Things to Know About the Active Body Control System in Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes cars are designed with durability and longevity in mind, and when drivers properly maintain their cars it gives them the best chance at having their Mercedes last a long time. However, like all vehicles, they have their own unique issues that they commonly run into despite adherence to the proper maintenance schedule. One such issue that Mercedes cars tend to encounter is premature failure of the active body control (ABC) system.

The active body control is a system designed and implemented by Mercedes manufacturers that plays a critical role in the car’s overall function. Certain Mercedes models run into problems with this system more often than others. If you drive a Mercedes-Benz, it’s important to know what the active body control system does, what you can expect when it comes to premature failure of the system, and what you can do to keep problems from arising.

What Does the Active Body Control System Do?

The active body control system is a type of suspension designed by Mercedes-Benz that is meant to help control the vehicle’s movement, stabilizing it while it take sharp turns, using horsepower, or quickly applying the brakes. This type of suspension utilizes hydraulic fluid and is made up of many different parts and components that can encounter their own failure, leading to overall suspension failure. When this occurs, it causes significant impairment to the vehicle and you likely won’t be able to drive the car safely or without further damaging it.

Reported Problems in Mercedes Models

As we mentioned before, the active body control system commonly fails prematurely in certain Mercedes models. It’s important to know whether or not your own Mercedes could be susceptible to premature ABC failure. The most commonly reported issue in Mercedes cars is hydraulic fluid leaks. Since the suspension system is made up of many different parts, there are several areas where the hydraulic fluid can spring a leak. Pumps, fluid lines, various seals and valves, or struts can all begin leaking hydraulic fluid.

In the Mercedes CL500 from the years 2000-2006, drivers often experience these fluid leaks from failing valves around the 100,000-mile mark, as the car has accrued substantial wear and tear. When hydraulic suspension fluid leaks, usually the main symptom is that the car sits much lower to the ground, making the car difficult to drive if not impossible. It’s also common for this problem to be recurring even after repair. It is critical to have this problem checked out by a Mercedes specialist right away.

How to Prevent Problems with the Active Body Control System

All vehicle suspensions require ongoing care and maintenance in order to function optimally. The best way to give your Mercedes the care it needs is to follow he routine maintenance schedule developed by the Mercedes manufacturer. Additionally, your own driving habits and conditions may cause the active body control system to fail sooner or spring a leak in a specific area. Consulting with your reliable Mercedes specialist is an important aspect of determining when vital parts of the suspension need to be replaced.

The Importance of Hiring a Mercedes Specialist to Handle Repairs

In order to protect the active body control system it’s best to seek automotive maintenance and repair services from a shop that specializes in Mercedes cars. Since the active body control is a Mercedes-specific system, it requires OEM parts that match the manufacturer’s specifications as well as Mercedes-specific knowledge of diagnostic and repair procedures.

How We Can Help You

The Mercedes experts here at Louden Motor Cars are familiar with what can cause premature active body control system failure. Mercedes drivers from all over the areas of Dallas, University Park, Highland Park, Irving, and Coppell, TX, bring their cars to us for servicing because we have been a trusted automotive shop in the community for over 4 decades, and are rated one of the top 10 shops in the U.S.. Furthermore, we make our services convenient for our clients by offering 24-hour towing, affordable pricing, and drop-off and pick-up services. If you need assistance adhering to the critical maintenance procedures your Mercedes-Benz requires, please call one of our helpful professionals today. We look forward to earning your trust.

* Red Mercedes Sport Car image credit goes to: kurmyshov.

* Mercedes-Benz C 43 2016 image credit goes to: teddyleung.