car at all times, you just never know when
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
MB CL55AMG
If the fluid never gets low in the reservoir, it is the valve block leaking, not the strut. Mercedes design is for the valve block to hold for a few days. If it drops after a week, that is considered normal. Totally agree, only fix it if you have a real problem (drops when driving or the fluid goes low, meaning strut leak).
My 2004 cl 55 AMG is causing me some trouble and I think if I flush and change the filter that will solve the problem? Can you tell me how it is done and what I actually have to do to flush my system?
My system says ABC - active body control - drive safely. Maybe I just have to add more oil to the abc system?
I would REALLY appreciate your help!
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 603
Likes: 2
From: Houston Exburb-Richmond TX
2014 CLS 550 & 2004 CL55
3rd owner of 2004 CL55, only put about 5,000 miles on it so far, total of 73,000+
No problems yet. Have been advised by one garage that it has an extremely slow leak at one fitting. No evidence of it according to dealer, so that might have been a scam.
When it idles for a long time (really long time, much longer than traffic light) it will re-level and scare me. Several folks say their car does the same. But mechanic says losing no perceptible fluid, so I've ruled that out.
No problems yet. Have been advised by one garage that it has an extremely slow leak at one fitting. No evidence of it according to dealer, so that might have been a scam.
When it idles for a long time (really long time, much longer than traffic light) it will re-level and scare me. Several folks say their car does the same. But mechanic says losing no perceptible fluid, so I've ruled that out.
Last edited by JHouse; Dec 4, 2011 at 12:06 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
I just had the ABC pump and hoses replaced at 72,800 miles (2003 CL600 CK60 with Carlsson mods). Did not have any serious problems but I did get the "red warning" for a brief period of time, took the car for a checkup, discovered a "sweaty" hose and decided to replace hoses and ABC pump. Total cost: $3800 (this cost also included new engine mounts (it was a good opportunity to replace them at the same time as the hoses) and brake pad (front) installation. Except for the engine mounts, I supplied all parts (sourced them from different parts supplier at a significant discount).
The issue with ABC is not the system itself but the notion that it requires "no maintenance" according to the manual. Hydraulic system that operates at such high pressure (3000psi) DOES require maintenance and part replacement every 3-5 years (that's the typical lifetime of the hydraulic pump), depending on driving style, miles driven, weather conditions (humidity, cold and heat will slowly grind away at the hoses) and possibly luck.
Roads here in St.Petersburg/Tampa, FL are excellent (minor bumps). Previous owners drove this car Midwest and Northeast but they averaged less than 10,000 miles per year. I have heard from several MB enthusiasts that cars left parked in the garage for an extended period of time fare worse than cars that are driven regularly. After I had ABC pump and hoses replaced, car ride has improved significantly (it was great to begin with).
The issue with ABC is not the system itself but the notion that it requires "no maintenance" according to the manual. Hydraulic system that operates at such high pressure (3000psi) DOES require maintenance and part replacement every 3-5 years (that's the typical lifetime of the hydraulic pump), depending on driving style, miles driven, weather conditions (humidity, cold and heat will slowly grind away at the hoses) and possibly luck.
Roads here in St.Petersburg/Tampa, FL are excellent (minor bumps). Previous owners drove this car Midwest and Northeast but they averaged less than 10,000 miles per year. I have heard from several MB enthusiasts that cars left parked in the garage for an extended period of time fare worse than cars that are driven regularly. After I had ABC pump and hoses replaced, car ride has improved significantly (it was great to begin with).
Hey guys, i recently purchased 03 CL55 and well aware of the ABC problem. Although it seems like its inevitable, based on my research there are handful of people that have experienced this problem and there seem to be those lucky enough to run 100k miles+ bone stock and are still running strong then there are those of you who are in the dark. I thought it would be cool if everyone (Experienced ABC problem and those problem free alike) posted their experience with w215 and get a clearer picture:
1) Did you experience ABC problem?
2) What year is your w215 and how many miles?
3) Where are you located and the type of roads and weather condition?
4) If you experienced ABC problem, what was the damage and cost to repair? Did you have any mods that might have contributed to the problem (example: lowered suspension, aftermarket wheels, etc.?)
Please note that this thread is not to argue if this ABC will fail or not but to see bigger picture and try to get a statistic of how many of these vehicles have failed ABC and how many of those lucky ones are running strong. Thanks!
1) Did you experience ABC problem?
2) What year is your w215 and how many miles?
3) Where are you located and the type of roads and weather condition?
4) If you experienced ABC problem, what was the damage and cost to repair? Did you have any mods that might have contributed to the problem (example: lowered suspension, aftermarket wheels, etc.?)
Please note that this thread is not to argue if this ABC will fail or not but to see bigger picture and try to get a statistic of how many of these vehicles have failed ABC and how many of those lucky ones are running strong. Thanks!
Last edited by CL600CK60; Dec 9, 2011 at 04:40 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,986
Likes: 9
From: Toronto
V12TT
Just did another ABC fluid/fliter change. Is it just me or does the ride quality improve after?
When ABC fails does it just blow that high pressure line or pump?
I've seen some CL fires happen like that where the ABC fluid comes in contact with the hot exhaust manifold then BOOM. Scary.
When ABC fails does it just blow that high pressure line or pump?
I've seen some CL fires happen like that where the ABC fluid comes in contact with the hot exhaust manifold then BOOM. Scary.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,212
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
Just did another ABC fluid/fliter change. Is it just me or does the ride quality improve after?
When ABC fails does it just blow that high pressure line or pump?
I've seen some CL fires happen like that where the ABC fluid comes in contact with the hot exhaust manifold then BOOM. Scary.
When ABC fails does it just blow that high pressure line or pump?
I've seen some CL fires happen like that where the ABC fluid comes in contact with the hot exhaust manifold then BOOM. Scary.
