The active body control system can leak fluid from numerous areas, including the tandem pump, hydraulic lines, struts, and/or seals. If it is not repaired, the vehicle ride height could drop too low and cause damage to the undercarriage.
Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG
Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Models:
Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Problems
Center Console Armrest May Break
Miscellaneous --
Verified
The center console armrest can break. Replacement is commonly the recommended repair.
The Differential May Develop Leaks From the Seals or Cover
Drive Train --
Verified
Leaks may develop from the differential cover and/or seals on high mileage or older vehicles. Our technicians recommend a complete reseal of the differential unit if these leaks are addressed.
"Crank no Start" Due to Failed Crankshaft Position Sensor
Engine --
Verified
The crankshaft position sensor may fail. Symptoms of this are: The engine will crank—but not start—especially when the engine is warm. The car may start again if it is left to cool off, but it may run roughly or have poor performance.
Command, Voice Control, PSE, & Tele Aid Modules and CD Chnagers Are All Prone to Failure
Electrical & Lights --
Verified
CD changers, command units, voice control units, PSE units, and Tele Aid units are prone to failure, especially in early models.
Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Recalls (Recent)
Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Recall 01V014000
Body, Interior & Misc., January 29, 2001
Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE SHEATHING MATERIAL ON THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION OF THE HEATED WINDSHIELD WASHER BOTTLE HOSE COULD OVERHEAT.
Learn more »Incorrect Software Calibration May Cause Fuel Pump to Remain Powered in a Collision
Electrical & Lights, August 1, 2008
RepairPal Expert Overview:
There is a faulty software calibration that affects several areas including shutting off the fuel supply in a collision. This could cause a fire hazard during an accident. Dealers will reprogram this software. The Mercedes-Benz recall number is 2008 070001. This recall began during August, 2008.
Heater and Air Conditioner Fan Motor May Fail
Electrical & Lights, October 18, 2004
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The HVAC blower motor may lose power because the fuse for the circuit may lose contact. This is due to a flaw in the plastic holder that secures the fuse that protects this circuit. If the fan stops working, you may not be able to clear fog and frost off of your windshield. If visibility is reduced, you could be at risk of getting into an accident. Dealers will install new blower motor fuse holders. This recall began during October 2004. The Mercedes-Benz recall number is 2004 070010.
Instrument Cluster Illumination May Fail
Electrical & Lights, September 29, 2006
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The instrument cluster illumination may fail. This may result in difficulty reading the gauges, indicators, and speedometer. Not being able to see the cluster may lead to an accident. Dealers will replace the instrument cluster modules. This recall started on September 29, 2006.
Mercedes Recalls Multiple 2000-2004 Vehicles Due to Leaking Active Body Control Hose
Suspension & Steering, July 2, 2007
RepairPal Expert Overview:
The hose may corrode due to extensive exposure to humidity. This may cause fluid leakage onto the catalytic converter. This would present a fire hazard. Dealers will a new high pressure distrution hose.
Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Questions and Answers
geemanyan, 2001 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG, Las Vegas, NV
when i turned on the a/c or fan, the blower sometimes take 5,15, or sometimes 45mins. before start working... sometimes no problem.. what do you think is the problem? head control?, breaker? relay?...
hovhannes shahbazyan, 2001 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG, Waltham, MA
my left front strut is working but it is lower then the rest about 2in wen the car is off the left front drops to the ground do i need a new srut or a flash or could it be a sencor
need2knowmore, 2001 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG, Phoenix, AZ
Does anyone know if the HYDRAULIC Suspension Valves on a 2001 S55 AMG are threaded within the Unit or if they have a seal/gasket. Really need to know....
pelon, 2001 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG, Dearborn, MI
the abc is on car too low, when you put the car in reverse left side raises. when you stop the car after 1 hour left side which is driver side lowers.my abc resorvoir apears to have fluid in it and...
pelon, 2001 Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG, Dearborn, MI
car sits and driver side strut comes down the car has abc, could someone please help me.
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Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG Reviews
This has to be the worse car ever made. I have own this car since 2004. I have taken this car in for repairs to the tune of almost $45 k. 35k which was covered by warranty. I was told by the dealership that they hated to see it coming. No one wanted to work on it because they could never seem to fix all the issues. The gear was stuck the first time, the ABC suspension is a constant issue, they fix one thing and then there is something else wrong. The radio went out and was repaired. all the dashboard is currently out. They can't figure out what is continually pulling my battery down. Sometime the starter will not catch and other time it's fine.
I have 2003 S55 65000 miles.
I love the look, power and everrything about this car but I had same issue. ABC light came on and dealer told me the pump was broken. I paid $3300 to repair. Also, I had SRS lamp came up. So total was almost $5000. I am surprised that it is their flagship model but it starts to fall apart after only 64K miles. German cars have great engines but they constantly have electrical issues... Hire some Japanese electrical engineer!
bought this crap almost five years ago with only 29,000 miles on it. a few weeks later the ABC light came on .luckily it had been a recall issue.They claim it was repaired . a few weeks later ABC lights on again and hydraulic fluid leaking everywhere. Took back to dealer and was told now that the struts were shot and leaking at the tune of $3500 dollars. I was lucky enough to find a new one at this great salvage yard for $250.00 with a lifetime warranty.I happen to know a guy that worked on mercedes that installed for $150. Next problem about a month later the hydraulic pump fails. I wasn't so lucky with this it cost me $1800 at the dealership. Next thing was some sensor that connects to the crankshaft at the tune of $500 plus two weeks ago. Then I go out side to go somewhere and what do you know I'm stuck in park. This night mare just want stop. I begged my hubby to get rid of this hunk of German junk years ago.It's a beast in performance when it decides to be the mercedes that I thought purchased. I think I may consider a Lexus next.
excellent vehicle
this is a good car, fast, packed with features...has a real presence, but it can be pretty unreliable(like all german cars it seems). if we didn't have the carassistants.com subscription, we probably would have spent an extra $10K during the last 3 years keeping it running.
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