Hello all,
My wife has an 2004 SL500, and the dash has the beautiful red glow is coming from the dash, BRAKE, may need increased distance to sop message is on. We have done the turn on and off, still there, no loss in braking power of any kind, no leaks reservoir is at max, and no code. We replaced the accessory battery in the trunk and it still is on. Would really appreciate some insight as to what it may be, a wheel speed or ABS sensor. Any help would be greatly appreciated

Thanks
Jason

Have it checked out. That warning may indicate low brake fluid or malfunctioning brake booster. For moderate braking you may not notice any issue initially, but if your wife gets into an emergency braking situation things may not turn out well for her.

Yes not advisable to drive it at all with that warning. You will go from brakes to no brakes into something until the car stops. There is an extended warranty on some of the SBC parts.

I think this may also be due to the SBC brake counter, which after a certain amount of brake actuations puts up this message as it is presumed the SBC unit is near end of life and needs replacing.

There is a recall or something on this in the USA only.

Get it scanned with STAR SDS or have someone confirm the reason.

thanks. I have read that. Contacting the dealer.

That light is typically low voltage, but can probably be triggered by other SBC issues. If the pump life is exceeded, you get a white visit workshop message.

My 04 SL55 has the BRAKE warning light in white. Fluid is not low. Brake pads are not worn. Push the right side of the bottom left button on steering wheel (forget terminology... maybe menu) and it goes out. Car drives normally. Brakes work fine.

If I am reading the above correctly, it means that once the SBC reads a predetermined number of brake applications, that light comes on because the pump is "presumed" to be at the end of its life. One post indicates that means the SBC control unit is at the end of its life. Is it one or both? Is there a way to reset without replacing both the control unit and the pump?

Also, just read that the SBC pump and controller are now warranted for 25 years. Is that correct?
Guessing that means it has to go to an MB dealer for service?

just a quick update it was the SBC pump and associated items. Mercedes dealer took care of everything under warranty. Thank you everyone for your responses and in sights

Jason

Thanks for the update. Going through the same thing here now. 2003 67k miles. Trunk battery is new (3/25). Red Brake Warning, visit workshop message. Brake pedal is really soft.

In my case the ABS Pump cycles about 15 times after a brake application. This is stopped, in my garage with the car running. ABC Fluid level is full, brake fluid level is full.

Guess I'll call the dealer.