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ABC Issues & More

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#1 · (Edited)
The purpose of this thread is to collect and organize the best ABC-related intelligence—as well as general-interest and DIY material—thus far shared in this forum. Any and all interested parties are invited to make contributions, criticisms, and references wherever indicated.

Free Advice said:
Do not buy a W215 CL-Class Mercedes without FIRST familiarizing yourself with the ABC System. This goes treble for old and/or high-mileage examples. Research is a much kinder & gentler teacher than Experience.
For the uninitiated, the ABC (Active Body Control) system is Mercedes's electro-hydraulic suspension which constantly self-monitors and adjusts suspension settings thereby virtually eliminating body roll and pitch in various driving situations including cornering, accelerating, and braking. You'll find it on CL and SL models; however I note that it's been supplanted by Airmatic in most W216 CLs.

MBUSA.COM said:
Arguably the most advanced suspension system in production, ABC provides an excellent balance of ride comfort and handling while virtually eliminating bodyroll during cornering. A series of sensors and electronically controlled high-pressure hydraulics counteracts the effects of roll, vibration, pitch, dive, and squat. And to help adjust ride quality and responsiveness, the driver can select either Sport or Comfort mode via a button next to the shift knob.
We are linking some of the clearest and most-informative ABC threads in the next post in this thread. Please contribute your own--just link here to the posts if they're already on the forum, and I'll take care of the cleanup. No way can I do this alone.

This post (scroll down) now serves as a general-issues sticky for non-ABC matters. (See the next post for ABC Threads.) Like it or not, our cars are aging, they are quite complex, and they'll have issues from time to time. We're here to help each other.

NB: Keep in mind that the W220 sedans are mechanically very similar, and vastly more numerous. Therefore the W220 Forum here at BenzWorld has a greater wealth of information, much of which applies to our cars. See especially their W220 Encyclopedia!

W215 Fuse & Relay Charts

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w215-cl-class/1599665-w215-fuse-relay-chart.html

W215 hidden fuses revealed

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w215-cl-class/1625470-w215-hidden-fuses-revealed.html

Car Won't Start? Some possible explanations

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/c21...wont-start-useful-information-pertaining.html

DIY remove/install starter for all W215 engines

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/c215-cl-class/2726345-diy-remove-install-starter-all-w215.html

Serpentine Belt + Tensioner (V12)

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w215-cl-class/2363705-serpentine-belt-tensioner.html

Mercedes CL500 Wiring diagram

(Sorry, broken Link needs Update)

Aftermarket Stereo: Double DIN Install on 2001 & 2003 C215

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/c215-cl-class/2711409-double-din-install-2001-2003-c215.html

Power assist doors & trunk issues

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w215-cl-class/1664704-power-assist-doors-trunk-question.html

Transmission Shifter Stuck in Park (From W220 Forum)

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220-s-class/1455706-shifter-stuck-park-handy-tools-heres.html

A/C Condensor Replacement

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w21...l500-c-condenser-replacement.html#post9623009

CV Boot replacement with MB parts


http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w215-cl-class/2423273-cv-boot-replacement-mb-parts.html

Tire advice / consensus

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w215-cl-class/1568989-best-tires.html

Ozan's Unofficial Mods & Maintenance Center

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w215-cl-class/1691416-stickey-please-list-how-helpful-maintenance.html

Edmunds Mercedes-Benz CL65 Long-Term Road Test

http://www.edmunds.com/mercedes-benz/cl-class/2005/long-term-road-test/introduction.html

http://www.edmunds.com/mercedes-ben...mercedes-benz-cl65-amg-another-abc-fault.html

http://www.edmunds.com/mercedes-ben...-pad-abc-and-check-engine-warning-lights.html

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PS: And for God's sake, people, when someone goes out of his way to help you with a problem, have the decency to thank him and/or hit the 'Like' button. Way too many people vanish after their problem was solved without even saying thanks.
 
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#67 ·
Update on my abc issue with fix

I really dont see where everybody is coming up with these outrageous prices to replace an abc pump.....that ended up being the problem with mine....I had to have the abc pump replaced plus they replaced one of the high pressure hoses direct from mercedes in Germany and my total for parts and labor was $1860.36 to be exact.....Fuck taking it to the dealership that is where they fuck you with no lube. I took mine to Advanced European Automotive here where I am from, but im sure there are European auto mechanics in every city that specialize in BMW and Mercedes......All my parts and work is also under a warranty for 2 years...so do what you feel you have to do $5000 at mercedes or under $2000 at a european automotive shop
 
#68 · (Edited)
ABC issue for me? A 20 cent o-ring... whewww

As a follow-up to my earlier post...

I decided to look at the problem myself. Turns out the o-ring on the sensor that screws into the front passenger side block had blown.

Not much fluid was lost so I was able to add a bit more and all systems are fine. I'll do a fluid/filter change next.

Amazing... a 20 cent o-ring brought down what was originally a $100k vehicle.

Of course o-rings have brought down billion dollar space craft too so guess I'll cut Mercedes some slack :cool:

Call me cynical, but I wonder how many of these ABC issues are fairly simple/inexpensive fixes that end up as multiple thousands of dollars of profit for Mercedes dealerships. Both as the result of greedy/dishonest dealerships as well as customers who drive with ABC issues and destroy components.

That said... I was lucky to be informed enough by this forum to NOT drive this vehicle after the first sign of ABC trouble... if we all did the same, maybe our beloved CL's wouldn't be such a profit maker for Mercedes dealerships. :thumbsup:
 
#69 ·
1860 for a pump job? The pump brand new is 1200-1600 (depending on model) alone from the dealer, it takes many hours, and the fluid is $20/qt. Then they should bleed and system via rodeo, change the filter. Did they give you a "reman'ed" pumps or something?

The ABC system is pretty resilient, as long as you're timely with your repairs. Leave it too dirty for too long and the dirt spreads to the other components.
 
#70 ·
Agree, that looks like ridiculously low price for such job: pump + hose. I had my service B done this week and stealership found out that main high pressure hose that goes from ABC pump under tranny was leaking, quote $3,600. I found independent shop who will replace it for $2,300 - 15 hour job :crybaby2:
 
#71 · (Edited)
the ABC tandem pump on my 2004 CL500 was replaced @ the local MB dealer about 4 years ago (just b4 I bought it). the receipt was in the glove box- it was less than $1500 with new pump, fluid, labor & rodeo. yes this was an actual MB dealer. maybe you guys should shop around :eek:

XZACM102- I'm assuming yours was a V12 model? (you didn't fill out your profile). I've never heard of a hose being so labor intensive on a 500
 
#78 ·
Please be more precise, the electronic warnings are making the noise or the mechanical parts of the car, what color is the warning message white or red?

If your rear struts are bad they should show sings if leaking, check for oil on/around the struts, if there is oil they need to be replaced. Usually bad struts = car lowering if sitting for a while with engine off. ABC warnings can be lots of things, bad pump, bad valve block, loss of pressure due to bad hose, bad strut, low fluid... you need more explanations from your mechanic, ask him for the codes and post back, and/or get a second opinion at a VERY good MB shop or dealer. ABC is very complex, not for your ordinary shop...
 
#79 ·
To Slonar 21:
Thank you for responding. The mechanical warnings are making the noise; warning's are red. They flash really fast; can barely read them. No oil around car. No lowering.

Mechanic is very good; only works on MBZ and is in high demand. That said, he's so busy that it's hard to even reach him. Will get second opinion. BTW: No problem raising and lowering car with switch in cabin.

Just became member to benzworld. Should I be responding here or in my email, where I was alerted to your message?

thx
 
#123 ·
To Slonar 21:
Thank you for responding. The mechanical warnings are making the noise; warning's are red. They flash really fast; can barely read them. No oil around car. No lowering.

Mechanic is very good; only works on MBZ and is in high demand. That said, he's so busy that it's hard to even reach him. Will get second opinion. BTW: No problem raising and lowering car with switch in cabin.

Just became member to benzworld. Should I be responding here or in my email, where I was alerted to your message?

thx
I know this answer 8 years too late but it might help someone else. This is a typical pressure reservoir fault. All you need is to change the 2 pressure reservoirs (actually you can change all 3) and that's that. Parts are 150 dollars each and relatively easy DIY. In fact, many faults in ABC happens because these are not changed regularly (6-8 years). These save the lines and help to push fluid into struts when needed. if they are ruptured then the warning signs come up at deeps in the road.
 
#80 ·
#81 ·
What a very informative thread and thanks to all who have taken time to contribute.

I find myself here from previous W140 S600 ownership then onto R129 500sl (which I still have) and now I have picked up a 2002 CL 500.

The ABC system is becoming a lot more clearer the more I read up on it and I am taking preventitive maintenance steps on the system but the horse may have already bolted I think.

I will pop back in with the symptons and may request guidance as to actually which front accumulator / air reservoir is the recommended one to change in the case of the 'noise' I am getting.

Many thanks again for this thread.
 
#85 ·
Thanks for your input David. I was wondering about the de pressurising of the system. I have and still occasionally do work on Rolls-Royce and Bentley vehicles and
de pressurising of the hydraulic system (its a Citroen copy) is a must especially on the mineral oil system vehicles. Will look into this further and if the air cell does not spin off with easy resistance I will prepare myself for a shower :)
 
#93 ·
@slonar 21, I am new to CL 600. I recently broke my ABC fluid return hose that is going to the reservoir before the filter. Can you please help me with the part number? I am new to this car and replacement procedure with some pics from WIS will help a lot (if possible).

I should also add that when I broke the ABC return hose, I was trying to remove the cooling fan in order to reach the water pump, because water pump pulley was wobbling. Should I also replace the water pump?

Not only the ABC hose broke in the process, the vacuum line which I think belonged to Solenoid purge valve (not sure though) also broke in 2 pieces since it was already brittle.

One final thing to add, I locked the hood permanently after removing and re-installing the hood latches opss.... I forgot to tighten the latch cable properly before shutting the hood, so thanks to me

Any insight on all my problems (including part recommendations) from anyone will highly be appreciated since my car is sitting in the parking lot for the past 3 weeks and I don't know where to start from. Repair shops are about 30 miles away from where I live.

Will be waiting for reply....
 
#94 ·
These diagrams might help for the part number
LINE ARRANGEMENT OF HYDRAULIC SYSTEM. Fits: 2003 Mercedes CL 600 Coupe | Mercedes-Benz of South Atlanta
LINE SCOPE. Fits: 2003 Mercedes CL 600 Coupe | Mercedes-Benz of South Atlanta
LINE ARRANGEMENT OF HYDRAULIC SYSTEM. Fits: 2003 Mercedes CL 600 Coupe | Mercedes-Benz of South Atlanta

I don't have any recommendation for the water pump as I do not have any experience with this... WATER PUMP. Fits: 2003 Mercedes CL 600 Coupe | Mercedes-Benz of South Atlanta

For the hood I guess if you remove the grill you will be able to unlatch it

My main recommendation is do not run the engine, if your ABC pump runs with no fluid it will die with-in seconds!

Seriously I would get it towed on a flat bed to a dealer or a really very good indy that you a 100% knows about ABC, if you want to do it your self I think you will need to lift the car of its wheels (jacks) and replace the hose, if the hose you are talking about is a high pressure hydraulic hose you can go to a hydraulic shop with your hose and they can make an exact copy, but I just can't imagine you "broke" a high pressure hose. once installed if the fluid in any way has leaked out the system you need to prime the pump somehow, look in these forums you will find some info about how to do that.

Good luck
 
#95 ·
Thanks for very helpful suggestions. It is the hose that goes inside the ABC reservoir bottle Cap. It is very soft at the cap. IMO it should be low pressure since it is a return hose to bottle and I will be able to handle the replacement because I have already removed the cooling fan. This hose holds the reservoir filter at the end. Do you think hydraulic shop will be able to duplicate it? I will try to upload a pic.
 
#96 ·
Look at the first link and the number 10 in the left diagram or this link HOSE. LINE ARRANGEMENT OF HYDRAULIC SYSTEM for 2003 Mercedes CL 600. #2209970952 seems to be what you are looking for.

And no a hydraulic shop will not be able to duplicate a soft specific shape/bend hose, you will need to order from the dealer

I guess if this soft hose is your problem you will not need to lift the car to repair
 
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