E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

04 E-320 RED Brake warning question

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Old Jan 22, 2019 | 11:23 AM
  #1  
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From: San Diego
2004 E230
04 E-320 RED Brake warning question

I did all the pads and sensors a few months ago. And the car has been fine BUT I am starting to get the brake warning, and now im getting this red warning.
Everything is working fine, I pulled all the wheels and looked everything over. All the pads and sensors are fine. Bake pedal feels fine.

What would be the next step? I'm thinking the small battery under the hood is on its way out? Is there a way to test it at home? or do i need to take it in to a auto parts store to load test it.
Could the stupid pump be on its way out?

The brake Pedal switch?


My Girlfriend drove the car over 50 miles yesterday and she did not get the red warring. it has only turned red twice in the last two weeks.



Last edited by Jerry2197; Jan 22, 2019 at 12:06 PM.
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Old Jan 22, 2019 | 12:46 PM
  #2  
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Have dealer check SBC under extended warranty.



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Old Jan 22, 2019 | 01:37 PM
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I was going to have them check it, If its free for them to check it.
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Old Jan 23, 2019 | 09:40 PM
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2005 W211 320 CDI
SBC failing, most likely. They have checked mine, free of charge, set the appointment and that was it. I have asked for a loaner and got one. Not sure if they offer it unless you ask before.
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Old Jan 26, 2019 | 01:36 PM
  #5  
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S55
The SBC back up battery is just a motorcycle battery. Open the cover, use a multi meter check for DC Volts, should be around 12.0 or more. Also if you do the check with the car running it should show higher vintage than when checking it with the car off. If it shows the same voltage car on & car off you charging curcuit has a problem like a blown fuse.

There is also the brake switch that could be bad, check this thread:
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w211/242478-brake-visit-workshop-message-stop-light-switch-10-part-10-minute-easy-diy.html

If it's not either of those it's probably the SBC pump, supposidly the dealer is only allowed to cover The SBC if the actual pump fails, I guess there are 2 fault codes that MB covers the repair, unless this has changed since the NHTSA settlement?

Hope this helps
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Old Jan 28, 2019 | 09:26 AM
  #6  
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From: San Diego
2004 E230
Originally Posted by Cambz
The SBC back up battery is just a motorcycle battery. Open the cover, use a multi meter check for DC Volts, should be around 12.0 or more. Also if you do the check with the car running it should show higher vintage than when checking it with the car off. If it shows the same voltage car on & car off you charging curcuit has a problem like a blown fuse.

There is also the brake switch that could be bad, check this thread:
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...-easy-diy.html

If it's not either of those it's probably the SBC pump, supposidly the dealer is only allowed to cover The SBC if the actual pump fails, I guess there are 2 fault codes that MB covers the repair, unless this has changed since the NHTSA settlement?

Hope this helps
Thank you
I checked the battery this weekend It was at 12.38V So I think its good.
If the brake switch under the dash was bad would the brake lights still work? My brake lights work just fine. i have the brake warning visit work shop as soon as I get in the car. I get the red warning like every other day.
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Old Jan 28, 2019 | 09:55 AM
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Originally Posted by Jerry2197
Thank you
I checked the battery this weekend It was at 12.38V So I think its good.
If the brake switch under the dash was bad would the brake lights still work? My brake lights work just fine. i have the brake warning visit work shop as soon as I get in the car. I get the red warning like every other day.
Get the car repaired ASAP before you kill yourself and/or someone else. If you don't have the proper diagnostic tools to troubleshoot and repair, take it to someone who does. The SBC system is not your grandfather's hydraulic system; this is literally a brake-by-wire system with minimal safety backups.
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Old Feb 11, 2019 | 06:06 PM
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Originally Posted by miniion26
SBC failing, most likely. They have checked mine, free of charge, set the appointment and that was it. I have asked for a loaner and got one. Not sure if they offer it unless you ask before.
I'm scheduled to bring my 03 in this weekend. I've already requested a loaner, so I'm happy they offer that service. 1. Do they charge your credit card any sort of deposit? 2. How long before you knew if your repair was covered? 3. did you get to keep the loaner until the replacement was taken care of?
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Old Feb 12, 2019 | 08:53 AM
  #9  
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From: Tafton,PA
2005 W211 320 CDI
They do not charge your card, as long as the repairs are limited to the SBC related issue, and covered as well. In my case, I rolled with the car in and they did a diagnosis for about 45 min. Then we rescheduled for a week later. No credit card needed at any time.
It was at that point that I have asked for a loaner, and got it, but they never offered.
I kept the loaner for 2 days, since I could not get back in time to the dealership. No issue there.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
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Old Feb 12, 2019 | 08:56 AM
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Originally Posted by bbirdwell
Get the car repaired ASAP before you kill yourself and/or someone else. If you don't have the proper diagnostic tools to troubleshoot and repair, take it to someone who does. The SBC system is not your grandfather's hydraulic system; this is literally a brake-by-wire system with minimal safety backups.
I cannot stress how right birdwell is. My car got the warning as I was backing out my driveway into steady traffic. I barely stopped before rolling out onto the street. After I have caught my breath, I did restart it, checked if everything was ok
and drove STRAIGHT to the stealership.
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Old Apr 13, 2019 | 10:37 PM
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From: San Diego
2004 E230

Loaner
Update on my car.
Finally got around to taking it to the dealership.
My 2004 E-320 is getting the SBC pump replaced under the 25 year warranty thing.
I haven't been getting the red warning,but every time I get in the car the brake warning is on in white letters in the center of the speedo.

I should be getting it back Monday.
Got a loaner car for free as well.

Last edited by Jerry2197; Apr 13, 2019 at 10:42 PM.
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Old Apr 13, 2019 | 11:44 PM
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Now that is how to take care of business! Don't fall in love with the loaner car, it has to go back.
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Old Apr 14, 2019 | 12:23 AM
  #13  
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Originally Posted by Bankroll
Now that is how to take care of business! Don't fall in love with the loaner car, it has to go back.
Lol
No. It's a nice car,but I like mine better even though mine is older.

Last edited by Jerry2197; Apr 14, 2019 at 01:36 AM.
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Old Apr 15, 2019 | 11:15 PM
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So the dealership replaced the SBC pump. But while my car was in the shop they said the battery was dead Monday morning and had to jump start the car.
Both batteries are only a year old and I've never had a problem.
Now it's got the red warning (battery visit workshop)
They said the battery control module in the trunk is bad,and want 716$ to replace it.
I'm going to look for one on eBay I guess.
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Old Apr 16, 2019 | 11:14 AM
  #15  
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Discuss attachments with service manager. If within VIN range A014562 – A418838 have dealer check VMI to see if campaign 2005060008 is applicable and has been completed, if not completed BCU software update/replacement is free. Campaign not applicable 211 up to A910647 & X199558 BCU software may simple need to be updated. Uncooperative, here are compatible replacement part #s.

Attached Files
File Type: pdf
2005060008.pdf (179.1 KB, 142 views)
File Type: pdf
54.21_155c.pdf (58.6 KB, 226 views)
File Type: pdf
Replace BCM sedan.pdf (394.5 KB, 172 views)
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Old Apr 16, 2019 | 11:47 AM
  #16  
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From: San Diego
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Originally Posted by konigstiger
Discuss attachments with service manager. If within VIN range A014562 – A418838 have dealer check VMI to see if campaign 2005060008 is applicable and has been completed, if not completed BCU software update/replacement is free. Campaign not applicable 211 up to A910647 & X199558 BCU software may simple need to be updated. Uncooperative, here are compatible replacement part #s.




Wouldn't they have checked for that? They want 700$ to fix it. I guess ill print this out and take it to the dealer and ask. Just see what happens.

I checked my VIN number and I have to recalls to do on the car.

Last edited by Jerry2197; Apr 16, 2019 at 12:25 PM.
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Old Apr 19, 2019 | 11:12 PM
  #17  
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From: San Diego
2004 E230

I got a used BCM off Flea bay 80$
Car is fixed.
I can't believe the dealership wanted 700plus dollars to replace it.
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Old Apr 20, 2019 | 11:20 AM
  #18  
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2005 W211 320 CDI
Well, that's their bread and butter. You'd be surprised how many folks are coughing up that cash when told to do so.
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Old Jul 6, 2019 | 01:04 PM
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From: USA Tennessee
2008 SL550 R230, 2004 E320 W211
@Jerry2197 Is replacing the BCM, just a simply swap? Do you need to do anything else? Any programming or just connect the replacement and go?

Lee
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Old Jul 8, 2019 | 07:02 PM
  #20  
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From: San Diego
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Originally Posted by Leej
@Jerry2197 Is replacing the BCM, just a simply swap? Do you need to do anything else? Any programming or just connect the replacement and go?

Lee

Its held on by two screws. One battery cable hooked to it and one connector.
SUPER SUPER easy, I didn't unhook the battery. Just swapped it right out. I did not need to reprogram anything.... No problems since i swapped it out. Going to put the car up for sale soon.
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