SL/R230: Should I change brakes myself Sl500 2003

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Oct 9, 2010 | 07:03 AM

#26

Late

Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 269

Likes: 4

From: New York

03 SL500(Sold), 09 C300, 11 E550

I asked the same question but never got an answer... Just unplug the battery in the trunk and you will be fine.

Jan 4, 2012 | 01:38 PM

#27

aphklb

Newbie

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 1

Likes: 0

2004 sl500

I would certainly appreciate it if you could send me your documentation

Jan 4, 2012 | 02:44 PM

#28

Jezza

Member

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 121

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From: Oxford, England

S430, SL500

Just unplug the consumer battery, you dont need to do anything else. You can re-use the sensors if they have not already worn through, its likely only one has actually gone through.

Jan 9, 2012 | 03:48 AM

#29

Richard

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 1,148

Likes: 16

From: Berkshire, UK

2004 SL55, 2015 A250d, 2016 GLC250d

Quote:

Huh? Nothing I have ever read says you need a star diag to do brake pads.

I think the official line is you use Star Diag to turn off the SBC 'prime' function whilst changing the pads. The other way (most) people do it is to disconnect the connector on the SBC pump so it has no power and can not operate. You hear the priming sometimes when you unlock/open the drivers door.

****WARNING*****

If you do not disable the SBC it can prime itself whilst you are working on the brake pads, this will cause the brake pads to move in AND CHOP OFF YOUR FINGERS

****WARNING*****

Jan 9, 2012 | 03:53 AM

#30

Richard

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 1,148

Likes: 16

From: Berkshire, UK

2004 SL55, 2015 A250d, 2016 GLC250d

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jezza

Just unplug the consumer battery, you dont need to do anything else. You can re-use the sensors if they have not already worn through, its likely only one has actually gone through.

Please dont just unplug the consumer battery.

The consumer battery and the battery under the bonnet are connected via the battery control module so if you don't disconnect both power can make it to the SBC, and your fingers are worth more than that risk.
SBC is a critical function and it will work 100% with a flat consumer battery - this means power will quite hapilly be fed from the starter battery.

Also sensors are cheap (certainly not $12 here in Europe) and its easy to change them while apart - we're not talking very often here (i.e much expense really considering how much fuel the SL500 will use!!) and in terms of labour its easy to do them whilst its apart.

R

Jun 26, 2015 | 09:12 PM

#31

bhumerang

Newbie

Joined: May 2014

Posts: 3

Likes: 0

2003 SL500

Unplugging SBC

Quote:

Originally Posted by leebobo

I just replaced my 2003 SL500 rear brake pads. If you need photos, please let me know.

Just wondering how you disabled the SBC to work on the brakes? Is it as simple as unplugging it and then plugging back in after you're done? If so, does that leave any codes after?

Thanks, Ed

Jun 26, 2015 | 09:40 PM

#32

cadbob

Member

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 151

Likes: 6

From: Central Mass

2003 SL500, 2016 F250, 2017 Jeep Renegade

Dont Unplug it. Just Hide your remote key and dont open any doors while doing break job.

Jun 27, 2015 | 09:54 AM

#33

stykshooter

Junior Member

Joined: May 2014

Posts: 58

Likes: 3

From: South Beach & Texas

SL 600

Four ways to disable that I know of I'm sure someone will mention other ways. 1. disconnect consumer battery 2. Unplug SBC, see link below 3. Keep your keys away from the car 4. Star Diag to turn off the SBC

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Jun 28, 2015 | 09:13 AM

#34

mkirincic

Junior Member

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 65

Likes: 1

From: Houston, TX

2003 SL500, 1998 E320 Wagon

Quote:

Originally Posted by stykshooter

I would not mess around with the SBC connector. If you want to feel safe disconnect the batteries. I did this when I replaced my pads and no issues.

it is a relatively easy job to replace the pads.

Jan 27, 2020 | 02:36 PM

#35

850csi

Member

Joined: Dec 2018

Posts: 172

Likes: 17

--sold Sl55--

Guys, I have a really dumb question. I have the “brake wear” message in my car. I can see visually that the rear pads are just about finished (and so presumably it’s the rear left sensor that is tripping), but is there a method of seeing which sensor is going off electronically? Other than STAR?

Jan 27, 2020 | 04:34 PM

#36

sean65

Member

Joined: Sep 2013

Posts: 157

Likes: 33

From: Walpole, MA USA

2004 SL500

I may be over simplifying, but can't you just have a look at the sensor to see if which one is broken? If you can visually inspect the brake pads in the rear, and they're done, then that's obvious. If you can't inspect the front pads, can you pull the sensor to see if it's broken?

Jan 27, 2020 | 10:19 PM

#37

Speed750

Member

Joined: Sep 2019

Posts: 77

Likes: 10

2005 SL500

I just did all 4 corners on the cheap. All you need is 2 sensors and they are cheap like $3 each on Rock auto.

Jan 28, 2020 | 08:22 AM

#38

Ivan750

Member

Joined: Jul 2019

Posts: 127

Likes: 12

Mercedes SL r230

Quote:

Originally Posted by leebobo

I just replaced my 2003 SL500 rear brake pads. If you need photos, please let me know.

Hi, I want to change the rear brake pads of my car, please can you send me photos and explain how you have changed the brake pads to your SL. thanks.

ivan750cc@hotmail.com

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