E320 Mercedes Brake Failure WTF
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,295
Likes: 0
From: McLean, VA
S4
E320 Mercedes Brake Failure WTF
The brakes failed completely while my mother was driving.
Unbelievable.
Car is a 2003. Nobody in my family is planning on ever getting in the driver's seat of this POS again. How will mercedes handle this? 31K miles, 2nd owner.
Unbelievable.
Car is a 2003. Nobody in my family is planning on ever getting in the driver's seat of this POS again. How will mercedes handle this? 31K miles, 2nd owner.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 2
From: FL410
'05 E320 CDI, '08 BMW X5 4.8i, '11 Duramax 2500HD
Originally Posted by moa4r
The brakes failed completely while my mother was driving.
Unbelievable.
Car is a 2003. Nobody in my family is planning on ever getting in the driver's seat of this POS again. How will mercedes handle this? 31K miles, 2nd owner.
Unbelievable.
Car is a 2003. Nobody in my family is planning on ever getting in the driver's seat of this POS again. How will mercedes handle this? 31K miles, 2nd owner.
SBC? did you do the recall?
eitherway, everyone I've heard of that had it, they bought the car back..
Spartan (a cdi owner and member) had this happen, PM him.
BTW, it's a little know fact that when they fail, you still have the front brakes with out assist, so if you step on it hard, it will stop, but just will more time.. This is a bit late for your poor mom, but I hope MB starts to stress this to the future buyers of their SBC cars..
Good luck, and keep us posted.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: The OC
MY MB WAS LEMON'D
Sorry to hear that... but MB will probably ask you to bring it in... then give you some BS story and tell you it's all fixed. If at any time my car becomes a greater risk to my life, i would demand an exchange or refund. We all the know the 03' w211 has more problems than we can imagine.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,794
Likes: 3
From: Valley of the Sun, Arizona
2011 E550, 2013 GLK
If you bought it used, did you check the maintenance records on the car and/or check it's history?
Have you recently had service on the brakes? By whom? Did they bleed the brakes?
There aren't any recalls on the brakes that directly address a problem like this except that a worn pump would have been discovered as a byproduct of the recalls.
Have you recently had service on the brakes? By whom? Did they bleed the brakes?
There aren't any recalls on the brakes that directly address a problem like this except that a worn pump would have been discovered as a byproduct of the recalls.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,295
Likes: 0
From: McLean, VA
S4
All the recalls were done right when I found out about them. Nobody has touched the car since the begining of the summer when it left me stranded for 6 hours bcs of a failed starter. I bought the car used over two years ago from a very reputable dealership and checked every possible thing out on it.
Wondering what other people who had their brakes failed did...
Wondering what other people who had their brakes failed did...
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 819
Likes: 0
06 320E CDI, Porsche 911 C2, Pontiac Montana
Whatever goes wrong with the brakes, the car keeps a record of it. They will be able to tell when it happened and what failed.
When it happened to my car, they replaced it....BUT.....the car was under a year old and I am a looooong time customer. They did NOT give me a hard time. I did not take a fit at Mercedes reps although I was upset about the entire affair. The other thing was that I did NOT demand my money back or DISS the car. I told them that I really love the car (which I do) and trust Mercedes engineering (a bit less then before) but I simply did not trust THAT car anymore. Lastly, I have the resources to fight them in a protracted legal battle (and my long time salesman probably told them that) but neither they nor I ever approached if from that point. I simply asked them to do the right thing and they did it. I thanked them for it and I am still a loyal customer. However, if it happens again, it will be the end of doing business with Mercedes.
Having said all this, an MB insider that I know told me that they normally do NOT do that. They just fix it and send you on your way. As you can understand, if they are replacing cars, they would not want it to be made public.
In my opinion, what they probably do with your car is offer to fix it for free but I seriously doubt that they will replace it because it's 3 years old AND it was bought used. Then it's up to you to keep the car or sell it to someone else. On the other hand, if you sell it and someone else has the same brake failure, chances are they will sue you.
These are only my opinions and nothing more. Good luck.
When it happened to my car, they replaced it....BUT.....the car was under a year old and I am a looooong time customer. They did NOT give me a hard time. I did not take a fit at Mercedes reps although I was upset about the entire affair. The other thing was that I did NOT demand my money back or DISS the car. I told them that I really love the car (which I do) and trust Mercedes engineering (a bit less then before) but I simply did not trust THAT car anymore. Lastly, I have the resources to fight them in a protracted legal battle (and my long time salesman probably told them that) but neither they nor I ever approached if from that point. I simply asked them to do the right thing and they did it. I thanked them for it and I am still a loyal customer. However, if it happens again, it will be the end of doing business with Mercedes.
Having said all this, an MB insider that I know told me that they normally do NOT do that. They just fix it and send you on your way. As you can understand, if they are replacing cars, they would not want it to be made public.
In my opinion, what they probably do with your car is offer to fix it for free but I seriously doubt that they will replace it because it's 3 years old AND it was bought used. Then it's up to you to keep the car or sell it to someone else. On the other hand, if you sell it and someone else has the same brake failure, chances are they will sue you.
These are only my opinions and nothing more. Good luck.
Last edited by Spartan; Sep 1, 2005 at 08:03 PM.
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Bucks, PA
2003 E500 Sport, 2004 E500 Wagon
Rtfm
If you are saying you had a complete brake failure, primary and backup, then I agree there is reason for concern.
<soapbox>
Otherwise I have to take issue with the rant because guess what, things break.
I have heard the same complaint from people about a standard brake system when the engine dies and they have no power assist (and no power steering).
I have had that happen in a 4500lb car before and I agree it is no fun (trust me, the system was nothing compared to what is available in just the fron brakes of the E ....drums in the rear, 10" front rotors, single pot calipers).
I understand your frustration, and I would likely give my service manager hell unless he could tell me exactly why it failed but the reality is the system is designed and built by humans and still a $.05 component can take it out.
Sorry you caught me on a bad morning, if you are still concerned, I seriously suggest you chill, go buy an Acura or Lexus for a false sense of security and let the rest of us continue to enjoy a car with personality.
Again, sorry for my own rant.
</soapbox>
<soapbox>
Otherwise I have to take issue with the rant because guess what, things break.
I have heard the same complaint from people about a standard brake system when the engine dies and they have no power assist (and no power steering). I have had that happen in a 4500lb car before and I agree it is no fun (trust me, the system was nothing compared to what is available in just the fron brakes of the E ....drums in the rear, 10" front rotors, single pot calipers).
I understand your frustration, and I would likely give my service manager hell unless he could tell me exactly why it failed but the reality is the system is designed and built by humans and still a $.05 component can take it out.
Sorry you caught me on a bad morning, if you are still concerned, I seriously suggest you chill, go buy an Acura or Lexus for a false sense of security and let the rest of us continue to enjoy a car with personality.
Again, sorry for my own rant.
</soapbox>
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,295
Likes: 0
From: McLean, VA
S4
Originally Posted by Spartan
Whatever goes wrong with the brakes, the car keeps a record of it. They will be able to tell when it happened and what failed.
When it happened to my car, they replaced it....BUT.....the car was under a year old and I am a looooong time customer. They did NOT give me a hard time. I did not take a fit at Mercedes reps although I was upset about the entire affair. The other thing was that I did NOT demand my money back or DISS the car. I told them that I really love the car (which I do) and trust Mercedes engineering (a bit less then before) but I simply did not trust THAT car anymore. Lastly, I have the resources to fight them in a protracted legal battle (and my long time salesman probably told them that) but neither they nor I ever approached if from that point. I simply asked them to do the right thing and they did it. I thanked them for it and I am still a loyal customer. However, if it happens again, it will be the end of doing business with Mercedes.
Having said all this, an MB insider that I know told me that they normally do NOT do that. They just fix it and send you on your way. As you can understand, if they are replacing cars, they would not want it to be made public.
In my opinion, what they probably do with your car is offer to fix it for free but I seriously doubt that they will replace it because it's 3 years old AND it was bought used. Then it's up to you to keep the car or sell it to someone else. On the other hand, if you sell it and someone else has the same brake failure, chances are they will sue you.
These are only my opinions and nothing more. Good luck.
When it happened to my car, they replaced it....BUT.....the car was under a year old and I am a looooong time customer. They did NOT give me a hard time. I did not take a fit at Mercedes reps although I was upset about the entire affair. The other thing was that I did NOT demand my money back or DISS the car. I told them that I really love the car (which I do) and trust Mercedes engineering (a bit less then before) but I simply did not trust THAT car anymore. Lastly, I have the resources to fight them in a protracted legal battle (and my long time salesman probably told them that) but neither they nor I ever approached if from that point. I simply asked them to do the right thing and they did it. I thanked them for it and I am still a loyal customer. However, if it happens again, it will be the end of doing business with Mercedes.
Having said all this, an MB insider that I know told me that they normally do NOT do that. They just fix it and send you on your way. As you can understand, if they are replacing cars, they would not want it to be made public.
In my opinion, what they probably do with your car is offer to fix it for free but I seriously doubt that they will replace it because it's 3 years old AND it was bought used. Then it's up to you to keep the car or sell it to someone else. On the other hand, if you sell it and someone else has the same brake failure, chances are they will sue you.
These are only my opinions and nothing more. Good luck.
The car is at the dealer now, but I have yet to speak to the service advisor or mbusa about this.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 274
Likes: 2
From: Georgia, USA
Honda Accord
moa4r, file a complaint with NHTSA. If there is a systemic problem, enough complaints will come in to warrant an action by NHTSA.
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/
William
2003 E 320
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/
William
2003 E 320
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,143
Likes: 1
From: South Orange County, CA
4 wheels
The brakes werent designed by Mercedes solely. Bosch was the key player in SBC. I am sure its a simple fix that your dealer will be able to perform, I hope the tech who did the recall did it correctly and replaced the brake fluid if needed by the Recall.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 819
Likes: 0
06 320E CDI, Porsche 911 C2, Pontiac Montana
Originally Posted by Benz-E-r
If you are saying you had a complete brake failure, primary and backup, then I agree there is reason for concern.
<soapbox>
Otherwise I have to take issue with the rant because guess what, things break. I have heard the same complaint from people about a standard brake system when the engine dies and they have no power assist (and no power steering).
I have had that happen in a 4500lb car before and I agree it is no fun (trust me, the system was nothing compared to what is available in just the fron brakes of the E ....drums in the rear, 10" front rotors, single pot calipers).
I understand your frustration, and I would likely give my service manager hell unless he could tell me exactly why it failed but the reality is the system is designed and built by humans and still a $.05 component can take it out.
Sorry you caught me on a bad morning, if you are still concerned, I seriously suggest you chill, go buy an Acura or Lexus for a false sense of security and let the rest of us continue to enjoy a car with personality.
Again, sorry for my own rant.
</soapbox>
<soapbox>
Otherwise I have to take issue with the rant because guess what, things break.
I have heard the same complaint from people about a standard brake system when the engine dies and they have no power assist (and no power steering). I have had that happen in a 4500lb car before and I agree it is no fun (trust me, the system was nothing compared to what is available in just the fron brakes of the E ....drums in the rear, 10" front rotors, single pot calipers).
I understand your frustration, and I would likely give my service manager hell unless he could tell me exactly why it failed but the reality is the system is designed and built by humans and still a $.05 component can take it out.
Sorry you caught me on a bad morning, if you are still concerned, I seriously suggest you chill, go buy an Acura or Lexus for a false sense of security and let the rest of us continue to enjoy a car with personality.
Again, sorry for my own rant.
</soapbox>
Lastly, MB if FULLY aware of the problem that is why they are changing them back to a conventional system for the new E.
Last edited by Spartan; Sep 2, 2005 at 10:39 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 819
Likes: 0
06 320E CDI, Porsche 911 C2, Pontiac Montana
Originally Posted by moa4r
Thanks. I doubt they will buy the car back either. By your rationale, I can sue the dealership I bought the car from, which I am not doing.
The car is at the dealer now, but I have yet to speak to the service advisor or mbusa about this.
The car is at the dealer now, but I have yet to speak to the service advisor or mbusa about this.
IF the car had a previous brake failure then you have a slam dunk case against the dealer. Do you have the cars service history? Fighting Mercedes would be a bit more difficult. They can easily claim that the car could have been serviced by outside parties.
In my case, the car was bought from them and it was serviced at HALF the recommended service intervals. It's was hard for them to argue on any basis.
Hold your cool, don't take a 'no' for an answer and good luck.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 819
Likes: 0
06 320E CDI, Porsche 911 C2, Pontiac Montana
Originally Posted by MB Fanatic
The brakes werent designed by Mercedes solely. Bosch was the key player in SBC. I am sure its a simple fix that your dealer will be able to perform, I hope the tech who did the recall did it correctly and replaced the brake fluid if needed by the Recall.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2003 E320 mercedes brake failure!!
I bought this car in 07 with 65,000 miles A good deal. Fine car! HOWEVER...Today while driving to work a red brake failure warning...flashes across the screen and my car would not stop!!! I am rolling across a small country rd bridge and thankfully am at the bottom of a steep hill. The brake pedal just flopped..NOTHING.. I managed to get it into park and get out with the car still running!!!
Ive had it towed two hours away...While waiting on my husband to get home to go the dealership with me, I located about 3 recalls on this model..
QUESTION... What responsibility does this used import car dealer have to me as a customer? They are consulting the mercedes dealership to see if it is indeed an issue with a brake/hydraulics recall..I dont want to deive this car again..I owe some money on it. What could I insist they do???
Ive had it towed two hours away...While waiting on my husband to get home to go the dealership with me, I located about 3 recalls on this model..
QUESTION... What responsibility does this used import car dealer have to me as a customer? They are consulting the mercedes dealership to see if it is indeed an issue with a brake/hydraulics recall..I dont want to deive this car again..I owe some money on it. What could I insist they do???
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 4
From: Santa Ana, CA
E320CDI, CLK55, and a Smart
I've heard that it isn't so much the SBC pump failing, but actually a internal cycle counter that sets off the red sirens. After 300,000 pump cycles the SBC unit stops working. It doesn't mean it's broken, its just met its end of service life. I've heard different stories about dealers replacing them, or inspecting them and resetting the counter again.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 242
From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
Mercedes has extended the warranty to 10 years for the SBC pump.
You really want no one but a Mercedes dealer working on this.
Stuff happens and there are a million extenuating circumstances possible. It's yet another example of why you CANNOT live without your make car's dealer and why you should have them do regular work for you--when you do, they'll treat you right.
I once had complete brake failure on a new 1983 BMW 5 series. It happens. You can be as mad a Mercedes as you want but your next car won't be as good unless it's another one.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
moa4r, file a complaint with NHTSA. If there is a systemic problem, enough complaints will come in to warrant an action by NHTSA.
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/
William
2003 E 320
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/
William
2003 E 320
further recall/safety issues.
If you feel you had a safety issue file the report that is what the DOT needs to make decisions.
Newbie
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2003 e320
2003 SBC Issue uncovered!
I just bought a 2003 E320 and now have a "brake light visit shop light on my dash" i brought it to my local MB dealership, where i learned of this SBC issue and the recall, they told me that may car is 6 months out of the extended warranty to cover the fix, and that it will cost me $1998.46 to have the repair!!! can anyone help me with an avenue I might be able to take with the factory? or factory district service manager? anyone else find themselves in this situation? Im in the greater Los Angeles Ca. area. the local dealer is a Penske owned dealership
Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 244
Likes: 4
From: PA, USA
2004 E320 4matic Sedan
Yes, you are outside the 10 year warranty, however....
I just bought a 2003 E320 and now have a "brake light visit shop light on my dash" i brought it to my local MB dealership, where i learned of this SBC issue and the recall, they told me that may car is 6 months out of the extended warranty to cover the fix, and that it will cost me $1998.46 to have the repair!!! can anyone help me with an avenue I might be able to take with the factory? or factory district service manager? anyone else find themselves in this situation? Im in the greater Los Angeles Ca. area. the local dealer is a Penske owned dealership
Did the MB dealer actually state that they diagnosed the problem and what the problem is? Yes, the SBC unit is notorious. That is not the same as saying yours is broken. Ask them to tell you exactly what is wrong with it. The light on the dash is not quite the same as "it's toast". That message can come up or several reasons, some of them resolved by a software fix. (It is of course entirely possible that the system does need the repair they say it needs.)
As for your question about whether MB USA will help, you are one of the first for whom the vehicle has now hit 10 years of age. I anticipate MB USA will hold their ground and say no to your request. So, if the work really needs to be done, try to get the seller of the car to pay some of it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
moa4r, file a complaint with NHTSA. If there is a systemic problem, enough complaints will come in to warrant an action by NHTSA.
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/
William
2003 E 320
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/
William
2003 E 320
Do as moa4r said file a complaint with NTSB for your own safety. These SBC brakes can fail any time with no warning. This is much worse than engine dying. You are out of warranty so don't expect any $$ from MB. FWIW.. I sold my MB and won't buy another after all the issues I had with my E500 2003
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Mercedes E320
Mercedes E320 brake failure
Brakes on my 2003 E320 completely failed yesterday 2 Jan. Life threatening event. Lucky to escape with our lives. Mercedes quotes £1500 to replace pump. They refuse to take any responsibility. A complete recall is necessary. Wonder how many killed or seriously injured.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
And this is the exact reason I got rid of my MB and brought another with another company. This system should have never been used on a car for quality and safety issues. This one system cost me as a repeat customer.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
2013 450 gl
Another lost customer
What else would you expect from Mercedes Benz E 320 's. All these scumbags care about are their Profits. If you think they care about your SAFETY.. Guess again.
Hit them where it hurts on Social Media
Here is a link to their Youtube Account Tell them how you feel in the comments section or the dealers FAcebook/yelp accounts.
Hit them where it hurts on Social Media
Here is a link to their Youtube Account Tell them how you feel in the comments section or the dealers FAcebook/yelp accounts.
