My 2004 Mercedes sl 500 suspension completely dropped to the tires "without warning" while I was driving down interstate 95 during rush hour in miami, Florida which caused the vehicle to not respond or handle properly as the vehicle rolled and floated in different directions. It was very scary! fortunately I was able to get the car to a safe location off the interstate highway! as a licensed attorney I highly recommend this issue be "fully investigated" by the NHTSA. This is a very high performance sports roadster that people expect to be safe while driving! some also drive these vehicle at high rates of speed (not legally) but you know that the sl 500 was the most frequented vehicle for speeding this past year in the nation and not being able to control ones vehicle at any speed is frightening and hazardous to both those driving the vehicle, passengers as well as the other commuters on our roads and highways. Before we have another Toyota disaster I highly suggest this matter be investigated immediately. Let us not have preventable deadly accidents before we make a change and recall this car!!! the whole car now moves up and down at random and that makes the vehicle unsafe to drive. Performing a simple "google search" reveals that Mercedes Benz already "knows" and has "notice" of the problem from many mb consumers. I do not believe that a car no matter what age should have a suspension system that can literally go out and leave the passengers and driver subject to death or serious bodily injury. Please look into this matter asap! sincerely, very concerned/worried consumer.

- North Miami, FL, USA

Active body control failure on Mercedes Benz sl (model R230) causes the car to lower all of a sudden, loss of control and steering locking. Car's abc suspension is pressurized, and it has a history of failures. Documented on NHTSA site. The abc hose has a recall already, but the abc pump itself can go bad anytime without warning. There are many documented cases, which I have from other Mercedes owners. Mine occurred traveling 35 mph in northern Virginia in a neighborhood road, and luckily I pulled over but noticed my car's rear was dropped 4 inches nearly touching the ground. Some sl owners have been driving at highways speeds and suddenly abc malfunctions causing serious damage and potentially deadly results if immediate precaution is not taken. Mercedes Benz usa and it's dealers are well aware of abc issues effecting their line of models including: Sl, S class, and cl class. No recalls on the abc pump has been issued, but the dealers politely tell owners it's a known issue and it will costs $5000 to fix. That's unacceptable. I beg the NHTSA to investigate and if need be, I can gather more data and facts from owners and testimonials for dealer service advisors who know of this issue.

- Alexandria, VA, USA

The front suspension falls down during cold weather, causing the front of the vehicle to sink down on the wheels. A warning light turns on informing the driver to stop the vehicle. Manufacturer was contacted by owner.

- Downingtown, PA, USA