Hi Everyone,

I have 2005 S600 that has 66k miles on it.

I have recently upgraded from a '97 SL600 and am loving the S600s ride and comfortable cruising.

I bought it in October with 59K miles.

This is rather long winded and my terminology may not be the best, but I ask that you please bear with me as this is very frustrating to try to fix.

I got in the S600 on Thursday morning and all seemed fine until I made it a couple miles down the road.

Then all of the sudden, the ABC Drive Carefully warning lit up on the dash.

I got out and looked under the car and saw a rather large puddle under the front end of the car (it was 3x3 feet or so.) It started in front of the wheels and ended at the oil pan.

There was some fluid left in the reservoir so I limped it home and put it on the lift.

The larger hydraulic fluid tank was now empty but the smaller one was still full. (Does the smaller tank hold the fluid for the power steering pump?)

After sitting for several hours, I was unable to find the source of the leak. It seemed to have stopped.

I added 1/2 of a quart to the larger tank and it was now roughly half full.

Then I removed the plastic skid pans and wiped off as much of the excess oil that was all over the under carriage, in hopes of finding a trail of oil or something.

Still no leak was to be found.

I got in the car and started it up. All was ok for a minute and then the ABC Drive Carefully lit up again and a small drip started. It is coming from the front end, drivers side of the engine bay, underneath the hydraulic fluid tank area. But, things are so tight in there, that I cannot be sure.

I can't seem to find a diagram of the hydraulic lines to source the leak.

Has anyone else had a leak in this area or happen to have photos or suggestions as to where to look?

I tried the local Mercedes dealer. (Where the previous owner had it serviced.) They were too interested in helping or even in fixing it!

So, I am trying to fix it myself, if it is possible lol.

Thank you for any help or guidance that you would be willing to share.

All the best,

Vinnie

 

This recently happened to my car. It was a hydraulic line fitting that started to leak. Given that it is under high pressure it does not take much to make a drip. On my car it was the one that goes to the rear. It requires the engine to be lifted or shifted to install. Whatever you do, do not drive with a dry reservoir as this will cause your pump to fail (then you are in for a couple thousand more in repairs).

 

Agreed, very likely a line or fitting.

Bruce

 

Has your car had the hose recall done yet? Ask the dealer . If not they may replace the hoses and fittings for free under the recall

 

Unfortunately since you drove the car home after you lost all the Pentosin in the ABC system you have now most likely damaged the pump as well. Some say doing ABC work by yourself is impossible but if your very mechanically inclined it is not. Good luck.
Johan

 

Thank you all for your replies and suggestions, they are greatly appreciated.

Tusabes: could you provide more information on the recall? I have been looking online and have not come across a recall for this model year.

I will keeping digging for more information and hopefully find the leak.

All the best,

Vinnie

 

Most likely the ABC pump itself is leaking or the high pressure line that is known to burst and possibly cause a fire potential. A specialty indy mb shop or dealership will run your vin and see if the recall has been done.

 

The recall was for the ABC line and it was initiated in August of 2004. I would assume since you have a 2005 that you are OK. It was changed to a stainless steel line.

 

Hi Everyone,

I have some good news to report, the S600 is at the shop and being repaired.

It turned out to be the hydraulic lines had started leaking - even though they were replaced less than 7k miles ago!

They will be saving the old lines and have them for me when I pick it up.

Thank you all for your help and I will report more after the car is all done.

Best,

Vinnie

 

My car had the exact same issue. Just had three lines redone - 2500 bucks.

 

good decision Vinnie, no need to save those few dollars, let your mechanic take care of the headache, this is something you do not need to get your hands dirty.