W220 S55k - Hydraulic fluid overflowing ABC dipstick after journey

[lordgaz]

Hi All - When I stopped the car at home the other night, I remained in the car whilst reading my phone and after a short while I noticed smoke coming from under the bonnet. the cause transpired to be the rubber topped dipstick pushed off the ABC fluid reservoir, and pentosin fluid sprayed on to the under side of the bonnet, and leaking onto the engine (hence the smoke) - Next day I checked for faults with car engine off - Nothing showing. I filled the reservoir correctly and ran Star test (Xentry or DAS - I am not sure as I have only just aquired the C4 and toughbook) - No faults. I think I managed to perform a rodeo test though I am unsure if it completed. Switched off car and waited for a few minutes - No ABC fluid overflow.. But again today I open the bonnet and find the ABC fluid has overflowed again and is reading higher then the top notch. Is this accumulator related? (can they be checked with Star?) - Is there anything I can be doing with my Merc diagnostics which could help me narrow down the problem?
Many thanks in advance.

 

[lordgaz]

PS - I have read the amazing ABC sticky at the top of the forum - But now need advice

 

[Richard Moakes]

Very probable that one of your ABC accumulators has failed, which causes the initial overflow due to releasing gas into the lines, adding more fluid can then cause it to overflow again.

 

[ajlsl600]

I think. That's accumulator related it's prob leaking internally and been topped up when off the excess fluid bleeds back and overflows at tank and or dislodged the rubber bung /level indicator
See wot others think first.

 

[lordgaz]

Very probable that one of your ABC accumulators has failed, which causes the initial overflow due to releasing gas into the lines, adding more fluid can then cause it to overflow again.

Does Star have a way of checking accumulators? (I’m not losing height overnight, but if I sit with engine running/idling for a long time, say 10-15 minutes, I feel like the car drops a cm or so suddenly - whether that is one corner or all, I’m not sure) -


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[Richard Moakes]

I have never done this, but copied from another forum

Star Diagnosis test is the only way I know of to positively pinpoint a failed accumulator. From the main ABC menu you follow this path and the instructions: Troubleshooting by means of complaints or symptoms > Handling characteristics > Vehicle damping too soft or spongy handling characteristics > Pressure change during pressure release.

 

[ajlsl600]

When car off shud only drop if electro valves or seal blocks are leaking, bypassing in ur application I believe accumulators are acting as dampers for the hydraulic system when shot they can take on system fluid. I never needed to do it but the rodeo function will likely find system issues I do remember spending a happy few hrs trying to "lock" in my corner heights.
I moved Vdoz on a few yrs ago now and memory on subject ain't great, lots of write ups on here ref abc system, will stop u gettin bored for reading material.

 

[lordgaz]

[mention]alexanderfoti [/mention] - sorry to bother you, but I remember you gave advice to me on ABC matters before I bought the car. Pretty sure you’re an expert - do you know of a good source for the accumulators needed for an S-Class?


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[Richard Moakes]

Worth a read https://www.abcspecialist.nl/uploads/documents/active_body_control_uk_2019_watermark.pdf

 

[SL63 Mark]

[mention]alexanderfoti [/mention] - sorry to bother you, but I remember you gave advice to me on ABC matters before I bought the car. Pretty sure you’re an expert - do you know of a good source for the accumulators needed for an S-Class?


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Have you tried Mercedes ? I had a failed ABC pulsation damper on my R231 recently, the part was only £130 IIRC. MB are often the only source of these obscure suspension parts, if it is not available from them you will need to go down the eBay route, I suspect.

I would get it diagnosed first, before commencing "parts darts", as that can get expensive. You need a Mercedes Independent specialist with the STAR diagnostic tool. Alex may be able to advise, although he is quite a long way from you. @alexanderfoti

 

[lordgaz]

Have you tried Mercedes ? I had a failed ABC pulsation damper on my R231 recently, the part was only £130 IIRC. MB are often the only source of these obscure suspension parts, if it is not available from them you will need to go down the eBay route, I suspect.

I would get it diagnosed first, before commencing "parts darts", as that can get expensive.

Yes, I’ve often found this with parts! Thank you


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[lordgaz]

Have you tried Mercedes ? I had a failed ABC pulsation damper on my R231 recently, the part was only £130 IIRC. MB are often the only source of these obscure suspension parts, if it is not available from them you will need to go down the eBay route, I suspect.

I would get it diagnosed first, before commencing "parts darts", as that can get expensive. You need a Mercedes Independent specialist with the STAR diagnostic tool. Alex may be able to advise, although he is quite a long way from you. @alexanderfoti

I’ve recently acquired a C4 Doip + Toughbook.. preliminary tests did not show errors, though I may be misusing it…


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