Illustration2003 SL500 MERCEDED SRS CONTROL UNIT MALFUNCTION AND FAILURE PREVENTING USE OF SAFTEY EQUIPMENT. *TR
2003 Mercedes Benz SL500
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all SL500 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
40–25K
1325–50K
2950–75K
1475–100K
6100–150K
1150K+
67 reports with mileage · 13 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Suspension. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
2 crash reports3 fire reports1 injury reports
What owners actually said
80 reportsI HAVE HAD ONGOING / CONTINUAL PROBLEMS WITH THE 2003 SL 500 MODEL 230 ABC (ACTIVE BODY CONTROL) SYSTEM. THE RESULTING ISSUES OCCUR AT RANDOM AND WITH LITTLE CONSISTENCY. THE RESULTING EFFECT CAUSES THE CAR TO DRIVE SOFT ON SOME OCCASIONS AND RIGID ON OTHERS. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AND REPORTED TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP…
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I HAVE HAD ONGOING / CONTINUAL PROBLEMS WITH THE 2003 SL 500 MODEL 230 ABC (ACTIVE BODY CONTROL) SYSTEM. THE RESULTING ISSUES OCCUR AT RANDOM AND WITH LITTLE CONSISTENCY. THE RESULTING EFFECT CAUSES THE CAR TO DRIVE SOFT ON SOME OCCASIONS AND RIGID ON OTHERS. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AND REPORTED TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES TO ATTEMPT TO REPAIR THE ISSUE. THUS FAR THERE SEEMS TO BE NO ONE WHO CAN PROPERLY AFFECT AND IMPROVE THE SITUATION. I CONTACTED MY LOCAL MB DEALERSHIP ON JUNE 27, 2011 INQUIRING REGARDING A RECALL REPORTED IN THE NHTSA RECALL SYSTEM. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THIS WAS NOT A RECALL HOWEVER THE RECALL 08V405000 SUGGESTS OTHERWISE. THE CONTINUAL PROBLEMS WITH THE ABC SYSTEMS MAKES ME WEARY OF MB ABILITY TO CORRECT SAFETY AND DRIVING ISSUES. WHILE THIS HAS NOT RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT OR DAMAGE MY FEAR IS IF MB NOR THE DEALERSHIP RECOGNIZES THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH ABC SYSTEMS, HOW MANY UNREPAIRED AND UNSAFE VEHICLES DO WE HAVE ON OUR STREETS? *TR
FUEL TANK BAFFLE FAILURE 2003 SL 500 MBZ. *TR
OUR 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500 BECAME STUCK IN PARK AND COULD NOT GET OUT OF PARK DESPITE A VARIETY OF RECOMMENDED ATTEMPTS (TURNING KEY TO ON BUT NOT STARTING AND PUMPING BRAKES, ETC.). IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED FOR ABOUT $1300. FROM RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET I SEE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM W…
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OUR 2003 MERCEDES-BENZ SL500 BECAME STUCK IN PARK AND COULD NOT GET OUT OF PARK DESPITE A VARIETY OF RECOMMENDED ATTEMPTS (TURNING KEY TO ON BUT NOT STARTING AND PUMPING BRAKES, ETC.). IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED FOR ABOUT $1300. FROM RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET I SEE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL CAR AND MAY BE DUE TO A SINGLE PLASTIC PART IN THE SHIFTER WHICH IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VEHICLE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (INTERLOCK?). APPARENTLY THE REPLACEMENT PART IS HEAVIER DUTY - MAY BE ALUMINUM NOT PLASTIC (?). NOT SURE WHY THE WHOLE SHIFTER NEEDS REPLACING VS. THE SINGLE PLASTIC PART. *TR
VEHICLE BEGAN HAVING MINOR LEAK OF PINK COLOR FLUID THAT AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP IDENTIFIED AS HYDRAULIC FLUID FOR ABC SUSPENSION SYSTEM. FROM A VISUAL INSPECTION, THE FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM ABC TANDEM PUMP. THE LEAK GOT WORSE BY THE WEEK AND THE VEHICLE WAS IMMEDIATELY PARKED AFTER A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF FLUID WAS BUILDING UP ON…
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VEHICLE BEGAN HAVING MINOR LEAK OF PINK COLOR FLUID THAT AN AUTO REPAIR SHOP IDENTIFIED AS HYDRAULIC FLUID FOR ABC SUSPENSION SYSTEM. FROM A VISUAL INSPECTION, THE FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM ABC TANDEM PUMP. THE LEAK GOT WORSE BY THE WEEK AND THE VEHICLE WAS IMMEDIATELY PARKED AFTER A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF FLUID WAS BUILDING UP ON THE DRIVEWAY. AFTER A WEEK, THERE WAS A LARGE PUDDLE OF FLUID UNDER THE ENGINE AND THE WHOLE LEFT SIDE OF VEHICLE BOTTOMED OUT AND LITERALLY SUNK OVER THE FRONT LEFT AND REAR LEFT TIRES. MERCEDES DEALERSHIP (WALNUT CREEK) SAID IT WAS LIKELY THE ABC PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE AND WOULD NOT FIX BECAUSE THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. MY MECHANIC FRIEND CONFIRMED THAT THE LEAK WAS COMING FROM THE ABC PUMP. AFTER THE PUMP WAS REPLACED, THE ABC VALVE BLOCKS FOR THE FRONT AND REAR BEGAN TO LEAK. WE FOUND THAT THERE WERE CLOGS IN THE FRONT AND REAR VALVES. GOING BACK TO MERCEDES, THE PARTS SPECIALISTS INFORMS US ABOUT THE UPDATED PARTS IN THE ABC SYSTEM THAT NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THEY ALSO INFORMED ME THAT THEY NORMALLY HAVE ALL THE UPDATED PARTS STOCKED AND ON-HAND. I ENDED UP REPLACING EVERY PART IN THE ABC SYSTEM SINCE IT WAS EVIDENT THAT CONTAMINATION EXISTED WITH THE CLOGGED VALVES. THIS INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING PART NUMBERS: 220-320-12-58 $2499.00; 220-320-0858 $750; POWER STEERING TANDEM ABC PUMP $1015; HYDRAULIC FLUID $450, FILTERS $40, OIL LINES $300, LABOR $800. TOTAL IS ROUGHLY $5000. THE PARTS SPECIALIST WAS RIGHT ABOUT THE PROBLEMS OF THE ABC SYSTEM FOR MY VEHICLE. I RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT MANY PEOPLE WITH THE SAME VEHICLE HAVE DEALT WITH THE PROBLEM THAT I CURRENTLY HAVE. I DON'T THINK THAT REPLACING ALL COMPONENTS OF THE ABC SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR A MERCEDES IS ROUTINE MAINTENANCE/REPAIR. HOW DOES THE CONTAMINATION OCCUR IN A CLOSED SYSTEM? THIS CAR WAS A LUXURY THAT BECAME A NIGHTMARE. THIS IS ONLY A BRIEF AND SIMPLIFIED SERIES OF EVENTS LEADING UP TO A COMPLETE MALFUNCTION IN THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM. *TR
2003 SL500 MERCEDES BENZ. CONSUMER STATES NOISE INSIDE GAS TANK WHEN VEHICLE IS MOVING *TGW
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2003 MERCEDES SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT WAS STRUCK IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES AS A RESULT OF THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2003 MERCEDES SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT WAS STRUCK IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES AS A RESULT OF THE CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 87,000.
I HAVE A 2003 SL500 MERCEDES . I HEAR EITHER A FREE DANGLING OBJECT BEHIND THE SEATS OR PERHAPS A NOISE FROM AN OBJECT IN THE GAS TANK (NOT SURE WHERE THE TANK IS). THIS CLANGING NOISE IS HEARD WHEN CAR IS SHOOK. EVEN A LIGHT NUDGE OF THE CAR WILL CAUSE IT TO CLANK. LIKE A DANGLING OBJECT, HARD ACCELERATION WILL CAUSE THE NOISE …
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I HAVE A 2003 SL500 MERCEDES . I HEAR EITHER A FREE DANGLING OBJECT BEHIND THE SEATS OR PERHAPS A NOISE FROM AN OBJECT IN THE GAS TANK (NOT SURE WHERE THE TANK IS). THIS CLANGING NOISE IS HEARD WHEN CAR IS SHOOK. EVEN A LIGHT NUDGE OF THE CAR WILL CAUSE IT TO CLANK. LIKE A DANGLING OBJECT, HARD ACCELERATION WILL CAUSE THE NOISE TO GO AWAY BUT WHEN THE CAR STOPS ACCELERATING A CLANGING NOISE IS HEARD. THE CAR IS RUNNING PERFECTLY. THIS MAY HAVE STARTED HAPPENING WHILE MY CAR WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT SEEING AS THOUGH IT WOULD HAVE BEEN HARD TO MISS IT WHEN PARKING THE NIGHT BEFORE. I CAN NOT RULE OUT VANDALISM OF SOME SORT BUT I AM HAVING A HARD TIME SEEING HOW THIS COULD BE THE CASE. MERCEDES DEALER STATES THAT THERE IS AN ANCHOR THAT HOLDS THE GAS TANK IN PLACE AND IT HAS BROKEN, THAT'S WHY THE I GET THE CLANGING NOISE!! STRIKING THE REAR WALL OF THE INTERIOR COMPARTMENT SEEMS TO MAKE A NOISE CONSISTENT WITH THE CLANGING. IS THIS SUPPOSE TO HAPPEN TO CAR OF THIS CALIBER? THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE $3000. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE WARNING PANEL. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE ABS SWITCH SEAL AND ADDED SYNTHETIC HYDRAULIC FLUID TO THE VEHICLE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. ONE MONTH LATER, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ON THE FOLLOWING DAY, WHILE DRIVING TO T…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES SL500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE WARNING PANEL. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE ABS SWITCH SEAL AND ADDED SYNTHETIC HYDRAULIC FLUID TO THE VEHICLE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. ONE MONTH LATER, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ON THE FOLLOWING DAY, WHILE DRIVING TO THE DEALER AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, THE BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE BRAKE PEDAL FELL MUCH FARTHER INTO THE FLOORBOARD THAN USUAL. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND SLIGHTLY CRASHED INTO A CURB. SHE THEN COASTED INTO A PARKING LOT UNTIL SHE WAS ABLE TO ENGAGE THE EMERGENCY BRAKES AND COME TO A STOP. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:04V296000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT WITH THE DEALER WHERE SHE WAS AWAITING A REPLACEMENT OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP UNDER THE RECALL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH WHEN THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED, IT ABNORMALLY WENT TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT RESISTANCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE. THERE WAS FIVE PERCENT BRAKING ABILITY. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN. WHEN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED THE VEHICLE CAME …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MERCEDES BENZ SL500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH WHEN THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED, IT ABNORMALLY WENT TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT RESISTANCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE. THERE WAS FIVE PERCENT BRAKING ABILITY. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN. WHEN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS ENGAGED THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE SENSOTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL PUMP. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS A COMMON ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED; AND THE CONTACT PLANNED TO SELL THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE SAFETY HAZARD. THE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 42,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 01/13/11*LJ UPDATED 01/27/11*JB
Official recalls
0No recalls in this snapshot.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1PE07042 · Air Suspension System Failure
Opened Aug 14, 2007 · Closed Nov 20, 2007
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:front:springs:air Suspension System; Suspension:front:springs:air Suspension:lines And Fittings; Suspension:front:springs:air Suspension:springs/bags; Suspension:rear; Suspension:rear:springs:air Suspension System; Suspension:rear:springs:air Suspension System:lines And Fittings; Suspension:rear:springs:air Suspension System:springs/bags
THE SUBJECT S-CLASS VEHICLES CONTAIN A COMPRESSED AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM THAT USES AIR STRUTS ON EACH OF THE FOUR WHEELS IN LIEU OF TRADITIONAL SPRINGS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS.THESE AIR STRUTS USE COMPRESSED AIR TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE AND CONTROL RIDE HEIGHT.IN THE EVENT OF THE LOSS OF AIR FROM THE SYSTEM, AN ALERT WILL FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING THE DRIVER TO EITHER DRIVE CAREFULLY OR TO STOP THE VEHICLE.THE VEHICLE RIDE HEIGHT CAN BE REDUCED BY AS MUCH AS 105 MM BELOW NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT BEFORE THE FULL LOAD OF THE VEHICLE FOR THAT WHEEL COMES TO REST ON A STEEL ROD, WITH A RUBBER STOP ON THE END, LOCATED IN THE SHOCK ABSORBER.THIS REST-STOP CONDITION IS DESIGNED SUCH THAT THERE IS NO IMPACT ON VEHICLE CONTROL.MERCEDES-BENZ (MBUSA) SUPPLIED VIDEO SHOWING A VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION OPERATING UNDER SEVERAL DIFFERENT SITUATIONS INCLUDING EVASIVE MANEUVERS DEMONSTRATING THE ABILITY OF THE VEHICLE TO BE CONTROLLED EFFECTIVELY WITH A RIDE HEIGHT REDUCED TO THE MINIMUM.ONLY THOSE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND MBUSA THAT ALLEGED A STEERING INTERFERENCE DURING A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT CONDITION WERE COUNTED IN THIS RESUME FAILURE REPORT.SOME COMPLAINTS ALLEGED THAT WITH A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT AND A STOP NOW WARNING MESSAGE THERE WAS A RUBBING NOISE WHEN TURNING, BUT THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COMPROMISED.A SAMPLING OF WARRANTY CLAIMS SUBMITTED BY MBUSA DID NOT REVEAL ANY INDICATING A LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE.THERE WAS ONE CRASH REPORTED BY MBUSA TO ODI BUT THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE INDICATED THAT IT RELATED TO SUSPENSION SYSTEMS AND IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO VERIFY THAT THE INCIDENT WAS RELATED TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE. FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IN THIS MATTER DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS CLOSED.
Additional source detail variants (8)
Suspension:front:springs:air Suspension:lines And Fittings
THE SUBJECT S-CLASS VEHICLES CONTAIN A COMPRESSED AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM THAT USES AIR STRUTS ON EACH OF THE FOUR WHEELS IN LIEU OF TRADITIONAL SPRINGS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS.THESE AIR STRUTS USE COMPRESSED AIR TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE AND CONTROL RIDE HEIGHT.IN THE EVENT OF THE LOSS OF AIR FROM THE SYSTEM, AN ALERT WILL FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING THE DRIVER TO EITHER DRIVE CAREFULLY OR TO STOP THE VEHICLE.THE VEHICLE RIDE HEIGHT CAN BE REDUCED BY AS MUCH AS 105 MM BELOW NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT BEFORE THE FULL LOAD OF THE VEHICLE FOR THAT WHEEL COMES TO REST ON A STEEL ROD, WITH A RUBBER STOP ON THE END, LOCATED IN THE SHOCK ABSORBER.THIS REST-STOP CONDITION IS DESIGNED SUCH THAT THERE IS NO IMPACT ON VEHICLE CONTROL.MERCEDES-BENZ (MBUSA) SUPPLIED VIDEO SHOWING A VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION OPERATING UNDER SEVERAL DIFFERENT SITUATIONS INCLUDING EVASIVE MANEUVERS DEMONSTRATING THE ABILITY OF THE VEHICLE TO BE CONTROLLED EFFECTIVELY WITH A RIDE HEIGHT REDUCED TO THE MINIMUM.ONLY THOSE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND MBUSA THAT ALLEGED A STEERING INTERFERENCE DURING A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT CONDITION WERE COUNTED IN THIS RESUME FAILURE REPORT.SOME COMPLAINTS ALLEGED THAT WITH A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT AND A STOP NOW WARNING MESSAGE THERE WAS A RUBBING NOISE WHEN TURNING, BUT THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COMPROMISED.A SAMPLING OF WARRANTY CLAIMS SUBMITTED BY MBUSA DID NOT REVEAL ANY INDICATING A LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE.THERE WAS ONE CRASH REPORTED BY MBUSA TO ODI BUT THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE INDICATED THAT IT RELATED TO SUSPENSION SYSTEMS AND IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO VERIFY THAT THE INCIDENT WAS RELATED TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE. FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IN THIS MATTER DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS CLOSED.
Suspension:front:springs:air Suspension:springs/bags
THE SUBJECT S-CLASS VEHICLES CONTAIN A COMPRESSED AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM THAT USES AIR STRUTS ON EACH OF THE FOUR WHEELS IN LIEU OF TRADITIONAL SPRINGS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS.THESE AIR STRUTS USE COMPRESSED AIR TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE AND CONTROL RIDE HEIGHT.IN THE EVENT OF THE LOSS OF AIR FROM THE SYSTEM, AN ALERT WILL FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING THE DRIVER TO EITHER DRIVE CAREFULLY OR TO STOP THE VEHICLE.THE VEHICLE RIDE HEIGHT CAN BE REDUCED BY AS MUCH AS 105 MM BELOW NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT BEFORE THE FULL LOAD OF THE VEHICLE FOR THAT WHEEL COMES TO REST ON A STEEL ROD, WITH A RUBBER STOP ON THE END, LOCATED IN THE SHOCK ABSORBER.THIS REST-STOP CONDITION IS DESIGNED SUCH THAT THERE IS NO IMPACT ON VEHICLE CONTROL.MERCEDES-BENZ (MBUSA) SUPPLIED VIDEO SHOWING A VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION OPERATING UNDER SEVERAL DIFFERENT SITUATIONS INCLUDING EVASIVE MANEUVERS DEMONSTRATING THE ABILITY OF THE VEHICLE TO BE CONTROLLED EFFECTIVELY WITH A RIDE HEIGHT REDUCED TO THE MINIMUM.ONLY THOSE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND MBUSA THAT ALLEGED A STEERING INTERFERENCE DURING A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT CONDITION WERE COUNTED IN THIS RESUME FAILURE REPORT.SOME COMPLAINTS ALLEGED THAT WITH A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT AND A STOP NOW WARNING MESSAGE THERE WAS A RUBBING NOISE WHEN TURNING, BUT THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COMPROMISED.A SAMPLING OF WARRANTY CLAIMS SUBMITTED BY MBUSA DID NOT REVEAL ANY INDICATING A LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE.THERE WAS ONE CRASH REPORTED BY MBUSA TO ODI BUT THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE INDICATED THAT IT RELATED TO SUSPENSION SYSTEMS AND IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO VERIFY THAT THE INCIDENT WAS RELATED TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE. FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IN THIS MATTER DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS CLOSED.
Suspension:front:springs:air Suspension System
THE SUBJECT S-CLASS VEHICLES CONTAIN A COMPRESSED AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM THAT USES AIR STRUTS ON EACH OF THE FOUR WHEELS IN LIEU OF TRADITIONAL SPRINGS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS.THESE AIR STRUTS USE COMPRESSED AIR TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE AND CONTROL RIDE HEIGHT.IN THE EVENT OF THE LOSS OF AIR FROM THE SYSTEM, AN ALERT WILL FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING THE DRIVER TO EITHER DRIVE CAREFULLY OR TO STOP THE VEHICLE.THE VEHICLE RIDE HEIGHT CAN BE REDUCED BY AS MUCH AS 105 MM BELOW NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT BEFORE THE FULL LOAD OF THE VEHICLE FOR THAT WHEEL COMES TO REST ON A STEEL ROD, WITH A RUBBER STOP ON THE END, LOCATED IN THE SHOCK ABSORBER.THIS REST-STOP CONDITION IS DESIGNED SUCH THAT THERE IS NO IMPACT ON VEHICLE CONTROL.MERCEDES-BENZ (MBUSA) SUPPLIED VIDEO SHOWING A VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION OPERATING UNDER SEVERAL DIFFERENT SITUATIONS INCLUDING EVASIVE MANEUVERS DEMONSTRATING THE ABILITY OF THE VEHICLE TO BE CONTROLLED EFFECTIVELY WITH A RIDE HEIGHT REDUCED TO THE MINIMUM.ONLY THOSE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND MBUSA THAT ALLEGED A STEERING INTERFERENCE DURING A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT CONDITION WERE COUNTED IN THIS RESUME FAILURE REPORT.SOME COMPLAINTS ALLEGED THAT WITH A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT AND A STOP NOW WARNING MESSAGE THERE WAS A RUBBING NOISE WHEN TURNING, BUT THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COMPROMISED.A SAMPLING OF WARRANTY CLAIMS SUBMITTED BY MBUSA DID NOT REVEAL ANY INDICATING A LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE.THERE WAS ONE CRASH REPORTED BY MBUSA TO ODI BUT THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE INDICATED THAT IT RELATED TO SUSPENSION SYSTEMS AND IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO VERIFY THAT THE INCIDENT WAS RELATED TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE. FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IN THIS MATTER DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS CLOSED.
Suspension
THE SUBJECT S-CLASS VEHICLES CONTAIN A COMPRESSED AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM THAT USES AIR STRUTS ON EACH OF THE FOUR WHEELS IN LIEU OF TRADITIONAL SPRINGS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS.THESE AIR STRUTS USE COMPRESSED AIR TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE AND CONTROL RIDE HEIGHT.IN THE EVENT OF THE LOSS OF AIR FROM THE SYSTEM, AN ALERT WILL FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING THE DRIVER TO EITHER DRIVE CAREFULLY OR TO STOP THE VEHICLE.THE VEHICLE RIDE HEIGHT CAN BE REDUCED BY AS MUCH AS 105 MM BELOW NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT BEFORE THE FULL LOAD OF THE VEHICLE FOR THAT WHEEL COMES TO REST ON A STEEL ROD, WITH A RUBBER STOP ON THE END, LOCATED IN THE SHOCK ABSORBER.THIS REST-STOP CONDITION IS DESIGNED SUCH THAT THERE IS NO IMPACT ON VEHICLE CONTROL.MERCEDES-BENZ (MBUSA) SUPPLIED VIDEO SHOWING A VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION OPERATING UNDER SEVERAL DIFFERENT SITUATIONS INCLUDING EVASIVE MANEUVERS DEMONSTRATING THE ABILITY OF THE VEHICLE TO BE CONTROLLED EFFECTIVELY WITH A RIDE HEIGHT REDUCED TO THE MINIMUM.ONLY THOSE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND MBUSA THAT ALLEGED A STEERING INTERFERENCE DURING A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT CONDITION WERE COUNTED IN THIS RESUME FAILURE REPORT.SOME COMPLAINTS ALLEGED THAT WITH A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT AND A STOP NOW WARNING MESSAGE THERE WAS A RUBBING NOISE WHEN TURNING, BUT THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COMPROMISED.A SAMPLING OF WARRANTY CLAIMS SUBMITTED BY MBUSA DID NOT REVEAL ANY INDICATING A LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE.THERE WAS ONE CRASH REPORTED BY MBUSA TO ODI BUT THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE INDICATED THAT IT RELATED TO SUSPENSION SYSTEMS AND IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO VERIFY THAT THE INCIDENT WAS RELATED TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE. FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IN THIS MATTER DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS CLOSED.
Suspension:rear
THE SUBJECT S-CLASS VEHICLES CONTAIN A COMPRESSED AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM THAT USES AIR STRUTS ON EACH OF THE FOUR WHEELS IN LIEU OF TRADITIONAL SPRINGS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS.THESE AIR STRUTS USE COMPRESSED AIR TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE AND CONTROL RIDE HEIGHT.IN THE EVENT OF THE LOSS OF AIR FROM THE SYSTEM, AN ALERT WILL FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING THE DRIVER TO EITHER DRIVE CAREFULLY OR TO STOP THE VEHICLE.THE VEHICLE RIDE HEIGHT CAN BE REDUCED BY AS MUCH AS 105 MM BELOW NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT BEFORE THE FULL LOAD OF THE VEHICLE FOR THAT WHEEL COMES TO REST ON A STEEL ROD, WITH A RUBBER STOP ON THE END, LOCATED IN THE SHOCK ABSORBER.THIS REST-STOP CONDITION IS DESIGNED SUCH THAT THERE IS NO IMPACT ON VEHICLE CONTROL.MERCEDES-BENZ (MBUSA) SUPPLIED VIDEO SHOWING A VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION OPERATING UNDER SEVERAL DIFFERENT SITUATIONS INCLUDING EVASIVE MANEUVERS DEMONSTRATING THE ABILITY OF THE VEHICLE TO BE CONTROLLED EFFECTIVELY WITH A RIDE HEIGHT REDUCED TO THE MINIMUM.ONLY THOSE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND MBUSA THAT ALLEGED A STEERING INTERFERENCE DURING A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT CONDITION WERE COUNTED IN THIS RESUME FAILURE REPORT.SOME COMPLAINTS ALLEGED THAT WITH A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT AND A STOP NOW WARNING MESSAGE THERE WAS A RUBBING NOISE WHEN TURNING, BUT THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COMPROMISED.A SAMPLING OF WARRANTY CLAIMS SUBMITTED BY MBUSA DID NOT REVEAL ANY INDICATING A LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE.THERE WAS ONE CRASH REPORTED BY MBUSA TO ODI BUT THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE INDICATED THAT IT RELATED TO SUSPENSION SYSTEMS AND IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO VERIFY THAT THE INCIDENT WAS RELATED TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE. FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IN THIS MATTER DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS CLOSED.
Suspension:rear:springs:air Suspension System:lines And Fittings
THE SUBJECT S-CLASS VEHICLES CONTAIN A COMPRESSED AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM THAT USES AIR STRUTS ON EACH OF THE FOUR WHEELS IN LIEU OF TRADITIONAL SPRINGS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS.THESE AIR STRUTS USE COMPRESSED AIR TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE AND CONTROL RIDE HEIGHT.IN THE EVENT OF THE LOSS OF AIR FROM THE SYSTEM, AN ALERT WILL FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING THE DRIVER TO EITHER DRIVE CAREFULLY OR TO STOP THE VEHICLE.THE VEHICLE RIDE HEIGHT CAN BE REDUCED BY AS MUCH AS 105 MM BELOW NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT BEFORE THE FULL LOAD OF THE VEHICLE FOR THAT WHEEL COMES TO REST ON A STEEL ROD, WITH A RUBBER STOP ON THE END, LOCATED IN THE SHOCK ABSORBER.THIS REST-STOP CONDITION IS DESIGNED SUCH THAT THERE IS NO IMPACT ON VEHICLE CONTROL.MERCEDES-BENZ (MBUSA) SUPPLIED VIDEO SHOWING A VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION OPERATING UNDER SEVERAL DIFFERENT SITUATIONS INCLUDING EVASIVE MANEUVERS DEMONSTRATING THE ABILITY OF THE VEHICLE TO BE CONTROLLED EFFECTIVELY WITH A RIDE HEIGHT REDUCED TO THE MINIMUM.ONLY THOSE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND MBUSA THAT ALLEGED A STEERING INTERFERENCE DURING A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT CONDITION WERE COUNTED IN THIS RESUME FAILURE REPORT.SOME COMPLAINTS ALLEGED THAT WITH A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT AND A STOP NOW WARNING MESSAGE THERE WAS A RUBBING NOISE WHEN TURNING, BUT THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COMPROMISED.A SAMPLING OF WARRANTY CLAIMS SUBMITTED BY MBUSA DID NOT REVEAL ANY INDICATING A LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE.THERE WAS ONE CRASH REPORTED BY MBUSA TO ODI BUT THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE INDICATED THAT IT RELATED TO SUSPENSION SYSTEMS AND IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO VERIFY THAT THE INCIDENT WAS RELATED TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE. FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IN THIS MATTER DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS CLOSED.
Suspension:rear:springs:air Suspension System
THE SUBJECT S-CLASS VEHICLES CONTAIN A COMPRESSED AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM THAT USES AIR STRUTS ON EACH OF THE FOUR WHEELS IN LIEU OF TRADITIONAL SPRINGS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS.THESE AIR STRUTS USE COMPRESSED AIR TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE AND CONTROL RIDE HEIGHT.IN THE EVENT OF THE LOSS OF AIR FROM THE SYSTEM, AN ALERT WILL FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING THE DRIVER TO EITHER DRIVE CAREFULLY OR TO STOP THE VEHICLE.THE VEHICLE RIDE HEIGHT CAN BE REDUCED BY AS MUCH AS 105 MM BELOW NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT BEFORE THE FULL LOAD OF THE VEHICLE FOR THAT WHEEL COMES TO REST ON A STEEL ROD, WITH A RUBBER STOP ON THE END, LOCATED IN THE SHOCK ABSORBER.THIS REST-STOP CONDITION IS DESIGNED SUCH THAT THERE IS NO IMPACT ON VEHICLE CONTROL.MERCEDES-BENZ (MBUSA) SUPPLIED VIDEO SHOWING A VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION OPERATING UNDER SEVERAL DIFFERENT SITUATIONS INCLUDING EVASIVE MANEUVERS DEMONSTRATING THE ABILITY OF THE VEHICLE TO BE CONTROLLED EFFECTIVELY WITH A RIDE HEIGHT REDUCED TO THE MINIMUM.ONLY THOSE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND MBUSA THAT ALLEGED A STEERING INTERFERENCE DURING A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT CONDITION WERE COUNTED IN THIS RESUME FAILURE REPORT.SOME COMPLAINTS ALLEGED THAT WITH A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT AND A STOP NOW WARNING MESSAGE THERE WAS A RUBBING NOISE WHEN TURNING, BUT THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COMPROMISED.A SAMPLING OF WARRANTY CLAIMS SUBMITTED BY MBUSA DID NOT REVEAL ANY INDICATING A LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE.THERE WAS ONE CRASH REPORTED BY MBUSA TO ODI BUT THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE INDICATED THAT IT RELATED TO SUSPENSION SYSTEMS AND IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO VERIFY THAT THE INCIDENT WAS RELATED TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE. FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IN THIS MATTER DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS CLOSED.
Suspension:rear:springs:air Suspension System:springs/bags
THE SUBJECT S-CLASS VEHICLES CONTAIN A COMPRESSED AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM THAT USES AIR STRUTS ON EACH OF THE FOUR WHEELS IN LIEU OF TRADITIONAL SPRINGS AND SHOCK ABSORBERS.THESE AIR STRUTS USE COMPRESSED AIR TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE AND CONTROL RIDE HEIGHT.IN THE EVENT OF THE LOSS OF AIR FROM THE SYSTEM, AN ALERT WILL FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING THE DRIVER TO EITHER DRIVE CAREFULLY OR TO STOP THE VEHICLE.THE VEHICLE RIDE HEIGHT CAN BE REDUCED BY AS MUCH AS 105 MM BELOW NORMAL RIDE HEIGHT BEFORE THE FULL LOAD OF THE VEHICLE FOR THAT WHEEL COMES TO REST ON A STEEL ROD, WITH A RUBBER STOP ON THE END, LOCATED IN THE SHOCK ABSORBER.THIS REST-STOP CONDITION IS DESIGNED SUCH THAT THERE IS NO IMPACT ON VEHICLE CONTROL.MERCEDES-BENZ (MBUSA) SUPPLIED VIDEO SHOWING A VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION OPERATING UNDER SEVERAL DIFFERENT SITUATIONS INCLUDING EVASIVE MANEUVERS DEMONSTRATING THE ABILITY OF THE VEHICLE TO BE CONTROLLED EFFECTIVELY WITH A RIDE HEIGHT REDUCED TO THE MINIMUM.ONLY THOSE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND MBUSA THAT ALLEGED A STEERING INTERFERENCE DURING A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT CONDITION WERE COUNTED IN THIS RESUME FAILURE REPORT.SOME COMPLAINTS ALLEGED THAT WITH A REDUCED RIDE HEIGHT AND A STOP NOW WARNING MESSAGE THERE WAS A RUBBING NOISE WHEN TURNING, BUT THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COMPROMISED.A SAMPLING OF WARRANTY CLAIMS SUBMITTED BY MBUSA DID NOT REVEAL ANY INDICATING A LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE.THERE WAS ONE CRASH REPORTED BY MBUSA TO ODI BUT THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE INDICATED THAT IT RELATED TO SUSPENSION SYSTEMS AND IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO VERIFY THAT THE INCIDENT WAS RELATED TO AN AIRMATIC SYSTEM FAILURE. FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IN THIS MATTER DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION IS CLOSED.