Active Body Control Warning Light

[amwebby]

Last night the Active Body Control: Drive Carefully! Warning light came on. As I pulled up to the lights I also noticed burning oil coming from underneath on the passengers side.

Upon referring to the handbook it said (as I had assumed) that this meant the ABC was inoperative and to drive carefully as a consequence and take it to the workshop.

It also said that, if there was oil loss, to turn the engine off immediately as consequential damage may result. Obviously by the time I had noticed this the oil loss was complete and, not having memorised this section of the manual, I drove the remaining 2 miles home, albeit carefully as the ABC was clearly not working.

What 'consequential damage' might there be and am I facing a huge bill?

 

[SG CL500]

Sounds like one of your pumps is leaking - i had the same, although wasn't sound as bad, mine just leaked very slowly.

I had no other damage caused - just replaced pump and refilled - worked fine. Suspect the oil was just burning off on your hot engine. Finger crossed...

 

[amwebby]

Thanks, that's what I suspect. Any idea of the cost of replacing the pump?

 

[SG CL500]

Not totally sure as the tab was picked up by the supplying garage but I think mine cost £1k to replace (that's parts and labour) - i will see if I have any of the docs at home and update later if radically different.

 

[amwebby]

Turns out mine wasn't as bad as yours, the pumps are fine, it was a split hose. Only £576. Sadly my warranty cover specifically excludes hoses, so it's all down to me.

 

[SG CL500]

Well good news and bad news i guess - how long have you had it? My dealer tried to wriggle out at first until one of the solicitors I know called him up and explained matters to him. Mind you, a hose is more 'wear and tear' than a pump so I guess I had a better arguement.

These things are not in the cheap category are they! £500 for a hose... Have you thought about getting and inde to do it instead?

 

[amwebby]

The hose is definitely a wear and tear item so I can understand its exclusion. The annoying factor is that the dealer I bought it from is independent but 250 miles away from me and I don't fancy either driving that distance in a car with a warning light and no oil in the pumps. the cost of transportation would also make it prohibitive. I have sourced a local nearer to me but time is the final buggration factor. Next time I'll be more prepared.

 

[C240Sport97]

buy the hose from MB and get an independent to fit it.

if you can make it to Maidstone, Steve will probably be able to fit at a fraction of the cost quoted by the MB dealer.

Recent thread on Steve:

http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=28619

 

[amwebby]

I'm in Essex so Maidstone is doable but a bit inconvenient. The real issue for me on this is that I had to go up to Leeds yesterday and won't be back until Thursday, when I need the car. So a win for Lancaster of Southend really.

Anyone know any good independent agents in the Southend-on-Sea area?

 

[Birdman]

MercAid Unit 3 Buckwins Square Basildon Essex SS13 1BJ Tel: 01268 591558 (Not independent)
http://www.merc-aid.com/index.asp

And in our forum there is this mention of TWO independents here:
http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=2756