Recall for ABC problem means free fix or no?

[Vector]

Hello everyone. Since I am in the market for a 2003 CL 55, I did some research on this "ABC" problem that seems common with not just the CL series but almost every MB car, and found a recall link:

http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2003/...lls/index.html

I always thought that if a recall is issued that the fix should be free, but then saw more than enough people actually pay a few thousand dollars to fix them, mostly again and again and again. So my questions are:

1) Does this ABC problem affect most MB cars? Are the CL series more affected, and if yes what year models? I was told that the late 2002 CL series were actually delayed due to this problem, does that mean 2003 and later models are not as affected as the older models?

2) Why pay when it should be free? Can it be that people paid before the recall was issued?

3) Should I reconsider buying a 2003 CL 55? Due to the insane gas prices I will not be having two cars and thus need a daily driver, and might consider a 2003 BMW M5 instead, which I heard was praised by everyone with phenomenal reliability. The only thing I don't like about it is that it's a sedan, and I really want a coupe unless I have enough people telling me that it is in fact a MUCH more reliable car (and so far a pretty good amount of people are admitting that the M5 is actually MUCH more reliable than a CL 55).

4) Are there other common problems with the CL series that are insanely expensive to fix, just like the ABC problem (but don't have a recall issued yet)?

I would really appreciate some help from fellow MB owners, thanks in advance for your time.

[Supercharged SEC]

There was a recall on one hose. The problem is that the whole system and every hose is prone to failure. Once a hose goes, the system will self destruct a pump and or contaminate the whole system. Make sure you get a good warranty that specifically covers the ABC system. Your best bet is to get a MBUSA certified vehicle with the maximum extended warranty.

If you can't get a warranty and all of the hoses and ABC system not been recently replaced, I'd run away from the CL or SL. If you are going with the CL or SL, I'd recommend going with the 600 or 65. Both are very easy to mod to supercar like acceleration with just an ECU tune.

[thouse0313]

I have an '03 cl600 with less than 50k miles. I just had my first ABC problem. A worn out "banjo" bolt. It caused the system to be almost completely drained of hydrauic fluid. It was caught in time to prevent any damage to the ABC pump. The fix included a new bolt ($85 per bolt) three new seals, several quartz of hydraulic fluid and a flushing of the AC system. In total with labor it was a $1600 repair that took 4 business days to fix. I do have a good warranty that paid for all but about $200. Had the pump failed as well, it would have been far more expensive. I am anticipating a pump failure at some point.

The other issue with the pump is that it is a "tandum" pump will dual responsibilities. It regulates both the ABC and the power steering. Therefore, either issue can cause a failure with either system. It is my personal belief that the ABC system is "over" engenieered in this car. I cannot speak to whether other MB are any more or less prone to ABC problems because I have never owned a different model.

That said, I do not regret this purchase and love this car. I drive it as a daily driver but I understand why some do not recommend doing so. It is not a matter of "if" you have ABC problems it is a matter of "when." Without a warranty it would be an oppressive defect. With a warranty and the abiliy to get around should you need to take your cl to the shop, it's not so bad.