SL/R230: Deactivating SBC for brake service w/out software
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 168
From: Glasgow, Scotland, UK
SL 350 R230 (3.7L with AMG Speedshift autobox)
I have just changed front discs and pads last week and used my Kingbolen K10 Pro diagnostic tool to turn off the SBC. I then did the rears and just pulled the plug. I then took the front callipers off again yesterday, to check something and this time just pulled the SBC plug.
My experience is that its easier just to pull the plug, you'll have no issues if you do it correctly as the design of the Sensortronic Brake Control system applies pressure to the pads to get the distance between that and discs, each time you get in the car.
Correct Process:
Make sure you car is level and wheels are chocked,
Turn off car and remove key away from car in case of keyless go.
Pull lever up on SBC plug, then pull away from ABS Pump
Carry out your brake work
Plug SBC plug back into ABS, making sure your car keys are away from car.
Once connected, turn key so all lights are on dash, keep engine off, allow the SBC to run for 20+ secs to apply pressure to all pads and settle with new positions
When the SBC stops growling, start car, you will have no red light dash warning !
Here is a video I did explaining the above to help others:
My experience is that its easier just to pull the plug, you'll have no issues if you do it correctly as the design of the Sensortronic Brake Control system applies pressure to the pads to get the distance between that and discs, each time you get in the car.
Correct Process:
Make sure you car is level and wheels are chocked,
Turn off car and remove key away from car in case of keyless go.
Pull lever up on SBC plug, then pull away from ABS Pump
Carry out your brake work
Plug SBC plug back into ABS, making sure your car keys are away from car.
Once connected, turn key so all lights are on dash, keep engine off, allow the SBC to run for 20+ secs to apply pressure to all pads and settle with new positions
When the SBC stops growling, start car, you will have no red light dash warning !
Here is a video I did explaining the above to help others:
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,442
Likes: 260
From: Netherlands
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
I imagine MB specifically conjured up a (strange) procedure for (de)activating SBC with good reason. They wouldn't have come away with a brake system that can only be serviced safely with SDS. That's why I wouldn't resort to simply pulling the plug on the SBC unit. As WIS states, proper recalibration of the system after working on the brakes is essential. Tom added the PDF's with the how-to. A hand held scanner probably does the job, but I suggest to read the portion about the car confirming recalibration was successful.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,442
Likes: 260
From: Netherlands
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
As for oil change: in case you have the 722.6 five speed trans, some do and some don't have a separate drain port on the torque converter. It is located at the rear end behind (I think) a rubber plug. This port allows a significant extra amount of oil to be drained. You need to rotate the engine to get the drain screw in the converter lined up with the hole.
Last edited by Frederick NL; Mar 24, 2025 at 06:26 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 168
From: Glasgow, Scotland, UK
SL 350 R230 (3.7L with AMG Speedshift autobox)
I am aware that the SBC has a life span and as my car has 183K miles I fear I may be getting close. I was envisaging that I would need to buy a deactivation device, does anyone have more miles then me and experienced the SBC service fault showing up on the dash ?
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 534
Likes: 115
From: Ann Arbor, MI
2004 SL600
There was a recent thread here by an OP who needed his SBC rebuilt, and IIRC, the rebuild shop was in the UK and could also reset the usage counter in the SBC unit. As I understand it, in the US, the SBC has an extended 20 year factory warranty, but only in the US.
