Hey guys, I got the red BRAKE warning a couple days ago, and this is the code.



However, the pressure in the accumulator looks ok, any ideas what's up with it?

 

That's not good news. :/

 

I'd measure pressure at the reservoir, with the chance that you could just replace that, instead of replacing the entire SBC unit.

 

What is replacement cost / downtime if someone has SDS/Star?

I have emailed BBA remanufacturing as they were really good to me with all my Saab reman needs. I am currently awaiting a response. As to what their process is..

I would love to NOT have to send my unit in and have the car parked dead in my shop. Ideas and experiences welcomed.

Who was used, how long it took, cost?

And how well it is holding up, BBA offers a 2 year warranty when before all work was lifetime :-/ seems whatever fails will fail again sadly.

Sorry for thread jack, assuming it is relevant and helpful but we all know what they say about assuming. Tell me if you want a new thread started.
Regards,
Will

 

I just got a new SBC pump installed here in Sarasota Florida from the dealership $1742 including new pump and labor with warranty. They have what they call a vintage program for older cars to compete with the indie shops. That was cheaper than every indie shop i called. Car was there one day. I'm very happy.

 

So, I did NOT need a new SBC unit. It was the pressure bulb on the back of the SBC thing, disabled SBC through STAR, disconnected it from all the brake lines and connector on the back, removed old bulb, installed new one, reactivated SBC, bled the brakes, no more issues.

Pressure is now 96 bar. For the record, the low tolerance threshold is 72 bar, and that iCarsoft thing gave me a different actual value than STAR did, and I trust STAR more.

 

FCP will offer a lifetime warranty on everything they sell - brakes and stuff included. As for downtime, you NEED a STAR system to replace this part. Thankfully, they aren't terribly expensive to parcel together yourself, but have knowledge of IT equipment is helpful. (I had to change the COM port and baud rate of my computer for it to read the mux properly.)

 

You do not NEED Star to replace the SBC unit. Is it the preferred method, yes I am sure. I have a few thousand miles on my car after I replaced my SBC unit. I used knockoff software to deactivate the system. But, even that is not a requirement (just keep the car "asleep"). SBC units from BBA are plug an play according to them. But, you will want to bleed the system after changing it out. Yes, star is need for the optimal bleed but it is no required. A pressure bleeder took care of the job.

Long story short.... Star is not a requirement, but it is preferred.

 

How much pressure did it take? I built a pressure bleeder and tried to do a brake flush, and the reservoir swelled so much I was afraid it would pop before the fluid came out.

 

Which is exactly what I said to do

 

Yep! Appreciate the help.

 

Just got off the phone with BBA. They are charging 525$ plus shipping and the are NOT doing any work on the SBC, they just reset the code and that's it, you are not getting back unit that has been serviced in any way! Be sure to ask them what ACTUAL work they do to the pump if you contact them.. LOL they tried to feed me a line about there being electronics that go bad causing the C249F code and they replace the electronics BAHAHA! BS BS BS

 

I bought a brand new SBC unit through them (from bosch) with a lifetime warranty for a bit more than that. Just get a new one.

 

Icarsoft will not show the pressure at the reservoir nor will it do pretension pressure for reservoir like star

 

TIA

 

The price for the reman Bosch, not new, though them was just under 1000$ and yes they claim a lifetime warranty on it but with their deceptive business practices (my experience on the phone with them, and check out their horrible google reviews) they have already lost my trust. There is no way I would spend a penny with them! If I buy one anywhere it will be from FCP Euro, they have a better price by about 50$ and also a lifetime warranty that I actually believe would be backed up. Instead though I've decided to pull the motor off the side of it and see if I can replace the brushes myself and then I will reset the counter in star. I already ordered the 5pt trox bit set to get it apart for 17$ and a new set of brushes should be about 5$. If the bits get here before the weekend I'll pull it all apart, take pics and post, otherwise I'm resetting the counter, flushing fluid and will try the rebuild in 2yrs when its time for the next flush. Come hell or high water its going back on the road this weekend without that damn warning light lol

 

Where in STAR did you get this pressure reading, apologies in advance if its obvious, I haven't looked yet but figured I would ask in advance of this weekend when I'll be doing the work so I can be prepared? Thanks!

 

Where did you order the brushes? Let us know if they are an exact match.

 

Haven't ordered brushes yet till I get it apart to see what I need and the 5pt torx bits aren't here yet but you should be able to find any brushes on EBay or google. All you need to do is get the height and width correct then estimate for the length as your used ones will be worn down. If you're not sure it's always safer to over estimate and just use sand paper to shorten them. If you're still not sure just check out youtube there are videos on small motor brush replacement. If I do get the bits quickly and replace the brushes I will take pics, write it up, and post all the info

 

Would be interested to see that. Let us know

 

not sure if you saw this thread, I was trying to see if theres a source for brushes but it looks like a measure and order type of deal.

https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...ml#post6886513

 

I think it was under the body -> sbc -> actual values or something along those lines. I was sort of pushing buttons until I came across it.

 

Thanks, I'll poke around and find it

 

Hey guys just wanted to post a little teaser, made vid last night I think a lot of people want to see ... Will post a link once I clean up the vid

 

Dude on a 2004 you need to just replace the complete unit. Doing the accumulator makes no sense as you're looking at doing the repair twice now when the service threshold is reached. You can get an sbc unit for <$840. Not wise to spend half that for an accumulator then another $800 when the threshold is reached. Just my opinion though.