SBC warranty extended to 25 years
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 845
Likes: 45
From: ATL
2017 GLS 550
If you've ever had to stand on them in a reducing radius off ramp in the rain... you will realize how amazing this systems is, when you don't spin out of control.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 770
Likes: 71
From: Utah
2003 Mercedes E55 AMG
and when ur going 75mph down the freeway and the pump fails an ur left with just the puny backup system coming up on stopped traffic an u have to stand on the brake as hard as u can ( and i leg press over 1200 lbs ) and have to employ the E-brake and still have to pull off onto the side do as to not hit the cars in front of you .... you'll realize what a POS they are. Been a certified tech for more than 30 years and these systems are crap hence why they stopped using them.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
e500
Yes. Every bit of this is true. I received the letter with the extended warranty info on 8/28/2018 and picked up my refund check from the local Mercedes today ($2347.46). I own the E500 and had brake failure last year, with my 3 nephews in the car: 7, 6, and 3. That car nearly killed us. I had my attorney write Mercedes and reported it to every agency available including NHTSA. You can look up my complaint at www.nhtsa.gov ID #11004205 and read all about it. I really didn't think anything would come of it, but the bad guys did not win. I also didn't feel comfortable selling the car because of the issues with it, but I feel much better about driving the car now.
Let me know if you would like to see a copy of the document.
Cheers,
G
Let me know if you would like to see a copy of the document.
Cheers,
G
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 39
Likes: 2
2015 SL400 and 2004 SL500
SBC Warranty Great!
They will reimburse you if you paid for it.
Value of SL500's just went up!
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2003 e320
Did you ever get your refund check?! I used an Indy and turned in my paperwork almost 3 weeks ago and haven’t heard anything!
Hi All,
This situation is a pet peeve of mine. I received a letter from MB yesterday stating that the SBC warranty is not 25 Year/unlimited miles. It also stated that you should take the car to a MB dealer to make the repair. In the case you have had the work done at other than a MB dealer you can submit for reimbursement and they may/may not reimburse you for the repair. In my case I used a independent that when the work was done he interfaced with MB in Germany to set up/program the SBC. I am hoping this shop is MB approved. I plan on sending my claim in for reimbursement in the next 30 days and will post the results when I hear back from MB.
Spread the word as there are many of us who had this repair made with our own dime...
Thanks
This situation is a pet peeve of mine. I received a letter from MB yesterday stating that the SBC warranty is not 25 Year/unlimited miles. It also stated that you should take the car to a MB dealer to make the repair. In the case you have had the work done at other than a MB dealer you can submit for reimbursement and they may/may not reimburse you for the repair. In my case I used a independent that when the work was done he interfaced with MB in Germany to set up/program the SBC. I am hoping this shop is MB approved. I plan on sending my claim in for reimbursement in the next 30 days and will post the results when I hear back from MB.
Spread the word as there are many of us who had this repair made with our own dime...
Thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 453
Likes: 50
From: East Coast, USA
Mercedes CLS 55 AMG
and when ur going 75mph down the freeway and the pump fails an ur left with just the puny backup system coming up on stopped traffic an u have to stand on the brake as hard as u can ( and i leg press over 1200 lbs ) and have to employ the E-brake and still have to pull off onto the side do as to not hit the cars in front of you .... you'll realize what a POS they are. Been a certified tech for more than 30 years and these systems are crap hence why they stopped using them.
In 2007 Mercedes went back to traditional brake systems because it was cheaper, and they were financially in dire straights and wanted to change their entire lineup of cars. They even stopped producing the SL line of cars for an ENTIRE YEAR. Cerberus' acquisition of 80% of Chrysler in 2007 dissolved the disastrous partnership made in 1998 between Mercedes and Chrysler and after the fact Cerberus accused Daimler of intentionally misleading their financials before it sold their controlling stake to the private equity firm (rough 8b).
Anyway, if your brake master cylinder fails going 75mph down the freeway, you're just as screwed whether it's controlled by computer or not. These systems aren't prone to failure.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 714
Likes: 57
From: Los Angeles
2006 E55 AMG
Nothing about this statement is accurate. Look up the history from Bosch and their development of SBC. The computer controlled brakes are far, far superior in reacting to a trouble situation, because most people don't hit the brakes hard enough initially to avoid a crash and then panic.
In 2007 Mercedes went back to traditional brake systems because it was cheaper, and they were financially in dire straights and wanted to change their entire lineup of cars. They even stopped producing the SL line of cars for an ENTIRE YEAR. Cerberus' acquisition of 80% of Chrysler in 2007 dissolved the disastrous partnership made in 1998 between Mercedes and Chrysler and after the fact Cerberus accused Daimler of intentionally misleading their financials before it sold their controlling stake to the private equity firm (rough 8b).
Anyway, if your brake master cylinder fails going 75mph down the freeway, you're just as screwed whether it's controlled by computer or not. These systems aren't prone to failure.
In 2007 Mercedes went back to traditional brake systems because it was cheaper, and they were financially in dire straights and wanted to change their entire lineup of cars. They even stopped producing the SL line of cars for an ENTIRE YEAR. Cerberus' acquisition of 80% of Chrysler in 2007 dissolved the disastrous partnership made in 1998 between Mercedes and Chrysler and after the fact Cerberus accused Daimler of intentionally misleading their financials before it sold their controlling stake to the private equity firm (rough 8b).
Anyway, if your brake master cylinder fails going 75mph down the freeway, you're just as screwed whether it's controlled by computer or not. These systems aren't prone to failure.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 453
Likes: 50
From: East Coast, USA
Mercedes CLS 55 AMG
I've had power steering and brake cylinders fail on me while driving. Neither is a good time. I've also had the rear end of my V12 BMW seize up, jam and sheer/break off the transmission rear shaft while driving on the freeway - a rear differential that's said to "never break."
All master brake cylinders have a secondary system that's about 20% of normal brake power. As long as you're driving to conditions, unless it was a surprise coming up to a red light at exactly the wrong time there's no reason why the car couldn't be brought to a stop.
Whether it's SBC or not, you can easily have the master cylinder fail. The computer controls have nothing to do with it. You're more likely to spin out in the rain or snow, or a turn from improper driving with 500 hp and no SBC than you are to have an SBC failure directly cause your crash.
I'm curious --- was this a car with low mileage that was relatively new, or something you bought used?
The SBC system is still superior for driving, safety, and handling. It's that system they're using on the Lamborghini Aventador right now --- because it's the best.
All master brake cylinders have a secondary system that's about 20% of normal brake power. As long as you're driving to conditions, unless it was a surprise coming up to a red light at exactly the wrong time there's no reason why the car couldn't be brought to a stop.
Whether it's SBC or not, you can easily have the master cylinder fail. The computer controls have nothing to do with it. You're more likely to spin out in the rain or snow, or a turn from improper driving with 500 hp and no SBC than you are to have an SBC failure directly cause your crash.
I'm curious --- was this a car with low mileage that was relatively new, or something you bought used?
The SBC system is still superior for driving, safety, and handling. It's that system they're using on the Lamborghini Aventador right now --- because it's the best.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,358
Likes: 297
From: South Florida
2010 E63 AMG, 2003 E500
I've had a couple of situations where I had to mash the brakes and come to an unexpected stop - the SBC system saved my ***. They're simply the BEST brakes I've ever had on a car, bar none.
Banned
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 0
Likes: 118
and when ur going 75mph down the freeway and the pump fails an ur left with just the puny backup system coming up on stopped traffic an u have to stand on the brake as hard as u can ( and i leg press over 1200 lbs ) and have to employ the E-brake and still have to pull off onto the side do as to not hit the cars in front of you .... you'll realize what a POS they are. Been a certified tech for more than 30 years and these systems are crap hence why they stopped using them.
MB switched back because of two reasons. 1.) Technology moves on and conventional systems can almost do what only SBC could have done. 2.) It’s a cheaper system.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,790
Likes: 109
From: DownEast Maine
CLS 55 AMG E500 ML320
I've always suspected a third reason... liability. MB doesn't do an extended warranty until they determine that it's cheaper than a class action lawsuit or a recall. Just like the fuel leak in the cabin issue. And they only did it for the US because we were all hassling the NTSB about it.
Gotta say though, the traction control and stopping is astonishingly good. I played with it when there was little patches of black ice all over the road.
Gotta say though, the traction control and stopping is astonishingly good. I played with it when there was little patches of black ice all over the road.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
E320
read on the FB page from an MB tech that it was internally announced that the warranty on the SBC unit is being extended out to 25 years. no word yet on if they will be providing reimbursement like they did with the fuel tank issue. I'll post as soon as more info is available, but apparently if you check your VIN in the VMI system it has already been updated to reflect the new warranty period
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 845
Likes: 45
From: ATL
2017 GLS 550
and when ur going 75mph down the freeway and the pump fails an ur left with just the puny backup system coming up on stopped traffic an u have to stand on the brake as hard as u can ( and i leg press over 1200 lbs ) and have to employ the E-brake and still have to pull off onto the side do as to not hit the cars in front of you .... you'll realize what a POS they are. Been a certified tech for more than 30 years and these systems are crap hence why they stopped using them.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 845
Likes: 45
From: ATL
2017 GLS 550
Your post is the best example why my cars don’t go to MB. 30 years in business and still no clue, and hate towards a brake system that was ahead of its time.
MB switched back because of two reasons. 1.) Technology moves on and conventional systems can almost do what only SBC could have done. 2.) It’s a cheaper system.
Banned
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 0
Likes: 118
The best thing is that a reset of the threshold counter (with Chinese reset tool or SD) is stored permanently in the shadow memory. MB (not the dealership) receives the old units for inspections and they do their own analysis. The 25 year/unlimited warranty will be void. Guaranteed.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 453
Likes: 50
From: East Coast, USA
Mercedes CLS 55 AMG
The best thing is that a reset of the threshold counter (with Chinese reset tool or SD) is stored permanently in the shadow memory. MB (not the dealership) receives the old units for inspections and they do their own analysis. The 25 year/unlimited warranty will be void. Guaranteed.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
2002 Mercedes Benz S430
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 386
Likes: 22
From: Tx
04 55
The best thing is that a reset of the threshold counter (with Chinese reset tool or SD) is stored permanently in the shadow memory. MB (not the dealership) receives the old units for inspections and they do their own analysis. The 25 year/unlimited warranty will be void. Guaranteed.
why the LOL ? true or BS ? or Merc never looks at them being so old ?
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Joined: Jan 2014
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From: Republic of Texas
'99 and '05 E55 AMG
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From: New Zealand
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
E500 2004 w211
Hi!!
Where is can get this document? Im from México and my E500 runs well but i have to anticipate myself if i have a problem in the near future.
Thanx!!
Where is can get this document? Im from México and my E500 runs well but i have to anticipate myself if i have a problem in the near future.
Thanx!!
Here you go. Official Letter & Warranty Placard for 25 year extension, Original 10 year Extension letter to NHTSA (which was actually 15 years if you read the service bulletin - they just didn't tell anyone), and the official 2015 Mercedes Service Bulletin. I've always found it easier to argue with dealer idiots by producing this type of legal documentation when informing them certain items are under warranty. They can't dismiss it. Just print it out and bring it in. You won't be reimbursed for replacements done outside of warranty without a significant amount of grief, given their requirement of diagnosing it themselves (so I've heard).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,177
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2006 CLS55 AMG, 2005 SLK 350 AMG
Your post is number 99 in this thread and in post number 96 a link is posted that includes both. You may want to read the full thread.
