jjdejd

Have 2001 S430 with 30k miles. Let my car sit for about 6 weeks and disconnected the battery. Started it yesterday and the ABS light and service system lights came on. I drove it a mile to the local market and when I parked in the garage, I noticed a burning smell from the front end area. Smelled like the brakes were hot? Could I have a frozen caliper?

shadenfroh

Was the smell coming from the wheel well or from the engine bay?

wallyp

Yes, the problem could be a frozen caliper, or it could be a brake hose that has swollen so as to hold pressure on a caliper.

Try driving the car for a couple of miles, seeing how the brakes feel and how they operate. When you get back home, cautiously feel of each wheel to see if any of the four is hotter than the others. That will at least give you a starting point.

We are supposed to change the brake fluid every couple of years - very few of us do...

jjdejd

The smell seemed to be from both areas. I drove it again and it seems ok. I think a piston in the left front caliper was stuck. I know the mileage is low, but wondering if I should just have the calipers and pads replaced due to age. The car is in a warm climate all year, so I don't think the pistons got rusty.

wallyp

External rust isn't one of the most common brake problems in most areas.

The W220 is a very expensive car to throw parts at - it is always better to diagnose the problem and fix what needs to be fixed. You could start by flushing the brake system, using the required fluid. That might show if you have a problem, and is needed anyway.

tusabes

It probably just needs to be driven a bit . Go make several hard stops to clean up the pads

jjdejd

LOL. I did that yesterday and it seemed to have worked, BUT, I don't want to stick my head in the sand and think all is well. I've owned this car for 15 years and have only done basic maintenance. Last year I had a leak and had to change the water pump, hoses and belts. I'm beginning to think the age is starting to affect some parts. This old guy is in showroom condition with 30k miles and is only is driven the five months I spend in Florida each year. I think it's time I start to show it some attention, it's a great car and will definitely outlast me

tusabes

not driving the car regularly is the worst thing for it . Just keep driving it often

as stated above you could start throwing parts at it but there's really no reason . All your airmatic parts are nearing their end of useful life , not due to mileage but age of the rubber parts.