My S430 with ABC has a problem. It's sitting low on the front passenger wheel well. I have done several searches and most were informative. I need to see if I can get away with doing some DIY techniques anyone could share.
1. Some topics talked about the ABC and the PSteering sharing the same reservoir for fluid. Is this accurate? if not, where is the ABC hydraulic reservoir located?
2. I don't have visible leaks in the driveway, when I start the car the right strut does rise, but not to the level that the rest do. I tried to raise the car with the button in the console, I got the "Vehicle rising" "ABC" display on the dash, but it just stays at that display since the car does not rise more. There are no messages either.
3. My Lehman Brothers shares are worthless.
Other than that, I'm doing great!
Tex
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TexasML
06 CLS500 Black in Black
01 S430 Black in Camel <-Work Car
05 Lincoln Navigator Charcoal Black <-Mami's Car
Previous Benz Vehicles:
99 ML430
00 S430
02 CLK320
I guess that after reading some more, I noticed that I have little bitty clear plastic hoses with a brass fitting on top of the strut covers visible by opening the hood. So this means I have Airmatic instead, no? I can't find the ABC reservoir nowhere.
Why does the annunciation warning display say ABC Car too low though? What do I have then?
The ABC reservoir is on the right side of the car with hood open facing engine. It is the second resevoir. The first one is for the power steering. I believe they share the same shaft, not the same reservoir. Check the fluid, and if you are low be sure you use the proper fluid to fill it. Get it from the dealer. I had my ABC flushed and it eliminated problems I was having. I would recommend having it flushed at the dealer. If you have a reliable dealer and service writer, ask him about the various functions of the ABC. I don't think you would get an ABC warning if your did not have ABC. Do you have an ABC switch on the dash? You should have two switches. One for raising the car. There are two settings on this switch. The other is the ABC switch. When you click this one the display will tell you the ABC is active.
Good luck.
Another CrapMatic Failure on an 00 Chrysler S430?? No.........what a shocker!!
This would be a very good time to get rid of it.
Such the compassionate one....I imagine you were the fat kid with twinky breath in school who got picked on....Found out that you could one day get your revenge by buying an ancient sled Benz and making fun of guys with newer ones who's poor souls have to encounter drenching problems due to driving an otherwise wonderful car they can't help but want.
You must love the exhileration of the gas pedal of the 300SE, I know I did when I drove one for the first time last week
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2006 M-B, E350 AMG Sport:
Pewter/Black, AMG Sport Package, Premium & Entertainment Packages, Driving Dynamic Front Seats w/ Massage, All Rear & Electronic Sun Shades, Smoked Rear Lights, Blacked Out Side Markers, Full Limo Tints....
SOLD: 2002 M-B, S500
Brilliant Silver/Black, Distronic, Parktronic, ABC Suspension, 18" AMG's, Comfort Front Seats w/ Heat/AC/Massage/Vents, Rear Seat Package w/ Heat/AC/Adjust, All Rear Sun Shades, Smoked Headlights, Blacked Out Side Markers, Full Limo Tints
I agree, that flushing the system - with fresh oil of course - new filter and the "rodeo" ride should be your first step.I too would recommend to have this done at the authorized dealer. A leaking valve will lower your car - but after having the engine running for a while it usually rises to the proper setting ..(that's what is happening in my case - 2001 CL500)
I'm not going to sell this car because of the "crapmatic" or however powerseller says it, I drive this car because is a very good vehicle, thus, you have to keep it top notch and spend a little bit of money sometimes. My S has 104K miles, things need replacement, and that's in any car there is. I once had a LS400 that had an airbag problem too, same price than this S class airmatic strut.
Hondas and Toyotas are very good vehicles too. But I don't subscribe to Consumer Report type magazines, I drive these cars because I made my own assesment on them, they've been reliable in my point of view, I happen to feel very safe, and most important, they assist me on doing business.
It turned out it was the strut. I took it to my independent shop and they have replaced it with a new one, total cost of parts and labor $1380. No different than the competition cars.
Excuse me here gentlemen, but the S430 uses airmatic suspension. ABC (active body control) is only fitted to the S600. so with this thread im to say the least.
ABC Problem before I call a flat bed Tow truck 
to say the least.
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