E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

brake fluid MESSAGE. Easy to fix?

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Old 03-20-2006, 02:30 PM
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'03 E500
brake fluid MESSAGE. Easy to fix?

My console says BRAKE FLUID: see workshop or something like that. Is this something I can fix myself? I don't know much about brakes so if anyone can verify if I could fix this myself, I'd appreciate it. I dislike the service of the dealer I go to and don't trust any mechanics in my area.

I live in 562 so cali. If I need a mechanic, anybody know any trustworthy ones? Thanks.
Old 03-20-2006, 02:47 PM
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2004 E320
Maybe you're just low on brake fluid? Check the brake reservoir.
Old 03-20-2006, 02:49 PM
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03 E320 -wife's car now; 07 Porsche Boxster S - my toy
checking brake fluid

If the brake fluid level in the resevoir is slightly low, then you can add DOT 4+ type fluid. If the fluid is very low, then there's a leak somewhere and you will need a pro to check it out. For starters, look around the resevoir and then around the SBC unit to check for obvious leaks. Good luck!

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paul...
Old 03-20-2006, 03:12 PM
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Its big and Grey!
agree with the 2 above posts!
Old 03-20-2006, 03:13 PM
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E500 Sport
are you still under warranty? If so, bring your car in!
Old 03-20-2006, 04:14 PM
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2003 E500, 2004 G35X
Normally the brake fluid does not drop that much. Usually there is a very gradual reduction in brake fluid level due to the brake pads wear. Check the brake fluid level. If it is at or below the minimum level, add to the maximum level and check it about 2-3 times a week for a few weeks to see any decrease. If there is a decrease, then there is a leak in the system(check your garage floor), and you will need service. If your warranty is good, take it to the dealer. Hope there is no leak!
Old 03-20-2006, 04:47 PM
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'03 E500
Thanks for the help. I'll look into it asap. But i read on another forum that I should top off the fluid? Can anyone confirm?
Old 03-20-2006, 05:01 PM
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209/W210 Estate /W211 modded by MBENZNL
Inspect The Brake Pads...How many Miles on the Car?
Sounds Like Worn Brake pads....
If The Pads are Low..I Would recommend to replace the worn pads with a Aftermarket Brake Pad..Less DUST...Better Wear!
Also I Would Flush the brake fluid..since that your car is a 2003
Good Idea to replace the brake fluid every Two years..

Do a search..several threads on How To Replace Brake pads on a SBC car
Old 03-20-2006, 06:05 PM
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Thanks Mark,I'll check out everything you mentioned.
Old 03-22-2006, 09:38 PM
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'03 E500
is this where to check for brake fluid? I cannot find where it is. HEEELPP!!!!
Attached Thumbnails brake fluid MESSAGE. Easy to fix?-engine2.jpg  
Old 03-22-2006, 10:55 PM
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What you circled is the power steering reservoir. I made an arrow pointing to the brake reservoir. You should see lines on the white plastic indicating full or low. To add fluid, just removed that funky black cap by pulling up on it. Then you should see another cap that you could unscrew...then add brake fluid accordingly.

brake fluid MESSAGE. Easy to fix?-engine2.jpg

Last edited by W211 Ryda; 03-22-2006 at 10:57 PM.
Old 03-22-2006, 10:59 PM
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schweeeeeeeeeeet dude..im' gonna take care of that mess right now.
Old 03-22-2006, 11:03 PM
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Also check page 279 in your owners manual (hoping you have the same manual). It should show you the other reservoirs like your coolant and windshield washer fluid.
Old 03-24-2006, 10:18 AM
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03 Eclass, 03 BMW 06 Porsche Cayman S, 03 Harley Davidson "bored & stroked"
Should never add brake fluid. There are only 2 reasons that it is low, 1) brake pads are wearing down; 2) there is a leak. If its the pads, once new pads are installed the level will return to the correct measure. If not the pads have the shop look for the leak...

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