SL 500 error message, brake service visit workshop

[mingming]

this error message has cropped up. a friendly mechanic has put it on diagnostic which indicates ABS problem, possibly new unit required. it seems after 10 years Merc recommend a new unit. ABS is working however and he will try a new brake swith first. has anyone had this issue and found a solution?

[tobinen]

I have heard of SBC pumps requiring replacement or 'resetting'. The internet will flood you with information on that if you have a search. I think pre-2007 R230s had it.

[Monkeylegend]

Has your convenience functions battery run a bit low voltage wise?

I had this on mine after standing for a couple of weeks when the voltage dropped, causes all sorts of warnings of which this was one. They drain the batteries very quickly parked up.

Cleared itself when I recharged the battery and I now keep it on a trickle charge.

Failing that it is most likely the SBC pump which has reached the end of it's pre programmed life, but as said above can often be reset. If not you can get rebuilt units if you search e-bay or some of the specialist suppliers.

The last price I heard from Mercedes a few years ago was about £750 for the pump plus fitting.

[mingming]

An up date for what it is worth, my mechanic revealed that the suspension was also suspect and it needed 2 catalytic converters. In short I got rid of it and acquired a new Range Rover evoque which is fine really and gets to my destinations without drama...