boriskml

Hello AMG Friends,

I just bought my first about a month ago. A sexy black 2003 CL55 AMG. Has just over 95k miles. Appears to have had an accident, and a good repair and maintenance history.

A couple days ago I pressed the lift button on the dash to demonstrate that the car has adjustable height. After that I notice a squeaky noise and odd sounds emanating from the front right wheel well. There was a light greenish fluid leaking. The mechanic said it was a busted strut, and quoted me $1200 to replace.

Any advice for an AMG newbie?

Much appreciated,
Boris

Welwynnick

Its unlikely to be the strut itself. Flexible hose failures are much more common. Does your mechanic specialize in Mercedes?

boriskml

No. Taking it to Mercedes specialist today. Will driving cause more damage?

Thanks for the prompt reply.

Welwynnick

As long as there are no warning message on the dash you should be OK.

If the ABC fluid reservoir runs dry it will destroy the pump, so satisfy yourself its full.

Nick

boriskml

Great. Thanks, Nick!

boriskml

So, quoted about $5k in repairs. Hose, pump, and strut. In addition to motor mounts. Negotiated $7400 including two new front tires. Deal?

Welwynnick

Seems like a lot of money. Do you actually have so many faults? You don't normally replace the ABC pump unless you really have to.

Mercedes22

It could be the Pulsation Accumulator. That noise you describe is the same, when it fails.

boriskml

I have no expertise. Should I just take it to a Mercedes dealership? Not sure if I can fully trust any independent mechanic. Does anyone have referrals for repair shops in Phoenix, Arizona, USA?

fireman685

Check AAA or the BBB for reputable Indy shops that specialize in Mercedes Benz. Dealers are every bit a snake as some shops. Good luck!

boriskml

Hey All,

Thanks for your input. I got lucky and was able to find a Mercedes mechanic through a friend that completed all the repairs independently at about half the cost. Here is what I had done:

• ABC Pump - Replaced (It was making some clicking sounds and leaking)
• Right Front Strut - Replaced (It was leaking and making sounds)

I don't think the mechanic had to replace the hose.

In addition to that initial problem, I had several other items fixed:

• Motor Mounts
• Transmission Mounts
• Front Wheel Bushings
• Belt

Lesson: Find a quality mechanic and have him inspect used cars before buying!

The morning after picking the car up I experienced a weird phenomenom:

As I got on the freeway and start my commute, I felt a significant loss of power. My estimate is something to do with fuel or air. I stopped and restarted the car, and it has not yet reoccurred.

The AMG is currently driving great. Let's hope it lasts.

Cheers,
Kory

principledchiro

Kory, the sudden loss of power is likely a failed intercooler pump. It's commonly to fail at your cars miles. An "inexpensive" (Ebay $110) and easy replacement (bottom of front passenger side) of the Bosche inter cooler pump.
Would you mind letting us know what front bushings were replaced. My 125k mile 06 has sloppy road manners.