CL55 reliability issue - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

CWW · #15 05-05-2009, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ILUVMILS

In my experience, the two most common problems with the Air-Matic system are failed compressors, and leaky front struts. The struts can be repaired inexpensively ($300-400?), but the compressor will set you back about $1500? In many cases, the leaky struts cause the compressor to work overtime to meet the air demand, resulting in premature compressor failure, so having the struts inspected for leaks can save S-Class owners a costly headache. The inspection only takes a few minutes under the hood, but you've got to know what to look for. Sorry, but I'm not sure of the exact cost, since I let the Service Advisors work up the estimates. My job is to make sure the car is fixed correctly. I hope you find this information helpful.

Well that's a heck of a lot better than the potential problems you have with the ABC/ADS hydraulic setups:

-4 Nitrogen spheres at $100+/apiece
-4 Independently adjusted computer-controlled dampers at $400/apiece
-1 Computer-controlled Main Valve Block at $3k+
-1 Tandem hydraulic pump at $1500
-Scads of high-pressure hydraulic lines which will eventually spring leaks
-4 separate hydraulic struts at $700/apiece
-2 pitch sensors, and 2 yaw sensors, at $100+/apiece
-2 ride-height sensor/control units, at $1300+/apiece

And I'm not even including any of the computers or wiring, because those rarely fail. But all of the stuff I listed does fail at least somewhat regularly, with the most common failures being the hydraulic pump, the ride-height controllers, the nitrogen spheres, and the high-pressure lines.

Like I said before, I've dropped a good $3k+ on my ADSII system in a car that was only built in 2001 and has 35k miles on it. It's a complete disaster. And the worst part is, a lot of independent shops either can't or won't work on it, because the silly thing isn't self-bleeding and requires a complicated manual bleeding dependent on a "Suspension Rodeo" function that can only be accessed via an SDS system, which most indys don't have. I'm really praying this thing will finally give me some useful service life after these latest repairs, but if I had it to do over I wouldn't touch an MB hydraulic suspension again with YOUR 10-foot pole.