Unexpected Parking Brake Warning?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,282
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2013 C250 Sport
Unexpected Parking Brake Warning?
Every so often I'll get a warning my parking brakes are on when they are not. It usually happens after backing up from somewhere.
At first I figured it was me being forgetful but I've been paying attention now. If I pull the release it goes away there isn't even a click or release (as it would if had been on).
Has this happened to anyone else?
Also, it's odd that this car does not warn when the brake is on while in reverse.
At first I figured it was me being forgetful but I've been paying attention now. If I pull the release it goes away there isn't even a click or release (as it would if had been on).
Has this happened to anyone else?
Also, it's odd that this car does not warn when the brake is on while in reverse.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 69
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From: Albany NY
2012 C350 Sedan
I used to get this quite often, I concluded that I was accidentally brushing the parking brake pedal when getting into the car. Now that I'm careful not to do this I very rarely see the warning message, and every time I do I realize that I hit the pedal slightly.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2015
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2013 C250 Sport
Thanks, I guess either one of those is most likely the problem.
I thought it could be me kicking it but that thing must be awfully sensitive, lol. When I hit the release it doesn't even move. But it's enough to clear the warning.
I'm even careful as I don't like to kick the door panels on the way in or out as that gets cars all scuffed up over time.
I have set the brake twice so far and forgot. That can be felt in the car's motion and makes a pop when released.
I thought it could be me kicking it but that thing must be awfully sensitive, lol. When I hit the release it doesn't even move. But it's enough to clear the warning.
I'm even careful as I don't like to kick the door panels on the way in or out as that gets cars all scuffed up over time.
I have set the brake twice so far and forgot. That can be felt in the car's motion and makes a pop when released.
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From: Fredonia, WI
2012 E550 v8-Biturbo
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Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 288
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From: New Jersey
2012 C300 sport
I had this also, fixed under warrantee. I could hear a very, very faint "grinding" sound from the rear brakes at slow speed without having foot on brake pedal. Sound went away after repair.
Last edited by stratman1954; Dec 1, 2015 at 09:26 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2015
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From: Fredonia, WI
2012 E550 v8-Biturbo
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,282
Likes: 57
2013 C250 Sport
Just about every Mercedes I've seen has what looks like this parking brake pedal design. I'd call it a slight design flaw given how easy it is to gently touch on the way in or out of the car.
I should really get into the habit of using the parking brake all the time anyway. It's my first automatic transmission, so I'm used to having to do it anyway.
I should really get into the habit of using the parking brake all the time anyway. It's my first automatic transmission, so I'm used to having to do it anyway.
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Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 143
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From: Central Kentucky
2014 CLS550-4M, 2013 C350-4M Coupe
I've experienced this parking brake warning light problem too. Sometimes when I start my car the parking brake warning light is lit even though the parking brake is not engaged.
I took it to the dealership for this problem and I was told there was nothing wrong with the parking brake system. I was told by the MB service rep that this is a "known issue" with several MB models in that the parking brake warning light switch is overly sensitive, and there is no fix for it at this time.
I took it to the dealership for this problem and I was told there was nothing wrong with the parking brake system. I was told by the MB service rep that this is a "known issue" with several MB models in that the parking brake warning light switch is overly sensitive, and there is no fix for it at this time.
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2015
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2009 C300 4Matic Sport
I do the same thing with mine. I think the parking brake is very sensitive and it's protruded out and in the way of your foot when you get in to the car. The slightest tap will set the sensor off but technically I dont think the parking brake is actually on.
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From: Fredonia, WI
2012 E550 v8-Biturbo
OK, I'm going to try and tap the parking brake the next few times I get in and out and see if I can set off the warning.
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 1
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E300
Unexpected braking!
I own 2018 E300 with 23,450 miles. I have had the startling experience twice of driving 22-25mph, and my car suddenly hard breaking, a beep, and seat belt retraction. Each occurrence happened within my development. I Iove the car however, I am very concerned. I will be contacting the dealership in the AM.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
C180 w204 facelift
I own a 2013 cEdition c180 facelift.
mine flashes the headlights turns of the servo steering and blinks "release handbrake"
Below freezing(-c°) maximum once a trip, every trip
Above freesing(+c°)Maybe once in half a year
not shure if its because of slippery ground or temprature
The MB workshop tells me they don't see a problem..
mine flashes the headlights turns of the servo steering and blinks "release handbrake"
Below freezing(-c°) maximum once a trip, every trip
Above freesing(+c°)Maybe once in half a year
not shure if its because of slippery ground or temprature
The MB workshop tells me they don't see a problem..
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2013 GLK 250 Bluetrac
Driving on interstate and warning came on!
I own 2018 E300 with 23,450 miles. I have had the startling experience twice of driving 22-25mph, and my car suddenly hard breaking, a beep, and seat belt retraction. Each occurrence happened within my development. I Iove the car however, I am very concerned. I will be contacting the dealership in the AM.
I was just driving down the interstate going 75 when something started dinging, it was pretty frightening.
Newbie
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
I own a 2013 cEdition c180 facelift.
mine flashes the headlights turns of the servo steering and blinks "release handbrake"
Below freezing(-c°) maximum once a trip, every trip
Above freesing(+c°)Maybe once in half a year
not shure if its because of slippery ground or temprature
The MB workshop tells me they don't see a problem..
mine flashes the headlights turns of the servo steering and blinks "release handbrake"
Below freezing(-c°) maximum once a trip, every trip
Above freesing(+c°)Maybe once in half a year
not shure if its because of slippery ground or temprature
The MB workshop tells me they don't see a problem..
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
C class w204 2009 and 2014 both c180 kompressor
Same here!
hi have you found the cause of this problem? I have the same car 2013 C180 (M274 1.6l) and this happens to my car as well. Only once after starting the car but doesn’t always happen. The car will display warning about hand brake and head lights will flash, sudden lost of power steering and engine sound like it’s stalling, alll this happens in about one to two second then the car goes back to normal. Dealer and other mechanics can’t figure out what the cause is.
