SL500 - ABC issue

[chalks]

Hello

I have unfortunately got an issue with the ABC on my SL500 (surprise surprise!).

Strangely, I'm getting no fluid loss at all, no oil patched on the floor and the suspension raises and lowers as it should. Just at random times the ABC visit workshop message comes up - no other warning lights etc.

I imagine the correct way to sort it would be via the diagnostic machine, but before I shell some money out does anyone have any idea what it may be?

Thanks

 

[lxi]

does it happen when you are on the move or when stopped?

 

[jaymanek]

Best to get it on the Star before guessing.

Has the main pump ever been changed?

 

[BlackC55]

+1 for the pump.

Its about £1300 fitted IIRC

 

[chalks]

does it happen when you are on the move or when stopped?

Not entirely sure - I'll double check.

Would it be the pump if the suspension still raised and lowered as it should?

 

[BlackC55]

Yes.

The pump wears and becomes in-efficient hence the sporadic warnings. The only way to know is to get it plugged in.

 

[lxi]

Not entirely sure - I'll double check.

Would it be the pump if the suspension still raised and lowered as it should?

If you are stopped at an unusual angle ie turning to go up up a ramp or one wheel on the kerb, but only that one wheel is "raised" on the elevated part the system can get confused as it thinks one corner has dropped.

Had that on my last one a couple of times

 

[chalks]

Thanks very much.

I take it Merc dealerships will be the only ones with the correct diagnostic software?

 

[AndyPCD]

A mercedes specialist like myself have the mercedes star diagnostic machine

What area are you in we might be able to recommend someone in your area

 

[chalks]

A mercedes specialist like myself have the mercedes star diagnostic machine

What area are you in we might be able to recommend someone in your area

Thanks, I'm in South Cheshire.

I imagine replacing the pump isn't the hardest job in the world? Looks like you can buy a pattern part for £4-500.

 

[lxi]

Thanks, I'm in South Cheshire.

I imagine replacing the pump isn't the hardest job in the world? Looks like you can buy a pattern part for £4-500.

Can be awkward - my last SL needed one - covered under Warranty Direct - one of the power steering hoses simply would not come off - they (MB Harrogate) tried soaking in WD, heat, it wouldn't budge - new hose was about £400 which is clearly a factory rip off but there are no alternatives!

 

[chalks]

Soooo... an update.

Parked the car and didn't use it for a couple of weeks, fluid level has dropped and there's fluid on the floor of the rear left of car. I'm thinking the rear left strut needs replacing - does the other side need replacing too.

What are my cost options - can it be done by a local garage with rebuilt parts for example or is it main dealer and brand new parts only?

Been reading that I mustn't let the fluid level get low - where's the best place to get fluid from?

Thanks

 

[Aitch55]

I'm sure someone can enlighten you as to where to look but I believe there are aluminium washers, used to seal the hose connection to a valve block, that are prone to corroding and allowing fluid to leak out of the system. It may be less disastrous i.e. expensive than you thought.

 

[BTB 500]

Struts are a common issue so if it's leaking at one corner that's likely to be what's wrong. AFAIK it's fine to change a single one, run a few searches as I think source of parts has been discussed before. I would personally get fluid at a dealer ... put the wrong sort in and you could damage seals etc. Just not worth the risk for saving a couple of quid, IMHO.

 

[DSB SL AMG]

If your in south Cheshire.....my local indie is MBtech in Warrington, excellent garage, they are ex MB roadrange dealer techs and have full MB STAR diagnostics....ask for Shane or Will they will sort you out!

Mercedes service and repair specialists warrington, cheshire

 

[chalks]

I'm sure someone can enlighten you as to where to look but I believe there are aluminium washers, used to seal the hose connection to a valve block, that are prone to corroding and allowing fluid to leak out of the system. It may be less disastrous i.e. expensive than you thought.

I was originally hoping that but from what I've read that would lead to a leak at near the front, this unfortunately is at the rear.

Struts are a common issue so if it's leaking at one corner that's likely to be what's wrong. AFAIK it's fine to change a single one, run a few searches as I think source of parts has been discussed before. I would personally get fluid at a dealer ... put the wrong sort in and you could damage seals etc. Just not worth the risk for saving a couple of quid, IMHO.

Thanks, looking now.

Plus /\ thanks for the recommendation, will ring them next week.

Cheers

 

[Gouki]

With a very helpful friend we managed to change the rear strut ourselves . The second hand part was £375. It can be done!

I was also presented a potential bill from Mercedes for £1200 & fitting, but though that bill didn't scare me I wanted to determine a solution if others went wrong.

From what I remember, a fair bit of the boot interior has to be removed. The exhaust has to be dropped slightly. Also where the strut has a push fit connector to accept the hydraulic fluid can be an absolute nightmare to release. Two different metals = corrosion. Plenty of penetrating oil, mole grips and patience is required.

 

[chalks]

With a very helpful friend we managed to change the rear strut ourselves . The second hand part was £375. It can be done!

I was also presented a potential bill from Mercedes for £1200 & fitting, but though that bill didn't scare me I wanted to determine a solution if others went wrong.

From what I remember, a fair bit of the boot interior has to be removed. The exhaust has to be dropped slightly. Also where the strut has a push fit connector to accept the hydraulic fluid can be an absolute nightmare to release. Two different metals = corrosion. Plenty of penetrating oil, mole grips and patience is required.

Excellent, that's what I like to hear.

Where did you get the second hand part, a breakers?