Does anyone know where I can get my (SBC) pump cleared/reset in Southern California?
[It is now at the 10 year mark where MB no longer warranties or replaces these systems so I'm starting a new thread those not interested in replacing functioning systems. The replacements from MB are remanufactured anyway.]

My 2004 e320 Sensotronic Brake Control system has the "Service Brake - visit workshop" light and I am told by the local MB stealer/dealer that at 113,000 miles the dreaded "C249f"code (A7n/3) pops up when you depress the pedal 300,000 times. Which in USA says you have to replace the unit which I was quoted cost about $2500.00. Even if it is functioning fine. I was aware of this SBC life expectancy last year, when a component of the system failed before the 10 year warranty expired but the dealer said the reservoir was not covered (~$1000). Funny how in their service manual there was no mention of this automatic built-in sacraficial part that would need to be replaced (like a timing belt).

I have found that in United Kingdom they can check the pump and if it checks out okay they reset the counter on the pump.

http://www.mercedesw211r230sbcfaultc249frepair.co.uk/
http://www.mercedes-diagnostics.co.u...SBCRepair.aspx


Tools on eBay offer to reset the fault code, but since it goes thru the OBD it probably only clears the code and does not reset or clear the SBC pump counter. So it comes back

 

Subscribed. At 71k on my '05, I don't have any issues yet so when they do come up it will be out of warranty.

 

If I knew then what I know now, I'd go out to the garage and spend an hour every evening with a good book and depress the brake pedal as many times as I could to trip that 300,000 threshold before the 10 year warranty expires. It is an artificial threshold created by MB because they are not sure either, so you have to play by their rules or pay >$2500 to replace a good part that has not yet failed. I have since spoken with a couple shops here in SoCal that said a few of their customers have driven their cars for a couple years past the c249 fault light appears with no failures, waiting for the day when it does fail and they need to resort to the diminished braking ability.

 

My other concern, is that once one of the ace mechanics crack open a such temperamental working system and starts replacing things using remanufactured parts, it may not function as well.

 

Is the 10 year warranty based on manufactured date or model year?

 

10 years from initial factory warranty start date see addendum here https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ml#post3346369

 

The 10 year clock starts ticking from the date it was initially sold new and put into service. So if you bought it new in October 2004, even tho' it was a 2005 model, you have past the warranty period as of today (3/8/2015).

 

Shoot, mine was registered originally on 9/30/04. Looks like I'm SOL on warranty, correct?

 

if you took physical ownership from the dealer on that date, then you get 10 years and youre out. you would be out in this case.

 

Set aside $2500 now for when that preprogrammed light clicks on.

 

Hopefully I've got a few years left in it, I'm currently at 71k and do 98% highway driving. Given average driving conditions, how many miles does 300,000 cycles typically relate to?

 

Your dealer's prices are quite high. My MB just quoted 3.3hrs labor at $118/hr plus $1280 for the part. If I purchase the control module from this MB dealer, http://huskerparts.com/parts/2006/Me...&siteid=215771, mine will install it. The SA said they might match price.

John

 

FWIW, my car, with ~86,000 miles, had 216,7xx actuations on it. The actuations are not just from the brake pedal, the solenoids also activate anytime the ESP engages.


Reset at your own risk and remember you are risking not just yours but others' lives and limbs. Replacing the SBC with a Bosch remanufactured unit is not much more than a new set of tires!
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...ml#post6280266

 

How were you able to determine the number of activations?

 

www.****************
San Diego, CA

 

Did you check this thread?

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...xperience.html

It seems like that one is supposed to reset the counter not just clear the code. I believe even Star goes through the OBD port so just because something goes through the OBD port doesn't mean that it can't access other sub systems.