R230 SBC Brakes
Discussion
On March 9th I had the Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) fail- indicated by a warning displayed in the instrument panel advising me to “visit workshop”. Mercedes specialist confirmed that the fault code displayed was due to the SBC Pump failure and advised me NOT to continue to drive the vehicle which may cause total brake failure at any given moment.
Research shows me that the SBC Unit has a SERVICE LIFE code programmed into it and would show a failure code at some point near the end of its so called life cycle- whatever time this happens to be. (No information is made available)
Further research shows that -:
Year 2004-May.MERCEDES recalled 680,000 vehicles equipped with SBC system and in March 2005 a total of 1.3 million vehicles were recalled.
Year 2005- June a series of “measures” were launched in connection with the SBC braking unit. No information was available as to why the failure occurred. After 2005 dealers were instructed to view the SERVICE LIFE value and replace the SBC unit based on this value and the scanners own recommendation.
In 2006 high-volume models such as the E-Class returned to conventional hydraulic brake systems but low-volume luxury models such as the SL R230 Class, Maybach and the SLR continued to us SBC due to the prohibitive cost of redesign.
My R230 SL has never been recalled to have the SBC Service life checked. This has put my safety in severe danger every time I drive my vehicle and all who have this system installed.
It is general knowledge that in 2001 the International experts in the field of brake technology, honoured Robert Bosch and Daimler Chrysler for the development of the electrohydraulic brake SBC, Yet why was SBC braking replaced and never repeated on any new model? It should have become the “NEW STANDARD” based on high claims of Daimler AG.
In conclusion, due to the above and the lack of information regarding failure to these SBC units being made to all owners of vehicles fitted with them and my future trust and safety in Mercedes, I am asking Mercedes to reimburse the total cost of having my SBC Unit replaced
Has any members had this failure. Should Mercedes settle this
Research shows me that the SBC Unit has a SERVICE LIFE code programmed into it and would show a failure code at some point near the end of its so called life cycle- whatever time this happens to be. (No information is made available)
Further research shows that -:
Year 2004-May.MERCEDES recalled 680,000 vehicles equipped with SBC system and in March 2005 a total of 1.3 million vehicles were recalled.
Year 2005- June a series of “measures” were launched in connection with the SBC braking unit. No information was available as to why the failure occurred. After 2005 dealers were instructed to view the SERVICE LIFE value and replace the SBC unit based on this value and the scanners own recommendation.
In 2006 high-volume models such as the E-Class returned to conventional hydraulic brake systems but low-volume luxury models such as the SL R230 Class, Maybach and the SLR continued to us SBC due to the prohibitive cost of redesign.
My R230 SL has never been recalled to have the SBC Service life checked. This has put my safety in severe danger every time I drive my vehicle and all who have this system installed.
It is general knowledge that in 2001 the International experts in the field of brake technology, honoured Robert Bosch and Daimler Chrysler for the development of the electrohydraulic brake SBC, Yet why was SBC braking replaced and never repeated on any new model? It should have become the “NEW STANDARD” based on high claims of Daimler AG.
In conclusion, due to the above and the lack of information regarding failure to these SBC units being made to all owners of vehicles fitted with them and my future trust and safety in Mercedes, I am asking Mercedes to reimburse the total cost of having my SBC Unit replaced
Has any members had this failure. Should Mercedes settle this
I had it replaced on my E class as a goodwill gesture during a routine service visit and I know at that time Mercedes were replacing FOC as and when required.
That was way back in 2006 or so. I think they stopped doing this as a goodwill thing a few years later around 2010 or so, so I very much doubt you will get it done FOC by Mercedes now
However they can be reset so worth speaking to a good indy to see if this can be done on yours.
I am waiting for the same message on my SL and accept it will be a cost if and when it happens. Having said that mine might have been replaced/reset by the previous owner, here's hoping
That was way back in 2006 or so. I think they stopped doing this as a goodwill thing a few years later around 2010 or so, so I very much doubt you will get it done FOC by Mercedes now
However they can be reset so worth speaking to a good indy to see if this can be done on yours.
I am waiting for the same message on my SL and accept it will be a cost if and when it happens. Having said that mine might have been replaced/reset by the previous owner, here's hoping
Edited by Monkeylegend on Monday 13th March 13:04
You only have to visit an MB forum for more information but you seem to have searched online already. Assuming you are in the UK you have next to no chance of any contribution from MBUK, even if it has full MB dealer service history. They made contributions on the 211 E-Class for a while but that has long-expired. MB treats this as a serviceable item now.
If your warning is the red one "Do not drive!", then you need a new pump. If you have the yellow warning you might be OK with a counter reset but I believe there are other variables to consider when making that decision. A decent indy with STAR may advise.
Your life has never been in danger from the brakes as long as there was no warning displayed. You have taken the correct course of action and reacted the warning now displayed. On the plus side the pumps are a lot less expensive than they used to be, should that be required.
I have never owned an MB with SBC brakes but this is what I have gathered over the years on the MB forums.
If your warning is the red one "Do not drive!", then you need a new pump. If you have the yellow warning you might be OK with a counter reset but I believe there are other variables to consider when making that decision. A decent indy with STAR may advise.
Your life has never been in danger from the brakes as long as there was no warning displayed. You have taken the correct course of action and reacted the warning now displayed. On the plus side the pumps are a lot less expensive than they used to be, should that be required.
I have never owned an MB with SBC brakes but this is what I have gathered over the years on the MB forums.
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