Corsa9000

I have a major leak in my 04 S55. The fluid is greenish color and has a strong smokey smell not unlike gun powder. Is this transmission fluid or am I looking something else?

Thanks.

Jud Chapin

Green is the color of ABC fluid. Get that checked immediately since a leak can cause the pump to run dry resulting in its destruction and a major repair expense. I wouldn't drive the car until the fluid level is checked.

Corsa9000

Thanks Jud. The ABC pump was replaced a few months ago so this is an unpleasant surprise. Is the fluid supposed smell like smoke?

Jud Chapin

That's not good with the new pump on there. I just smelled some fresh fluid and I didn't notice any smoke scent. However, keep in mind that the fluid you're smelling has been circulating in the pump, hoses, valves, etc. It will clear your sinuses though and it's definitely green and the only green fluid on the car with the exception of some windshield cleaners. Good luck and keep us posted. BTW, what did the pump cost you?

Corsa9000

Thanks for all the info Jud. The ABC pump replacement was covered under my MB extended warranty, so it cost me nothing. This will be covered as well, warranty is a good thing.

I will keep you posted on the progress, not sure if the car is drivable or I should have it towed.

Jud Chapin

Who's your warranty with? My Starmark just ran out in Oct. on my '02 CL500 and can't find a good replacement. As far as driving the car, I'd ask your stealer as you don't want them blaming you for any damages after the leak was noticed. Just my 2 cents...

Corsa9000

My warranty is a 2 year extension to my CPO warranty with MB. I like it since it has zero deductible and approvals are obtained within minutes at Dealer Service.

Jud Chapin

Yep, you can't beat the MB warranty.

shellshock

Any idea where it's exactly leaking from? Thank god for that warranty huh? haha

Corsa9000

I started the car yesterday in the garage and ABC warning came on in red, looked under the car and the leaking started again. Shut if off and called the dealer, they sent a flatbed tow truck. As the shocks get compressed more and more fluid is leaking from right front wheel area and behind the engine.

Left a huge puddle of green fluid all over the garage and driveway. The car is at the dealer, expect to hear from them today.

Will keep you posted. Thanks for all your help guys, specially Jud Chapin.

tusabes

have you checked with factoryplans.com for the chrysler warranty? its very highly regarded in the AMG thread (i think its in one of the eclass forums here). But I think your car needs to have less than 70 or 80k miles to get it.

It will cover an additional 5yrs 70k miles for about $3000

Corsa9000

Just got a call from my MB Dealer Service. ABC Pressure Valve was leaking, replaced and car is ready. Thankfully, it is all covered under warranty including tow charge.

Jud Chapin

I've talked to Chrysler and they will no longer cover Benz's over about 5 years of age.

Jud Chapin

Good deal.

Jud Chapin

Just curious as to what exactly was leaking if they told you. Was it the line or the valve itself? Funny that shortly after they replaced the pump that this would happen. Jud

Corsa9000

The paper work said ABC pressure valve was leaking. They flushed the remaining fluid, replaced valve, re-pressurized the system.

The pump itself was replaced 3-4 months ago, so not sure if they replaced the valve at that time or left it alone. I will go back to my service records to see if the valve was replaced back then or not.

So with a new pump and valve, is there anything I need to be concerned about as far the ABC system?

Quadcammer

the fluid lines and the struts leaking

Jud Chapin

Yes, there are other things that can leak such as the lines and struts ($1500 a pop) mentioned by Oliverk, and then of course there's the hoses and another valve as well as something I'm probably overlooking. On a more positive note, though, a MB service spvr. told me they really don't see that many problems with ABC. After reading problems concerning these systems on MB forums, it seems to me that the more they're worked on, the more problems arise.

Corsa9000

Oh great! Of course they do not replace anything till they fail. Some more stuff to look forward to.

Jud Chapin

You've got the warranty so sleep well.

Corsa9000

Having been on this Forum and other for a while, ABC and Airmatic seem to be the most popular items for discussion. MB should have done better on ABC/Airmatic so they last 100K+ miles.

My current S55 being my third W220, I still enjoy driving it greatly. Nothing is perfect and overall these are excellent cars to drive.

Jud Chapin

Just a thought; if you plan on keeping the car after your MB warranty expires, take a look a Chrysler's plan which is discussed on MB forums frequently and seems to be the preferred one. The best time to do it is just before your current coverage lapses. This way they know you have no pre-existing problems since you have coverage and this eliminates inspections, etc. Just my 2 cents.

Corsa9000

I agree, if I keep the car, I will extend the warranty since it is wise to have it with these cars. The current MB warranty has been excellent, so if I can I will buy more of the same.

Jud Chapin

No, I don't think you'll be able to extend your MB warranty. At least that's what I was told when mine expired last October.

Corsa9000

Was it because of mileage, age or both? I have 16 more months left(up to 100K miles), maybe I should look into buying additional warranty now from MB.