awarsoca

Sorry if this has been asked but I couldn't find it on search. This is my first MB and I've only had it since February. I'm trying to decide between two indy's on who is going to get my service business for my 06 E320 CDI. Both have 20+ years experience on MB service.

I gave them the codes for my D service at 39K. Tranny flush and brake flush are what I need them to do. One of them commented that he didn't understand why MB required the brake flush. He said there are two schools of thought on this and every time he did it at the two year interval the fluid was clean and it didn't need to be flushed. He swears that it is just another way for MB to take our money.

Thoughts?

Sportstick

Don't be taken in by his cynicism. Brake fluid is hygroscopic. As it absorbs moisture over time, it is essentially contaminated and has its boiling point reduced, which in turn, reduces its effectiveness as brake fluid. If he is looking for "dirt", he is missing the point. Regardless if MB or otherwise, replace every two years.

maxi13

I wouldn't call him cynical.
It is more of arrogance due to ignorance. He thinks he is the smartest cookie and sees conspiracy everywhere.
i wonder what is his "school of thought". Never change brake fluid on all cars? Or wait for it to get "dirty"?

awarsoca

Thanks! It sounded kind of iffy to me.

KEY08

I think the SBC extended warranty is also based upon having the fluid changed every two years. Make sure it is documented. I believe your '06 still has the SBC system.

awarsoca

it does have the SBC but I have no service records for the car prior to my purchase in February )c:

maxi13

The dealer could pull out all the service records and service campaigns performed.
Not only warranty of SBC depends on regular flashes but the proper functioning of this wonderful system.

doxland

You might take experience from me. Not sure what materials or why compared to NA vehicles; My experience has been as a MB owner continuously since 1970 through 5 different models and doubting the 2 year recommend on brake fluid service. I was determined to follow my experience with NA vehicles and change fluid only after 5 years or after a failure which I'd never had..
The result is, that I've replaced three clutch slave cylinders, and 2 master cylinders. The problem may have been made worse by living on the Pacific Coast.In the last 10 years since complying to the recommends I've lost no brake fluid associated components.
I also noted that there are shops sleeving brake hydraulic cylinders with Stainless sleeves in an attempt to avoid these troubles.
It seems that European cars have very pure iron cylinders and are truly susceptible to hygroscopic damage, whether master or slave.
I've been there and experienced the damage.
I accept the recommendation and now the Indie, as do the dealers, use a moisture testing device, to monitor for contamination and recommend a change out. They're reluctant to do a flush simply on time due to the nasty nature of brake fluids.
My experience.

awarsoca

Thanks. I opted for the flush (c;

50ae

I thought the synthetic brake fluids don't absorb water like the old types of brake fluid did?

grane

Synthetic brake fluids are not recommended for the vast majority of MBs.

Conventional brake fluid is hydroscopic/hydrophilic/whatever it attracts water hence the need for regular renewals.

Davel

That is correct, and that would be DOT 5 which is not compatible with ABS systems. DOT 4 and 3 do absorb water. When the fluid is new you can almost not see the fluid in the resevoir, and it gets darker as it absorbs water...

50ae

OK, thanks guys. I haven't changed my own brake fluid since I've owned non-air-cooled German cars so I was unaware they didn't use synthetic.

CharlyE500

Flushing brake changing every 2 years ??? you guys must be very very very rich or what ? Its recommended to change every 5 years as same as Tranny oil and coolant flush. Then at 100k do it again + plugs and belts Done ! the rest, don't replace if not broken.

bobsquad7

Here is another thought: Both of my MB's are garaged in a climate controled atmosphere & rarely see rain or any other bad weather.
I monitor the brake fluid by color, . . .as long as it remains clear & doesn't start turning yellow or brown, I don't se a need to flush at 2 year intervals. I do (however) believe 5 or 6 years would probably be appropriate, at least for my usage.

CharlyE500

+1 about 5 to 6 years. Lets say about time for all the W211 if not change yet.

vettdvr

Yes Yes Yes change brake fluid on SBC every 2 yr due to the system is open to the air on the vent and is hydorphyllic. Be sure to use the correct DOT 4+ fluid, I buy if from MB direct to be sure it is the right stuff for the SBC. Cheap insurance. If you don't do it you are really asking for trouble on the SBC system.

50ae

OK, you guys convinced me. When I get home this summer I'll have the fluid flushed when my mech does my rear brakes.