Doug427

I am about to replace the SBC brake pressure accumulator on my 2006 E55. I can't spring for the $1000 plus on a STAR system right now, I have too many other things going on. I know that the iCarsoftMBII ($160) can disable the system for installation, and then re-pressurize. However, how can I bleed the brake system without STAR? Can I bleed it like a regular brake system? Anyone done this, or any ideas? Has anyone used the iCarsoftMBII, can it bleed the system? I have written to the folks that make the iCarsoftMBII, but no response yet.

Thanks!

skylinrcr01

You can not bleed it like a traditional system. There are valves in the SBC unit that need to be opened via STAR, then you need to hook up a pressurized bleeding system to get the new fluid in and old fluid out. It's a royal pain, and AFAIK it's impossible to do without the correct tools.

Doug427

Well, that's not good news. Can't even do something as simple as bleed brakes without a STAR system. Guess I'll just have to replace the accumulator at home with the iCarsoftII device, and then bring the car to a STAR equipped shop to bleed the brakes.

Pieter Schepers

I bought this set with a lose HD.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Newe...608.0.0.y7l0zC

And found a Dell D630 locally for 70€. With import taxes included I payed less then 340€ and it works great.

tw2

How do you setup the laptop? Looks like the kit comes with a standard pc hard drive? Just runs on XP?

jumph4x

Grab an iCarsoft MB II, works great: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...-icarsoft-mbii

It's under Diagnose -> Benz -> Reset Brake -> Deactivate SBC. Follow instructions.

This depressurizes the accumulator and opens up the plumbing circuit, then you get to use the Motive bleeder with the Euro attachment. Works great!

Pieter Schepers

You just take out the original harddrive of the laptop and install the one you got with the kit. All drivers and OS are installed for the D630. The only thing left to do is follow the instructions to activate DAS.

Manuyc

I bled mine in my garage i just disconnected the battery and then unplugged the SBC. Then used a air bleeder to push fluid thru. it worked fine for me.

tw2

Thank you, I read up a lot more. I am not sure I want to invest too much in a star system. Both the cost but also the space to store all the stuff. I am hoping not to need this much functionality. Can always sulk over to the dealer for more complicated things.
This looks like an excellent option and it seems they do regular firmware updates to expand functionality. Do you happen to know if it can actuate certain parts for example turn the intercooler pump on for bleeding?

jumph4x

No intercooler pump actuation. If you're serious about these I can go through mine and tell you everything it does.

tw2

Thank you for the offer but I am pretty sure I will get one. I saw a couple of your other posts mentioning it too. Just being able to read the full fault codes and deactivate the SBC more than validates a purchase. Anything extra the dealer can do. I have decided the equipment, cost and time required to learn to use star properly are not worth it to me. I have WIS already and I think that is about as much dysfunctional software as I can bear to deal with.

I have watched a couple of videos to see what people can do with the icarsoft. Transmission temperature will be good, easier than shining the infra-red gun on the pan.

jumph4x

gjunon

If you're located in San Diego area you can use my star system. What others are not telling you is that you'll need to hook up your car to a battery charger while bleeding the brakes through star.

FunkTron

you're about to be my new friend

....or rather

Doug427

Sounds great, thanks so much! I'll pick one up and get to work.

rapidoxidation

Just keep in mind that you'll not be bleeding the complete circuit. IIRC the emergency brake circuit won't get fresh fluid. You'll get all the air out (maybe) but not all the old fluid will be changed.