C220 CDI Auto parking brake light needs persuading to extinguish.

[ARoosterinaRoadster]

Hi to you all out there. Why oh why did MB do away with yet another simplistic piece of equipment - the good old fashioned hand brake.

I am of the understanding that this could be a problematic fix and could in extreme cases necessitate the removal of the fuel tank in order that a new part can be fitted under the floor if vigorous greasing/lubrication does not free the sticking linkage.

This issue has been shown to be directly as a result of servicing schedules not being maintained correctly or carried out at all.

This would lead one to believe that Full MB Service History is questionable and certain service technicians are not just cutting corners but just plain and simple leaving out essential maintenance procedures.

This particular issue will actually trigger an MoT failure.

 

[EmilysDad]

Has Mercedes ever used a 'good old fashioned handbrake'? They seem to have used a foot operated 'parking brake' for years & years like a lot of American cars have done. I hired a car in America over 35 yrs ago & that had a foot operated brake like the Mercs have had and as Merc sell a lot of cars in the States perhaps that's why they use them A plus point is that they free up space in the middle.
As an 'older driver' you'll have been around when a front bench seat was quite common and umbrella handled handbrakes were common. Anyway, you have an auto .... do you need to apply the parking brake? I rarely do.

 

[Blobcat]

Has Mercedes ever used a 'good old fashioned handbrake'?

Yes, my SLK has one, I never use it...

 

[ARoosterinaRoadster]

Has Mercedes ever used a 'good old fashioned handbrake'? They seem to have used a foot operated 'parking brake' for years & years like a lot of American cars have done. I hired a car in America over 35 yrs ago & that had a foot operated brake like the Mercs have had and as Merc sell a lot of cars in the States perhaps that's why they use them A plus point is that they free up space in the middle.
As an 'older driver' you'll have been around when a front bench seat was quite common and umbrella handled handbrakes were common. Anyway, you have an auto .... do you need to apply the parking brake? I rarely do.

Hi E'sD. Yes I also remember and have used the umbrella handbrakes,as I recall they were fitted in the Humber Hawk Estates of the late 50's/early 60's which I had the pleasure of driving when my very first employer allowed my to drive his on customer delivery.

The C Class C220 CDI is my first dip into the larger offerings from MB having had a rather nice late 59,000 miles example of the R170 SLK 230 Automatic which of course used the conventional hand brake.

 

[ARoosterinaRoadster]

Yes, my SLK has one, I never use it...

A hand brake or a parking brake is essential in my humble opinion especially if you live in an area that has inclines and ascents and has traffic lights that hold up the flow of traffic.
The alternative is sitting on the brake pedal (not good practice in the winter months and blinding drivers behind with eye burning bright red lights and the possibility of burning out ones bulbs,or shifting out of drive which is not good for the auto box.

 

[EmilysDad]

A hand brake or a parking brake is essential in my humble opinion especially if you live in an area that has inclines and ascents and has traffic lights that hold up the flow of traffic.
The alternative is sitting on the brake pedal (not good practice in the winter months and blinding drivers behind with eye burning bright red lights and the possibility of burning out ones bulbs,or shifting out of drive which is not good for the auto box.

use your left foot then when on a hill!
Cars with SBC braking and later cars with 'HOLD' all show brake lights when the car is stationary ... not sure why holding the foot brake on is 'not good practice'

 

[Blobcat]

A hand brake or a parking brake is essential in my humble opinion especially if you live in an area that has inclines and ascents and has traffic lights that hold up the flow of traffic.
The alternative is sitting on the brake pedal (not good practice in the winter months and blinding drivers behind with eye burning bright red lights and the possibility of burning out ones bulbs,or shifting out of drive which is not good for the auto box.

I live 750’ above sea level at the top of a hill...