ABC problem. Please help!!

[John in Norcal]

Hello everyone,
Last night on my way home the 'ABC Please Drive Carefully' warning came on in my 2001 CL55. I parked the car in the garage and didn't deal with it since it was rather late. This morning I checked underneath the car and there was a huge puddle of hydrolic fluid on the garage floor. I popped the hood and checked the ABC fluid resevoir and indeed there was not a drop of fluid left in there.

Does this seem like my ABC pump has gone bad or is it a bad leak of some kind? What is the estimated cost of repair for what I'm experiencing? Is it safe to drive my car without any ABC fluid to the dealer for repair? Your feedback would be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your help!!

ps. A week ago after the car had been sitting for a couple of weeks the right rear of the car suddenly dropped real low. I started the car and used the button on the dash to raise the car and all seemed normal. Not sure if that symptom is related to the problem I'm experiencing now.

[Leons MB CL 500]

Hey, my car is currently in the shop for the same exact problem. I picked up my car from the dealerfor getting serviced, drove it for 3 hours, then a cloud of smoke just came out of the hood when i came to a stop light. The next morning, my whole car was sitting so low. What supposedly happened was there was a clog in the hydrolic pump, and to replace the hose, fuel line and the pump it self runs about $1600 w/labor from the Mercedes benz dealer. When i get a chance i will post the pics so you can see how low the car is sitting. - If anymore questions feel free to reply.

[manymercsmike]

I haven't experienced this yet - hopefully won't - sounds like a "stealership ownly" problem.

Could you drive the car without the ABC - it is after all only a suspension aid?

When I've turned the button off, the car is noticeably steeper in corners, i.e. rolls over more. When I first had the car I never used it, which is why now I notice the difference.

Recently I had a flat on the left rear, which definitely caused a handling difference when I fitted the "lightweight" spare. Lightweight my arse. It weighs a tonne. However fitted OK. The handling difference was notable both with and without ABC.

Either way it feels more complicated than a simple fix. Sorry to be the maybe bearer of dealer news.

[GCalo]

The exact same thing happened to me as well as other problems.

Was part of the $6K of warranty items M-B did in 2006 alone, and the car has been in for a week with more problems!

Fabulous car but plagued with far too many problems.

End of the line for me with M-B after many years and many models.

Have an 06 530i BMW that has been fantastic and my 360 Ferrai has no probs.

M-B had best change its ways or all they'll have is the Smart car! What a name for an M-B creation, eh?

[John in Norcal]

Dropped off my car at the MBZ dealer. Service advisor says repairs could be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $3-4K depending on what they find. I should have an estimate by Monday. Will let you guys know what they find.

[Jud Chapin]

Originally Posted by John in Norcal

Dropped off my car at the MBZ dealer. Service advisor says repairs could be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to $3-4K depending on what they find. I should have an estimate by Monday. Will let you guys know what they find.

Hope you have a warranty and keep us posted for sure.

[marnell]

Question, when you are driving on bumpy roads does you car tend to wobble at the rear?

Thanks Mike

[chutia]

NOt knocking this car, but these issues are just more reasons for my trepidation (ref my thread posted under "brake, other problems...") in buying this otherwise fabulous car which I intend to use as a daily driver. Can it be used as that or do I use my Lexus every day and take this one "out on Sunday drives?"

[high roller]

isn't ther any aftermarket suspension kit for cl?

[Supercharged SEC]

No.