This is a C230 kompressor coupe. The rear differential made a loud noise and then locked up after being driven slowly to a shop. It was later learned that this is a very common occurrence with the early 2002 C class cars but as usual, there is no recall. I contacted mbusa and they offered no assistance. This car has also recently shown evidence of rusting. I contacted mbusa about that and learned that the mb corrosion protection in the U.S. is merely four years. I also found that most of the other german luxury automakers have used galvinized steel for decades, unlike the manufacturing practices of mb. Overall, between built-in mechanical failures and the rust, and the fact that mbusa does not stand behind their vehicles, I will certainly steer clear of Mercedes in the future.

- Mentor, OH, USA

2002 Mercedes Benz CL500 the right front of the vehicle began to sag & the instrument panel illumination cluster suddenly went completely dark without any warning whatsoever. This has been occurring intermittently, the dealership always charges us each occurrence to "fix it.". now I find both problems are in safety campaign numbers 04V228000 and 06V028000 these are recalls. What can I do to get these problems fixed correctly this time without the dealership trying to use us as a cash horse & getting ripped off as it is happening again. The panel is completely dark & we cannot see any gauges or indicators. Thank you for your kind assistance.

- Houston, TX, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Mercedes Benz Cl class. The contact stated that his vehicle was excluded from NHTSA campaign id number 07V263000 (suspension). The dealer repaired the abc valve block at the cost of $2,200 and stated that there were materials in the fluid of the abc system, which caused the blockage. There is a hose that connects to the system and the fluid only enters one way and exits the same way; therefore, the blockage is due to the failure of the hose that is attached. Currently, a week later, the failure has recurred with the rear abc valve. The repair also cost $2,200. The dealer accused the contact of being the cause of the failure, but offered to repair the vehicle for free. The failure mileage was 85,000. Updated 11/26/08 updated 12/01/08.

- Grayson, GA, USA

Left rear of car sinks after sitting for more than 8 hours. Mercedes Benz has repaired many times but the problem still comes back. Repaired measures include replacing valves associated with the abc suspension, the abc pump has also been replaced and have also flushed the abc fluid and replaced the filter on many occasions. However, the problem has not gone away. Sometimes when the car is sitting for more than a day the active body control alarm comes on in the instrument cluster. I have not observed any abc fluid loss.

- Austin, TX, USA

The contact owns a 2002 Mercedes Benz Cl class. The contact stated that the abc light was illuminated and he noticed that the vehicle was leaking hydraulic fluid. The vehicle was taken to the dealer due to a recall and the failure was repaired. The dealer stated that they repaired the abc pressure hose and the hydraulic pump leak. The contact was charged $2,824 for the repair work and was informed that a defective recall part caused the failure. The NHTSA recall number was unavailable. The current and failure mileages were 70,162.

- Chula Vista, CA, USA

: the contact stated while driving various speeds, the vehicle intermittently rose up and down without warning. The vehicle was driven to the dealer who determined the abc system was inoperable. There was a NHTSA recall #04V228000 concerning the suspension. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN.

- Apopka, FL, USA

Vehicle has experienced one flat tire and one blowout, no tire information given, consumer states that the vehicle shakes when driving over 60 mph.

- Espanola, NM, USA

While starting vehicle there is constant vibration until vehicle has heated up approximately 20 minutes. Dealer has been notified, mechanic has not found what was causing the problem. While in repair dealer provided several rental cars to consumer, and all of the rental cars were experiencing the same problem.

- Havel, MA, USA

Vehicle would wander to right when driven. Vehicle been in dealer shop on four occasions, and problem still reoccurring. Feel free to provide any further information concerning this matter.

- Riverview, FL, USA

While driving vehicle home from the dealership, a light on instrument panel came on, stating "unsafe to drive vehicle." Dealership examined vehicle and determined that "automatic body control system" for suspension had malfunctioned, this caused the left rear portion of frame to drop down. The dealer replaced two valves and when the vehicle was returned to consumer the vehicle had an oil leak of over two quarts, consumer returned vehicle to dealership and a replacement vehicle was ordered which is expected to be delivered in late November.

- Pinehurst, NC, USA