I replaced one on my 129 chassis. It looked like a ignition module. Tiny little black box with one connector in it. On that car it was on the left front strut tower. Buy a new one so you know what you are looking for. All it is, is a mercury switch that tells the computer what the cars attitude is.
-Jim

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using AutoGuide.Com Free App

 

Lateral Acceleration Sensor

Thanks for the input. Unfortunately, the local dealer for Mercedes has been less than helpful thus far.

I did manage to find something on the internet that says that the sensor is located on left footwell area along the transmission tunnel.

NOW, if I could only get the price and availability of the part. They looked at me like I had two friggin heads. YET, they were more than willing to schedule an appointment for me to bring it in.

What pisses me off more than anything is that this is NOT rocket science. It's a plug and play part.

Hopefully we'll have some other info from another member.

Thank you for the help though. Most appreciated.

I enclosed a picture of what I found. This is for the R230 SL500.

 

The lateral sensor has nothing to do with the ABC at all

 

Incorrect, this sensor is an integral part of the ABC system, check your copy of WIS. However if the car is rocking like a tuna boat over a bump then I do not believe this sensor is the cause, more likely one of the accumulators has bust, these do not give fault codes.

Question is does the car bounce most from the front or the back?

 

If it is a bad sensor you gave to determine which one it is. There are 4 of them. They are about $85 from bmwmercedesparts.com. They all appear to be the same part #. Just located in different places.

Does anyone known if the R230 uses similar accumulators as the R129? When those failed the ride got has as a rock.

-Jim

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using AutoGuide.Com Free App

 

Yes there are four of them but each does a different job working on the same principal as the other three, location is what differentiates them;

 

So I had to bring my car to Mercedes.

They called the next morning and they said that the car was fixed. They claimed that they topped up the "low fluid level" which I had just check and perhaps the amount low might have been the amount of spit in my mouth.

They said they reprogrammed and reset the computer.

Total cost of this exceptional service ? $ 130.00

It says in the memo area of the bill, it it MIGHT have a pump pressure problem. It MIGHT need to be flushed. And it MIGHT have a sensor problem. Forgive me for being so profound, but they have NO CLUE.

I drive the car out. It appears good, though I know from previous experience that the ABC light will come on when I get onto the highway that has some bumps.

Sure as shit, the light comes on. Back to Mercedes it goes.

Now they want to change 3 sensors. They would like to change the fluid. Is it this DEALER ? I would think that with modern Manufacturer /Dealership systems they should be able to have a really good idea of exactly what is wrong.

Any suggestions from some experts. I think this particular dealer is just jerkin and there is no extended warranty on the car.

THANKS SO MUCH !!

 

Please consider updating/completing your profile so members can see where your located. It could help you share/learn from others in your area including good/poor service reps of locate shops and dealers...JAS (just a suggestion)

 

ERIC:

I see that you supplied a picture showing 4 sensors. Would you be able to give me an idea where these 4 sensors are ? I looked on the transmission tunnel in the footwell area..... I don't see any on either side.


I do see that there is a sensors on the top of each front strut.

The scanner that my buddy used said that it came up as "lateral accelleration" sensor.

Any info would be MOST appreciated.

THNAK YOU !!

 

By the way. ERIC, from the information that I believe to be correct, it would appear from the picture that it is #35. If that is the case, No. 35 is the lateral acceleration sensor. Where would it be located on the 2004 SL500 ??

Thanks again.

 

Here is a better picture of it;

 

Thank you for the update ERIC. Unfortunately, either I am CRAZY or that sensor is NOT in the place where that picture shows it as being.


Brought the car to Mercedes. They say I have a low pump pressure.

They want to FLUSH. I can truthfully say that I don't beieve they know what they are even talking about. Last week they were talking about a sensor.

If it was LOW PUMP PRESSURE, I would think that the ABC light would be on continuously. It on APPREARS to come on for 2 or 3 seconds when I hit a pump which happens more at highway speeds than anything. I can't believe that MERCEDES doesn't know the right answer.

They don't care since I have to pay OUT OF POCKET. But that is my opinion.

Last time it was the Conductor plate in the transmission.

Luckily Mercedes Benz of America determined what needed to be changed being that there were Speed Sensor codes. One woulf\d think tht this would be a similiar problem.

The car never sags, even letting is sit for days at a time. But the rear bumps quite a bit. VERY ODD indeed.

Thank you for your help though.

Frank

 

Not sure why it is not there, seems kinda strange. But the dealer does not know what the problem is, all dealers do the same thing when they are not sure, tell you it needs flushing.

 

So, My Mercedes Saga continues. Got off the phone now with Mercedes. They say that there are NO CODES except for low pump pressure. They said that there is no need to change the filters and fluid since the see that a rear strut was recently done and the filter (in the resevoir) was changed at that time.

I asked what happened since they said originally lateral acceleration sensor. They said there was NO code for that and that the system was going into LIMP MODE.

Tell me if I am wrong here. If it was a pump problem, wouldn't it be constant ? If you press the switch inside, the car raises. It never sags.

I really don't think they know what to change. MERCEDES. Can you imagine ??

ERIC, you mentioned something about an accumulator. Is there one for the rear and one for the front ?? Or just one for the system ?? ERIC, you mentioned that in one of your previous posts. WHERE is that located ??

Thanks to anyone that might be able to help. I have no problem putting in a pump, but I really don't think that is the issue.

How about a pressure switch ? Perhaps the pressure switch is going bad ?? Kind of like an oil pressure switch on an old Chevy. All of a sudden, the light is flickering......

Frank

 

Yes it has one front and one rear, but a general low pressure problem points to the pump and these pumps are known to be a problem area.

 

ERIC:

Thank you for supplying some additional pictures and your thoughts. I NEVER realized it before but there is a slight GROAN to the power steering and it does labor a slight bit when idling and you move the steering wheel. I realize that this is a tandem pump.

I wish that I knew for sure that going through the trouble of changing the pump would satisy the problem. Hard to believe but MERCEDES can't even give a definative answer. To me, tht is a damn shame.

I'm going to have to look at this a bit more. Originally they were telling me sensors, now they are saying PUMP. And a few days ago, they were saying to flush it.

If they told me a definate X, Y or even Z, it wouldn't be such an issue.


THANK YOU !!!!

Frank

 

Groaning is gone

So I put in the replacement pump. Groaning is gone. But never was able to get rid of the ABC light. Stays lit, goes red on a bump.

Got ride of low pressure code.

Still got C1525 - 032 (Piston Stroke sensor calibration failed)

C1526 -064 (Load Calibration failed)

Changed the pump and filter, flushed the lines.

Read the codes and reset system. Both codes show up as "Current and stored) using "Launch" reader.

I'm stumped. I brought this car back to Mercedes. I'll have to see what they say this time.

I'm just about done with this car. It is GREAT when it runs correctly, but worse than a baby when screwed up. Perhaps I'll just go back to a Japanese car. NON-terpermental.

Thanks for letting me VENT !!!

Frank

 

So I put in the replacement pump. Groaning is gone. But never was able to get rid of the ABC light. Stays lit, goes red on a bump.

Got ride of low pressure code.

Still got C1525 - 032 (Piston Stroke sensor calibration failed)

C1526 -064 (Load Calibration failed)

Changed the pump and filter, flushed the lines.

Read the codes and reset system. Both codes show up as "Current and stored) using "Launch" reader.

I'm stumped. I brought this car back to Mercedes. I'll have to see what they say this time.

I'm just about done with this car. It is GREAT when it runs correctly, but worse than a baby when screwed up. Perhaps I'll just go back to a Japanese car. NON-terpermental.

Thanks for letting me VENT !!!

Frank

Both of your problem codes can be cleared by running the appropriate tests on SDS, Launch will not do this.

 

Codes and codes.

Thank you for that information. That is actually some of the best news I have heard thus far. I'll see what new nonsense that Mercedes says on Monday morning.

Not very encouraged by anything that they have told me thus far.

The must have having either the salesperson or the lotboy doing these diagnostics and repairs.

I'll post when there is more news to post.

Thank you

Frank

 

Thank you for that information. That is actually some of the best news I have heard thus far. I'll see what new nonsense that Mercedes says on Monday morning.

Not very encouraged by anything that they have told me thus far.

The must have having either the salesperson or the lotboy doing these diagnostics and repairs.

I'll post when there is more news to post.

Thank you

Frank

Your control unit (ABC) is missing the calibration data, two very simple calibration tests with SDS and the information will be restored, make sure you talk to a tech and not the car park attendant and most SA's do not really understand this level of tech.

 

Eric:

You know, one thing I think is insane? If the system is getting all this input from various sensors, wouldn't it make sense that it would make an attempt at self clearing codes if the fault is no longer there?

Whomever designed the system must have thought that it was foolproof. But I imagine that at the time, it was virtually State of the Art.

When this car is working correctly, it is amazing. But last time it was the issues with the Conductor Plate in the transmission and having to deal with Mercedes and all the bullshit. This time it's the ABC. Time will tell.

Thanks again.

Frank

 

Eric:

You know, one thing I think is insane? If the system is getting all this input from various sensors, wouldn't it make sense that it would make an attempt at self clearing codes if the fault is no longer there?

Whomever designed the system must have thought that it was foolproof. But I imagine that at the time, it was virtually State of the Art.

When this car is working correctly, it is amazing. But last time it was the issues with the Conductor Plate in the transmission and having to deal with Mercedes and all the bullshit. This time it's the ABC. Time will tell.

Thanks again.

Frank

It was foolproof on an F1 car that may do 40 laps and then be rebuilt from the ground up, but not so much for a road car, that can go on to do 100k plus. It is not complex enough nor robust enough for road cars.

 

I remember when Lincoln had their Air Ride Suspension. Very problematic. Someone was smart enough to figure out a way to change all the struts and make the light go out. In a way, that would be the best thing here also.

As you said VERY buggy system as far as I am concerned.

Frank

 

Frank & Eric, I've been following your discussion for a couple weeks and I finally decided to join today.

I have a simple question that may not have a simple answer. How many miles does a 2003-2005 R230 usually accumulate before the ABC begins to fail?

I realize that factors such as driving habits, maintenance, weather conditions, and if the car was built on a Monday or a Friday might all come into play. I also realize that age could be playing a bigger role than mileage for Frank at this point.

Someone posted that if the ABC system is properly maintained every 25,000 miles or so, it should be fine. Was that you, Eric?

In a little over 700 days I will turn 50. At some point between now and then I intend to take a silver R230 as my mistress. I am entitled. I'm having a hard time justifying more than $30k for it but I certainly don't want to buy into a money pit. The wisest thing I've read here is that there's nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes.

Cheers.

 

I've owned my 2004 for about a year and a half. It's in the low 80's for miles.

I think that if I was going to do this over again, knowing what I know now, I would have opted for a 2008 with lower miles. I believe 2008 and newer has an updated ABS with less components.

In the alternative, I would purchase the car froma Mercedes dealer and ABSOLUTELY purchase the extebded warranty. The car does seem to be tempermental. I reminds me of the XJ6 Jaguars. I'm fortunate that I know an awful lot of people in the car business, but with this car, you are FORCED to go back to the dealer. My two problems have forced me to go to the dealer. My interpretation is that most dealers like to change parts. They are not people that seem to be good at diagnosing ANYTHING.

So for the transmission issue, be preparred to go for $ 1300 - $ 1800 for the conductor plate in the transmission with the labor.

As far as suspension goes, the power steering tandem pump is approx $ 1600 for the part plus 4 to 5 hours to put in.

A FLUSH is anywhere from $ 650 - 895.

A strut is approximately $1400 each plus installion.

All parts were listed at new prices, but they can be gotten as reman from outside sources.

When my car runs properly, it is a PLEASURE to drive When it screws up? You'll curse and scream an wish you were driving a Lexus LS430 or something like that.

Just my opinion, since it seems like you were asking for it.

I'm 53 so I got that same Midlife crisiis thing going on.


Frank

 

I have also found that there is NO rhyme or reason as to MEAN TIME to FAILURE.

The transmissions I have read are either great, or the other end of problematic with regards to the conductor playe. From what I see, it was a shit design.

As far as the suspension goes..... I'll see what happens at Mercedes tomorrow. Eric had said that the system needs to be calibrated. I certainly hope he is right.

I'm getting very tired of all this crap.

Frank

 

I AM asking for your opinion, so don't hold back.

It sounds like you opted for about the same thing I'm looking for. 50,000 - 75,000 miles. I'm near Memphis and we supposedly have a good independent shop I'm counting on. My wife has a 2000 z3 and we HATE the BMW dealer. MB of Memphis has an equally bad rep.

BTW, It's highly unlikely I would ever wish for a Lexus. I was an Acura/Honda guy and would never betray that. I swore I would never shell out the money for a Mercedes, but Ma & Pa are on their second S-Class. The W220 has 109,000 miles, the W140 had 130,000 on it. Neither car ever felt old or worn down.

Thx for the quick reply, and I wish you the best of luck.

 

From my understanding, many people here on Long Island use the "Launch" software. From what Eric tells me, the Launch software doesn't do all the things that are needed to be done. I would THINK that there are guys using something other than Launch, but then I need to "interview" mechanics to work on my car? They would think I am NUTS. And rightfully so.


On Tuesday, the local dealer is supposed to give me an update as to what the progress is. I have had other Mercedes in the past that had given me extremely good service. Everything on this is way too complicated from what I see.

I'm going to go with my original theory about the warranty though. I know that the warranty would be a high dollar item, but the flip side would be that all this crap should be covered.

Plus, the conductor plate in the transmission probably should have been a recall on.

AND, my understanding was that there were some TSB's issued for some component of the ABC suspension.

I must admit that I have been putting pieces of the jigsaw puzzle together for approximately 18 months. Just when you really think you have a handle on things, here comes another curve in the road.

I LOVE the car. I HATE this utter bullshit.

Oh. One other thing to keep in mind is the Michelin tires are VERY expensive. I just replaced the two rear. Local place wanted $ 780.00 for the two rear tires, out the door.

Through friends and getting the DEAL OF DEALS, I paid $ 650.00. I think they are 285/35 18 Michelin. Nothing is cheap on this car, that's for sure.

Frank

 

Thx again, Frank. I have considered all of the extra costs, but considering I drive less than 10,000 miles a year, I think they will be contained. This car would get less than 500 miles a month.

When I started this search I wanted a v12. Talked myself out of that in a hurry. I know I could get a Z4 or SLK in newer condition for less money and fewer headaches, but there's just something special about an SL and there always has been for me, going back over 40 years. The R230/231 are the ultimate. I would even consider coilovers, I love it that much.

 

I agree with you regarding the R230. Perhaps I have just been unfortunate that I have a bit of a bad taste in my mouth from these two bullshit problems.

I haven't heard from my friends at Mercedes yet. They do leave me scratching my head.

Frank

 

The myth of Mercedes design and engineering quality is just that. A myth. I have a 2004 SL55 and have been privileged to have had recurring ABC issues/failures. The dealer expects you to "bend over and take it like a man." Mercedes takes no ownership of this widespread problem and will stand by nothing once the OEM factory warranty expires. Their answer is flushes and filters which do nothjing other than increase the dealership bottom line. The issues are usually valve bodies, struts or pump all of which are very costly. Do yourself a favor and find a good independent shop to make the inevitable pain less expensive. While your at it have them check the valve cover gaskets which usually leak. Another brillant design well executed. One good thing about MB, they make GM look good.

 

Very well said;Dr Mark. I've had a valid drivers license for 50 years and am on my 9th mercedes.To date,the ONLY car that has ever left me stranded by the side of the road was a Mercedes SL500! I keep a ford and a toyota for backup at each home.

 

Chaps there are arguments to both sides of the ABC system. I take care of 48 specialist workshops here in China and I see a 50/50 between yea sayers and nay sayers. There is no telling which car will be hit with problems but what I have found is that one problem will lead to another if the repair, in the first instance, is not competently completed.

The system does need good servicing at a sensible level, ie every 25K a complete inspection and fluid/filter change. But Mercedes in their wisdom are a little slow at coming up with a sensible service interval for the ABC system.

If you follow WIS and the dealers do, then for any problem it tells you to do a system flush and filter change according to the appropriate WIS section, but this NEVER works and further repairs are required.

As owners you all know the problems associated with ABC and therefore should not wait for the dealers to come up with a sensible service interval, set that for yourselves and save $$$$$ in the long run.

 

FWIW my SL55 has only 40,000 miles and I have done preventative flush and filter but this did little to prevent the inevitable failure. I have been a long time Ferrari owner so big repair bills are not new. I guess I suspected better from a German car. Another myth debunked. There have also been a variety of other issues e.g. A/C compressor, rear main seal, valve cover leaks, the transmission O ring leak, battery gizmo in the trunk fried itself, gear selector bushing failure. Given more time and miles, I am sure my list will expand. All this inspite of religious maintenance.

 

I hate to be negative but what you have listed is rather small fry compared to some cars I have dealt with, in particular I am angry at the number of problematic 722.9 transmissions many still in warranty and this is an ongoing problem.

 

So, today is one full calander week that Mercedes has my car. Spoke to them Monday afternoon and they said they were going to look at it that evening or Tuesday Morning. Well, today is Thursday afternoon and they haven't even called.

They know that they have you by the short hairs. Just amazing.

Frank

 

OK. So I happen to be experiencing the same symptoms. Just changed the Alternator and both ABC valves about two months ago. No leaks. No height drops. Nothing. But now, when I hit a bump, I get intermittent red warnings on the dash "ABC. Drive Carefully". It seems to select the type of bump because it comes up when it wants. Sometimes on a huge bump and sometimes on the TINIEST bump. It seems to occur mostly when the car is in mid air. It is ridiculous. I can't recreate the effect when I want. It just flashes when you think it has gone away.

I have rodeod the snort out of the ABC. Changed the ABC filter. But no fix. However, I have traced low pressure to the Plunger Travel Sensor in the front right (passenger) strut. My research shows this sensor is part of the entire strut and thus the strut needs to be replaced. Is anyone familiar with this sensor? Is there a factory part number? The only number I can find is B22/5 and that seems to be the electrical connector to the sensor.

 

EGWU,at this point,you might try cleaning all your electrical connections with canned electronic cleaner from any electronic shop,and check connections for tension. This solved my problem,after losing what religion I had,after 2 months of searching. Evidently one connector was losing the circuit at times.

 

So Mercedes did get back to me today, having left a message for them yesterday and then one today. They have the shop foreman looking at the car.

Apparently, they can NOT get the codes to clear in the computer and they are baffled. Now I totally understand that things don't go as planned many times, BUT, this is truly amazing.

In a way, almost sounds CRAZY.


To the guy in Washington DC, that is EXACTLY what my car was doing before Mercedes said to change the pump because it had "low pump pressure."

Oh well. They say the patient is resting "comfortably" in the shop.

We shall see what happns come Monday. At this point I feel like, "Dear Diary:"

Frank

 

If they have done the calibration tests and the fault codes will not clear then I feel this is going to turn into one of the horrible nightmare stories.

 

I wouldn't have it any other way. It's my usual luck.