CL / S Class - ABC Question

[martyp87]

Hello all,

So my car has been sat on the drive for three months and until last weekend hadn't moved but it only made it 1/2 mile before breaking down requiring recovery.

My question is, does any special care need to be taken to the ABC suspension or is it happy to be left alone for long periods of time unused (ie. another 3 months).

Putting the car on axel stands is unfortunately out of the question so my only other thought is raising and lowering the suspension maybe once a month or can I just leave alone?

Thanks

 

[lexman8]

Really, the CL needs to be driven regularly. The ABC system is a very complex mix of mechanics, hydraulics and electronics and needs to be exercised otherwise some very hefty bills will ensue. Axle stands wouldn't help here.

If not used for long periods, the seals in the aircon system can fail. If the battery runs flat, apart from possible damage to the battery itself, it can cause issues with some of the car's ECUs.

If you cannot drive the car then certainly start it up regularly (in winter, when I don't use mine much, I try to run it once a week), get it up to temperature and run as many systems as possible. Raise and lower the car a few times as you said.

If you can, keep the battery topped up with a smart charger such as a Ctek which you can leave permanently connected.

 

[m2287]

Really, the CL needs to be driven regularly. The ABC system is a very complex mix of mechanics, hydraulics and electronics and needs to be exercised otherwise some very hefty bills will ensue. Axle stands wouldn't help here.

If not used for long periods, the seals in the aircon system can fail. If the battery runs flat, apart from possible damage to the battery itself, it can cause issues with some of the car's ECUs.

If you cannot drive the car then certainly start it up regularly (in winter, when I don't use mine much, I try to run it once a week), get it up to temperature and run as many systems as possible. Raise and lower the car a few times as you said.

If you can, keep the battery topped up with a smart charger such as a Ctek which you can leave permanently connected.

+1, I left mine sitting for afew months last winter, changed the ABC fluid before I put it back on the road but my AC compressor died shortly after!

 

[martyp87]

Ouch, but thanks for the heads up guys.

Driving isn't really an option and I've had to jump start it twice already, last time it died at a set of lights twice (just idling then everything shut down and won't even emit a light).

Assuming the new battery I fitting in August is dead (MB part), I fitted a smallish one in the mean time to keep the locks working and electronics alive but driving the car isn't an option, it will need to be trailered around as it is running lean and might die on me again - not taking changes with it until it has been tuned right.

My ABC fluid will need changed anyway as I have a new HE coming some point which will require the radiator to be relocated so the system will be drained and refilled (fluid is 1 1/2 yr old currently).

I hope a lot of it makes it through alright after sitting dormant for a while. Although sound like I may have another few hefty bills to add to the list next year, really starting to wish I hadn't bothered messing around with it now to be honest but I'm way past the point of no return.

 

[The _Don]

Hi mate it sounds like you haven't fitted your s/c yet then?

 

[martyp87]

No, the supercharger and ice tank etc, are all installed.

Only waiting on HE, 72mm TB and air intake system to be installed. Then have a new routing solution to do for the S/C pipes and fit a CM30 as a backup to the Ice Tank pump.