Brake Warning
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 293
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From: Austin, TX
'13 E550 W4
Brake Warning
Driving home today, I got a red warning saying "Brake Malfunction - Stop Vehicle Immediately" with a big stop sign shape in red and constant beeping noise from my car. There was also another malfunction registered for the ESP. Two malfunctions in total were indicated in the cluster gauge. I was 2 blocks from the house. I did still have stopping power, and tested the brakes carefully for those two blocks. When I arrived in my garage and stopped, the SBC pump hummed for about 2 minutes after I turned off the vehicle. I went out 3 hours later to check the malfunction messages to see if they were still there and to more accurtately report them in this post, and they were gone from the display. Anyone have this same experience?? Thoughts?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
DON'T DRIVE THE CAR.
Call Mercedes and have a tow truck pick it up. We had the same failure, ours stated SBC failure. We had a tow truck take it in and the entire SBC system had failed. MB has warrantied this for 10 years if I remember correctly and they sent a letter to the owners. I keep the letter in the car. Our SBC system was totally replaced and brake lines flushed. This was a warranty coverage for our car. If you drive you risk having no brakes. "Brake Malfunction - Stop Vehicle Immediately" Means exactly what it says.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 293
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From: Austin, TX
'13 E550 W4
I wonder why the malfunction messages would dissapear from the display. If it was still in error, wouldn't the malfunction messages still be there? I was thinking maybe the system had some pressure buildup in the lines, and when it released, the issue was gone. Thoughts?
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Oregon
Harley-Davidson
Tom, is this the same car that has already had a brake failure? I remember reading your post last fall about your "adventure" on the highway when you lost almost all of your stopping power.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
For future documentation and/or reference, you should have them list any DTCs (diagnostic trouble codes) found on the invoice or note that none were found if this is the case. Reason being, since this is the second braking issue and if a third should occur any and all documentation can and will justify a buyback stressing safety concerns.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
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From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
Tom I had total SBC failure also while driving in traffic,, fortunately we were doing 20mph and we were able to steer off the road for the high pedal longer than normal stopping distance. MB did replace the SBC components. I also kept detail records then filed a report with the NTSB for brake failure. I think this is an important part to track these failures. Jim
PS our SBC failure reset also when the key was turned off. When it was started up to ease it closer to the lift truck the sbc had reset then when the brakes were used again the SBC failure came on a second time.
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 293
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From: Austin, TX
'13 E550 W4
My first "brake" failure was not necessarily SBC, but due to BCM failure according to the dealer. When the BCM goes out, the braking system basically goes out. Also, my daughter was in the car both times, and she said this recent time, "No offense, but I'll never get a Mercedes..." She knows I love my car. Interestingly, I had an old hot rod 78 Camaro 350 and I never had brake problems. I know MB went away from SBC in the MY 07, so maybe its time to upgrade... Unfortunately, the dealer sold my dream car yesterday, a loaded black S63 from the showroom floor.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 293
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From: Austin, TX
'13 E550 W4
I saw your "for sale" post earlier, and that is a very sweet car you have. The only thing I'm struggling with now is the fact that my car is paid for free and clear. Getting into another payment isn't really an options for me at the current time. Thanks for the heads up though.
