SL500 (w230) SUSPENSION PROBLEM

[dals100]

Ok ive recently bought an SL500 2003 model and put a nice set of 20" brabus wheels but the car was far too high up.
I invested in lowering links which are easily changed and can lower the car to your desired height

Now the car has a button with 3 settings
1) lowest low height
2) medium ride height
3) highest ride height

I have been driving on no2 as it was enough clearance from the wheel to the arch.

Ive had no problems changing to the adjustbale links over the past 2 months but the other day my car would not raise from the rear and the 'ABC' warning came on the dash ' ABC please visit workshop'

I have put it on a diagnostics machine and two code errors which have come are P2003 and P0410 not sure if these have any concerns to why the rear does not lift and only the front.

Now when I start the car , the car drops down to its lowest setting and I would normally press the button once to put it to no2 the medium ride height and the car would lift front and back now only the front lifts.

Once i switch the car off nothing happens only drops once started, also once the ABC warning appears again (once you drive over 20mph) the entire car lifts up to its maximum height so weird!

So im not sure what it could be either a dodgey switch in the car? or a leak? or loss of pressure?

The system may need bleeding but any suggestions guys?

 

[mercedescl500]

Probably pointing out the obvious here, but a regular generic diagnostic scanner will not access the ABC Suspension system. You need a STAR, DAS or Xentry (1 or 2 others out there) to diagnose the problem. Hope this is of some help.

 

[BTB 500]

As an aside, I bet you could have had the car lowered via STAR (rather than needing lowering links). I know the ride height can be set on an ADS-equipped R129.

 

[dals100]

Cheers mate any one know of any one using a star machine im from harrow in london?

Also i think the issue may be a relay as the car has two relay's one for the front and one for the rear

But we shall see..

 

[jonclemett]

Hi Dals,
I look forward to the answers on this thread, my R129 Sl500 is suddenly sitting low at the back, fluid level seems fine as does my ADS light, car has had battery disconnected for a while and has suffered lack of use but I am flummoxed as to the cause

 

[BTB 500]

Hi Dals,
I look forward to the answers on this thread, my R129 Sl500 is suddenly sitting low at the back, fluid level seems fine as does my ADS light, car has had battery disconnected for a while and has suffered lack of use but I am flummoxed as to the cause

Your car is ADS I (rather than the ADS II in mine) - can you raise the suspension on that via a rocker switch on the dash? If so, run it through some raise/lower cycles with the engine running and see if it sits better after that.

 

[jonclemett]

Thanks BTB, I tried that but to no avail, I am hoping to get a pair of axles stands soon and lift the rear end up, I have read elsewhere that the control arm switch(es) can be moved manually.... will update when I know more!

 

[BTB 500]

Yes the ride height front/rear is controlled by a sensor, operated by an arm attached to the suspension. I guess it's possible this has come loose (mechanically or electrically) - certainly worth checking.

I lowered the front of my car a little this way (by adjusting the linkage to the sensor) as it always sat a bit higher than the rear.

 

[jonclemett]

Car still sitting low at the mo, and there it will remain now until after Christmas!. Happy Christmas too all club members who read this
JC