Sensotronic reset for past warranty SBCs
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 8
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From: Southern California
W211 - 2004 e320 base wagon/estate
Sensotronic reset for past warranty SBCs
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
[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
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
W211 - 2004 e320 base wagon/estate
If I knew then what I know now...
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.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 8
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From: Southern California
W211 - 2004 e320 base wagon/estate
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. 
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
10 years from initial factory warranty start date see addendum here https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ml#post3346369
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 8
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From: Southern California
W211 - 2004 e320 base wagon/estate
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).
Last edited by reemhcs; Mar 8, 2015 at 06:30 PM.
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2004 E55
Member
Joined: Nov 2013
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2006 E320 CDI
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
John
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From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
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
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From: Mercedes-City, Germany
E55 AMG (W211)
www.****************
San Diego, CA
San Diego, CA
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
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
[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
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.
