This is how the hydraulic accumulator/reservoir works, with a diaphragm separating the pressurized gas from the ABC hydraulic fluid. The diaphragm can fail, resulting in loss of the gas.
Than your CL. They call them both ABC but they are TOTALLY different unless your SL 55 is Hydro-Electric which I would think it would be. I do know the S 500 and SL 500 ARE Airmatic for sure.
AFAIK, the SL500 (and SL55) has ABC and the S500 Airmatic.
Vehicle: 2006 CL 600, 2009 DB9,2011 CL600,and lots of collector cars from the late 50's to 80's
Posts: 150
Just as I might have thought
I kinda had a feeling only the 5 series of the SL and S had the Airmatics set up. All CL 500-600 (2000-2006) had the Hydro-electric until 07 when they went to the Airmatic on the 550 then only the 600 Series came with the Hydro-Electic
It's kind of ridiculous really, the SL has always been a Mercedes flagship of sorts, they shouldn't saddle it with this 'technology' which has proven itself better in theory than in practice.
So.... what's the difference between 'electro-hydraulic' and 'hydro-electric'?
I think the latter refers to power plants
Vehicle: 2006 CL 600, 2009 DB9,2011 CL600,and lots of collector cars from the late 50's to 80's
Posts: 150
Might be the same on this particular application
I'm picking up what your putting down. Your wording actually is more correct and you are right about Hydro-electric word meaning. I just used it incorrectly but for most, it would be understood what I meant, at least by most. On the S Class AIRMATIC it's great. It's a boulevard cruiser. I actually drove an S 550 before buying my 2011 CL 600 and the pitch and yaw was terrible. I was bouncing the passenger all over the place and I couldn't stay in my seat. Way too much role and not enough control. The SL should have come standard with the same suspension as the CL. You would think MBZ would learn. The SL is a flagship car in my mind as well. I did notice the interior of the SL was so hard plastic, I might add. I hope the new generation takes care of that issue. I also noticed the S 550 had a wood upper dash and it didn't match the color of the MB tech material. I said NO THANK YOU!. Plus I'm not a fan of that cartoon flared front fenders. That is why I waited to buy the 2011 CL 600, the front fender change and the rear end change, made me finally take notice.
This is how the hydraulic accumulator/reservoir works, with a diaphragm separating the pressurized gas from the ABC hydraulic fluid. The diaphragm can fail, resulting in loss of the gas.
Keyhole. Thanks. That clears up how the accumulator works. But still trying to figure out why the Rear End on my CL500 is still loose and "Chimes" the warning. Thats a new accumulator in the rear ?? Could it be defective ?
Vehicle: 2006 CL 600, 2009 DB9,2011 CL600,and lots of collector cars from the late 50's to 80's
Posts: 150
You could have a leak, you could have a defective cell that was already replaced or you could have a defective cell/accumultor on the pump. You really should spend the 125.00 at the dealer to tell you what your issue really is. Take it back. If the part you had replaced is bad they will replace it. The car shouldnt have ANY bounce at all. It should be stiff as a board, front and rear
Your accumulator is loosing its nitrogen charge. If you can take your car and make it bounce then replace the accumulator. If the suspension is stiff, which I doubt it will be there is your answer. Go to the front and push. If the cars doesn't move the front accumulator is good, if you go to the rear of the car and it bounces then the rear accumulator is bad. The nitrogen leaks out and is replaced with the ABC fluid. Once all the nitrogen is one the car will ride like an old Cadillac and the light will stay on. Also check for leakage and check the fluid level. If there are no leaks and the fluid is low it has been replacing the nitrogen with the fluid and will eventually stay on and the car will become a marshmallow. They aren't but 185.00 per accumulator and 125.00 to do the Rodeo. I can almost promise you it is the one or both of the accumulators.
great tip, I tried on my CL and they rear is bouncing badly, could you help post the part # for the rear accumulator and where I can get it. Thanks
Vehicle: 2006 CL 600, 2009 DB9,2011 CL600,and lots of collector cars from the late 50's to 80's
Posts: 150
Most people don't even have a clue on these suspension cells
Most people don't even realize that their car isn't riding or handling the way it should. These cars should be like riding on rails and smooth as glass. You should be able to take a curve and it not even flinch at any speed and when you go over a bump the struts should not allow any vibration or bounce back in the car. If these cells get weak they cause the pump to over work and that is when you start having pump failures and ABC lights coming on
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