One problem related to brake hoses, lines/piping, and fittings has been reported for the 2002 Mercedes Benz CL500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving my 2002 mercedes Cl500, I noticed smoke coming from the engine bay and the smell of something burning. Upon inspection it was discovered that a hydraulic suspension hose ruptured and sprayed fluid onto a catalytic converter. This resulted in a large amount of smoke and small flames starting to appear right before the passenger side engine bay was hosed down with water. The mercedes dealership advised this was a known issue and a recall was issued/performed back in 2005/2007. Mercedes advised me no further work would be done under the recall. I am reporting this to NHTSA as this is a dangerous safety related recurring defect reported on many websites/forums, yet mercedes refuses to take appropriate action to permanently resolve it.