AZIPOD

I'm getting ready to do a brake fluid flush. I looked through the garage and found a new can of ATE-Blue which is rated as Dot-4. The vehicle manual for the E55 states Dot-4+ required.

Am I going to be OK with this fluid? thanks.

fixer

Hey AZIPOD,

I dont usually reply, normally just look at all the threads, however I thought I would let you know that before you start any work on the brakes that you cant just do a normal break fluid change on this vehicle. To perform the procedure correctly the system has to be flushed using a STAR Diagnosis System.

Just thought Id throw in my penny worth of thought.

sergs99m3

correct

AZIPOD

Thanks for the reply. I have access to the STAR Diagnostic system. However, I don't know if the ATE Blue (rated at DOT-4) is appropriate for the E55 (states DOT 4+ required).

komp55

No, Super Blue should not be used. Only use DOT 4+ brake fluids. The SBC system was designed to utilize DOT 4+, not DOT 4, brake fluid.

Jon2007E63P30

If you want to use something fancy, you can use Castrol SRF brake fluid. It will work with the ABS systems in MB. That is what AMG used in the cars at Laguna Seca. I specifically asked because I saw some ATE-SuperBlue in the garage. That was for the race car which had a completely different brake system. They recommended the Castrol SRF in the normal ABS system.

However, they also said that the Castrol SRF was much more hygroscopic that the standard brake fluid and should be changed twice as often. Given that Castrol SRF is $100/liter, that is a little crazy.

As for the SBC system, the viscosity is the key regardless of the DOT level.

komp55

The aftermarket is now coming out with advanced viscosity fluids designed for electronic braking systems. Here's link to ATE's offering:

http://www.ate-na.com/generator/www/...bf_sl6_us.html

When I installed my Brembo BBKs, I wanted to use this fluid, but because I don't have either the Star Diagnosis tool or a proper power brake bleeder in order to do a proper and complete brake bleed, I was not comfortable mixing this fluid with the Mercedes DOT 4+. So I ended up bleeding with new Mercedes brake fluid.

AZIPOD

Hi everyone! Thanks for the excellent info!

shardul

iTrader: (1)

Does anyone know how to use a pressure bleeder to bleed the system. Or is star the only option.
If we can use the pressure bleeder I can do it myself for cheap.

komp55

If you're not looking to do a "complete" bleed where you activate valves within the SBC system, you can do a decent partial bleed using a Motive bleeder. Don't forget to bleed the calipers in the correct sequence (RRP, LRD, LFD, RFP). Note that since the SBC unit is mounted on the front passenger side of the engine compartment, the passenger front caliper is done last per the WIS.

shardul

iTrader: (1)

Hmm I might just try a partial bleed.
Do you have to disconnect anything related to the sbc unit.
So I would connect the motive bleeder to the brake fluid reservoir pressure it up and start bleeding the capliers in the order you mentioned.

Jon2007E63P30

I love the forum best when little gems of information come up like this!!!!

komp55

Sorry if the abbreviations may have been too cryptic. Try this:

RRP = right rear passenger side caliper (one bleeder screw)
LRD = left rear driver side caliper (one bleeder screw)
LFD = left front driver side caliper (two bleeder screws)
RFP = right front passenger side caliper (two bleeder screws)

The attached file indicates the sequence by bleeder screw for the 8 piston front calipers, which have two bleeder screws. Note that this sequence applies when you're not using Star to activate the SBC unit (i.e., manual partial bleeding of brake system). When doing any work on the brakes, be sure to deactivate the SBC control unit first.

shardul

iTrader: (1)

Thank you for the information. How do you deactivate the SBC unit

komp55

There are at least five methods that I know of.

1. Use STAR (preferred method if tool is available)
2. Use one of several aftermarket tools available to deactivate SBC
3. Use manual process described in WIS
4. Disconnect SBC connector at SBC unit (most common method)
5. Disconnect battery negative cable in trunk (maybe even safer than 4)