SL/R230: Recall on SL Just Received
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Newbie
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 14
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From: Salt Lake City
04 SL500/07Corvette
Recall on SL Just Received
I just received my recall notice on the SL Sensotronic Brake Control. It's Safety Recall #2004 050014. The notice indicates that dealers have a software upgrade that corrects the problem. The problem is identified as "in certain instances the pump motor may run out of permissible tolerances, thereby triggering the hydralic backup function mode". Sounds to me like the "2 hour" software upgrade must increase the permissible tolerance. It certainly does not indicate a pump replacement.
For those interested, my SL500 was manufactured in the 3rd week of February, 2004 and delivered to me at the end of March. It presently has 1900 miles on it and is in storage until next April.
So much for no American recall of this vehicle.
For those interested, my SL500 was manufactured in the 3rd week of February, 2004 and delivered to me at the end of March. It presently has 1900 miles on it and is in storage until next April.
So much for no American recall of this vehicle.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 271
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From: West Toluca Lake, CA.
2004 SL55 AMG
I asked my SA at Keyes European here in Sherman Oaks, CA.. He did not find anything on his system for my 2004 SL55 AMG just last month. Is this TSB just for the SL500s? If someone who has the recall notice could comment, I 'd greatly aaaapreciate it!
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 299
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From: Atlanta, GA
1988 560SL (sold); 2001 E430 (sold); 2004 SL500; 2009 CL550
Got my recall letter yesterday too. My build date was the third decade of January '04. Already scheduled the car for the software upgrade...
while the letter says that it only takes 2 hours, my service advisor - whom I have yet to find being wrong - says that the SL's take closer to 5 hours to complete the upgrade...When I jokingly said "but the letter says 2 hours" she replied "yeah, right, you hang out and wait for it then.." Somehow, I'm believing her.
while the letter says that it only takes 2 hours, my service advisor - whom I have yet to find being wrong - says that the SL's take closer to 5 hours to complete the upgrade...When I jokingly said "but the letter says 2 hours" she replied "yeah, right, you hang out and wait for it then.." Somehow, I'm believing her.
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Joined: Jul 2004
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I just had the recall done on my 04 SL600. The service advisor said that it might take 3 hours but they finished the job in about 2 hours. Service rep said that the mechs are getting better at doing the recall as they have done quite a few now. So, depending on the mechanics experiance with the recall times will vary.
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Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 129
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From: State College, pennsylvania
2007 CLS550 (White w/black interior);2008 smart CABRIO
SL 500 Brake System Recall ---
I've just received my SL 500 recall letter, and have scheduled work. My car was mfg in 02/2002; delivered - Launch Edition - in early March 2002.
Have had not braking system problems - almost 32 months old, used every day--in winter and summer- 34,000+ miles.
GIFF ALBRIGHT, State College, PA gha1@psu.edu
Have had not braking system problems - almost 32 months old, used every day--in winter and summer- 34,000+ miles.
GIFF ALBRIGHT, State College, PA gha1@psu.edu
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,447
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From: UK
SL55 AMG
My SL55 is Sept 2002 and the recall was done along with some other warranty work. It was said the problem occurred after 100000 depressions of the brake pedal but that could be idle gossip. The recall involves updating the firmware of the SBC control unit which is a realtively slow procedure.
BTW, if you have a car as old as mine, investigate the possibilty of installing a retro-fit upgrade to the SBC - a brake line modulator transforms the brakes from "dreadful" to pretty much "OK". The improvement in low speed braking performance is very clear. If you lean on the dealer, they will do it free of charge.
BTW, if you have a car as old as mine, investigate the possibilty of installing a retro-fit upgrade to the SBC - a brake line modulator transforms the brakes from "dreadful" to pretty much "OK". The improvement in low speed braking performance is very clear. If you lean on the dealer, they will do it free of charge.
Last edited by blueSL; Oct 30, 2004 at 10:42 AM.
Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 170
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
2003 SL500
Originally Posted by blueSL
BTW, if you have a car as old as mine, investigate the possibilty of installing a retro-fit upgrade to the SBC - a brake line modulator transforms the brakes from "dreadful" to pretty much "OK". The improvement in low speed braking performance is very clear. If you lean on the dealer, they will do it free of charge.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 271
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From: West Toluca Lake, CA.
2004 SL55 AMG
Hey blueSL:
Thanks for the tip as I would like further information on the brake-line modulator.
Did the 2004 SL55s have it upgraded as an improvement over the 2003s? I thought that the SL55s also have a different tuning of the SBC by AMG.
Your insights are greatly appreciated as always!
Thanks for the tip as I would like further information on the brake-line modulator.
Did the 2004 SL55s have it upgraded as an improvement over the 2003s? I thought that the SL55s also have a different tuning of the SBC by AMG.
Your insights are greatly appreciated as always!
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,447
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From: UK
SL55 AMG
Before the modification, the brakes felt over-servoed - the braking force applied was out of all proportion to what I needed and was asking for by pressing the pedal. This was most noticeable when braking to a halt and especially from slow speeds. The car would lurch backwards and forwards just as it would if you deliberately braked too hard. There were also noises from the brakes which sounded as if the calipers were loose.
Now, the braking is much improved and the car can be braked much more smoothly. There's still the artificial feel of course but overall they are much better.
I believe MY 2004 cars and beyond had a comprehensive makeover of the braking system which was not retro-fittable to earlier cars. Whether this modfication is one part of that package which could be, I do not know, but it's definitely worth complaining long and hard to the dealer about the brakes and getting it done.
AMG cars may have a different brake tuning, but this modification is to the basic hydraulics of the braking system. The service rep was characteristically vague about what it involved but I get the impression it's some sort of pressure regulator.
Now, the braking is much improved and the car can be braked much more smoothly. There's still the artificial feel of course but overall they are much better.
I believe MY 2004 cars and beyond had a comprehensive makeover of the braking system which was not retro-fittable to earlier cars. Whether this modfication is one part of that package which could be, I do not know, but it's definitely worth complaining long and hard to the dealer about the brakes and getting it done.
AMG cars may have a different brake tuning, but this modification is to the basic hydraulics of the braking system. The service rep was characteristically vague about what it involved but I get the impression it's some sort of pressure regulator.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 298
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From: Boston
SL600, A8L W12, Continental GT, Range Rover SC
I’ve received the letter, but haven’t had the recall work done yet. Question to anyone with an 04 model who’s had the work done: is there any difference in the feel or performance of the brakes afterward?
Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 129
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From: State College, pennsylvania
2007 CLS550 (White w/black interior);2008 smart CABRIO
SL 500 brakes AFTER servicing--
My car is at the local MB Dealership now--I'll be picking it up Monday, and will let you know if I note any difference. I have a Launch Edition (mfg 02/02) 2003 SL 500, and NEVER ever had any brake problems - 35,000 miles now.
Giff Albright gha1@psu.edu State College, PA
Giff Albright gha1@psu.edu State College, PA
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 333
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From: South Florida
I had my recall done when I installed my Satellite Radio last week. Before the recall, I didn't feel anything noticable in my brake pedal nor in braking.
After the recall was performed, I noticed the brake pedal was much firmer and more positive. The pads also seemed to grab a little quicker and didn't release as smoothly as before. I asked the Service Rep if I would know or feel if I was running on hydrolic brakes before the recall and he didn't think I'd feel any difference. There is also no way to know if the SBC brakes were failing and were now using the hydrolics for back up...interesting.
After the recall was performed, I noticed the brake pedal was much firmer and more positive. The pads also seemed to grab a little quicker and didn't release as smoothly as before. I asked the Service Rep if I would know or feel if I was running on hydrolic brakes before the recall and he didn't think I'd feel any difference. There is also no way to know if the SBC brakes were failing and were now using the hydrolics for back up...interesting.
Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 129
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From: State College, pennsylvania
2007 CLS550 (White w/black interior);2008 smart CABRIO
SL 500 Brake System Recall ---
NOTE a few posts above--Well, I have picked up my car from the MB Service Garage today, and I find absolutely no change whatsoever in the brake pedal "feeling" and response--
GIFF Albright gha1@psu.edu
GIFF Albright gha1@psu.edu
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,447
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From: UK
SL55 AMG
Originally Posted by giffSCPA
NOTE a few posts above--Well, I have picked up my car from the MB Service Garage today, and I find absolutely no change whatsoever in the brake pedal "feeling" and response--
GIFF Albright gha1@psu.edu
GIFF Albright gha1@psu.edu
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,111
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From: Memphis
SL500 and A-CLASS
My brakes are back to normal. 
I took my car to another dealer last month to check my brakes, and they seem to be better now. Does not make sense because both dealers said the brakes are fine.
After I got my SBC upgrade, the brake pedal would be firm until it reaches a certain point and go soft to the floor real easy and get firm again.
Now they are firm all the way to the floor. I just love how things magical fix themselves. I am just puzzle because in the past both dealers said there was nothing wrong with my brakes.
I took my car to another dealer last month to check my brakes, and they seem to be better now. Does not make sense because both dealers said the brakes are fine.
After I got my SBC upgrade, the brake pedal would be firm until it reaches a certain point and go soft to the floor real easy and get firm again.
Now they are firm all the way to the floor. I just love how things magical fix themselves. I am just puzzle because in the past both dealers said there was nothing wrong with my brakes.
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 14
From: UK
SL55 AMG
I think it's in your imagination... the braking recall was a software change to prevent a counter of the number of brake applications kept in the control unit from overflowing. Nothing to do with the brake pedal feel which actually has little to do with the braking system. In normal operation, the resistance you feel on the pedal comes from a couple of springs and a conical shaped rubber bung. Completely artificial, the braking equivalent of junk food.
