CLK-Class (W208) 1998-2002: CLK 200, CLK 230K, CLK 320, CLK 430 [Coupes & Cabriolets]

Weird ESP problem

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Old Nov 9, 2009 | 07:46 PM
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w208 clk430 cab
Weird ESP problem

I've got a 2002 430 CLK with a strange ESP problem. On right hand turns at about 30-40 mph the ESP kicks in. It doesn't do it on every right turn and it never does it on left hand turns. It always does it on the same turn on my home from work.

I'm assuming the wheel speed sensors are ok or I would be getting an ABS error code. What other sensors are invovled in the ESP system?

Bill
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Old Nov 9, 2009 | 09:53 PM
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2002 CLK430
Originally Posted by billhig
I've got a 2002 430 CLK with a strange ESP problem. On right hand turns at about 30-40 mph the ESP kicks in. It doesn't do it on every right turn and it never does it on left hand turns. It always does it on the same turn on my home from work.

I'm assuming the wheel speed sensors are ok or I would be getting an ABS error code. What other sensors are invovled in the ESP system?

Bill
Post your tire specs. Size and manufacturer.
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Old Nov 10, 2009 | 07:20 PM
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w208 clk430 cab
Kuhmo ECSTA in front, Michelin Pilot sport out back. OEM sizes
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Old Nov 11, 2009 | 12:30 AM
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Originally Posted by billhig
Kuhmo ECSTA in front, Michelin Pilot sport out back. OEM sizes
Unfortunately, Kumho calls almost everything 'Ecsta'. Ecsta MX, Ecsta MX XRP, Ecsta XS, Ecsta SPT, Ecsta SPT XRP, Ecsta ASX, Ecsta AST, Ecsta DX Aroma, Ecsta HP4 716, Ecsta LX Platinum, Ecsta SPT Colored Smoke, Ecsta V700, Ecsta V710, and Ecsta W710.

Ditto for Michelin 'Pilot Sports' - Pilot Sport, Pilot Sport PS2, Pilot Sport PS2 ZP, Pilot Sport Rib, Pilot Sport ZP, Pilot Sport A/S, Pilot Sport A/S Plus, Pilot Sport A/S Plus ZP, and Pilot Sport A/S ZP.

I recommend you look up the revs per mile spec for the exact model tires you have. If there is more than a few percentage points difference, that may be the problem. ESP keeps track of how fast each tire is turning. In a turn, the inner tire turns fewer revs than the outer. However, ESP also knows whether the car is traveling straight or not. In a turn, it will allow some leeway, but the system is based on the rolling diameter of the front and rear tires being very close to equal. On MB's with tires that are too far off, it's also common for ESP to disengage the cruise control above certain speeds and in curves.
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Old Nov 11, 2009 | 05:45 AM
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190D 2.5 (x2), 190E 2.6, W202 C240,W202 C43 (C55), W210 E55, W212 E250CDI
I would also be checking that your steering is straight. Not just the wheel, but the steering column. If the column is off center and the steering wheel has been turned to compensate then the vehilce will get incorrect information regarding oversteer/understeer resulting in esp interveening when not required to do so.
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Old Nov 17, 2009 | 08:32 PM
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Thanks, I'll check the tires out. What's odd is that its right turns only. Never left. Maybe the steering column being off center explains that. How can you check the column centering?
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Old Oct 5, 2010 | 10:35 PM
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I have same problem on right turns and also coming home from work. I was thinking maybe its a wheel sensor?
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