Braking issue?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 34
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From: VA
'08 BMW M3 Cab
Braking issue?
My mom has an '05 E320W4 she bought new a few months ago. I've driven it a few times and noticed a somewhat unnerving phenomenon with the brakes. It feels like I am applying the right amount of pressure to the brake pedal to stop until the last 10 feet or so when the car does not seem like it will stop in time which, in turn, forces you to press the pedal even further, which seems like another inch or so. It does not inspire confidence and this is just normal, everyday braking. It feels like you're pushing against an air bubble in the brake lines but I don't really know. The dealer says that this is normal. Does anyone else experience this? Thanks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
The allegedly non-linear "feel" of the SBC brakes is the one thing that gets mentioned in every review of the W211. Some of the more astute reviewers also note, accurately, that the driver adjusts to it after a while. They still feel "touchy" to me, but I've learned to compensate and have no trouble making smooth stops now. Your dad's car, the '03 S-Class, should also have SBC braking, though perhaps with a different calibration.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
Originally Posted by DWP
Your dad's car, the '03 S-Class, should also have SBC braking, though perhaps with a different calibration.
The new S-Class (W221) is supposed to have some of the features of SBC w/o using a pump in place of a master cylinder to generate braking force.
So far as I know, only the SL, Maybach and E-Class have SBC.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,586
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From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
Originally Posted by BudC
So far as I know, only the SL, Maybach and E-Class have SBC.
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Newbie
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 12
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From: Washington, DC
2003 E320 Platinum Blue, 1998 SLK230 Black
I've never gotten used to the feel of the brakes. For me, I always have to apply extra pressure right before I'm about to stop, and then the brakes "grab". I have a hard time coming to a smooth stop.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 424
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From: Ohio
ML-350, Maserati Quattroporte
I know this is such an old topic on the w211 forum but I have to admit this is the #1 reason I ordered an 06' A8L. The SBC really put me off on MB for now. I'm sure I'll be back to it some day. I feel like my car rides like crap for $60k and it's all due to the brakes.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,794
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From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
Originally Posted by jprescott
I know this is such an old topic on the w211 forum but I have to admit this is the #1 reason I ordered an 06' A8L. The SBC really put me off on MB for now. I'm sure I'll be back to it some day. I feel like my car rides like crap for $60k and it's all due to the brakes.
I suspect the tires or the air suspension are the things that might be giving you a problem.
BTW, I'm not sure which models of the Audi have the Bosch SBC braking system so you might want to check things out.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: FL410
'05 E320 CDI, '08 BMW X5 4.8i, '11 Duramax 2500HD
I guess I'm strange, but I find nothing at all wrong with my car's SBC brakes. I am told there were problems with early implementations, but apparently they've been fixed as of 03/05 cause I find this car brakes better than even my 05 Volvo.
Also, as for ride and handling, .85 on the skid pad is better than most Audi's and the car is very sure footed and has a sure feeling at the wheel. Maybe I'm missing something again without the airmatic suspension, but I'm very satisfied.
Also, as for ride and handling, .85 on the skid pad is better than most Audi's and the car is very sure footed and has a sure feeling at the wheel. Maybe I'm missing something again without the airmatic suspension, but I'm very satisfied.
