E270 W212 SBC Pump Warning - Service Brake

[Stevitee]

Gentlemen

The final part of this sorry tale.........I took the car into Mercedes Tonbridge today. The upshot is that they ran their tests etc and found that they would be unable to re-set/revive the SBC and the only option would be to replace it. They approached Merc.Germany and then UK and were given a thumbs down by both to any 'contribution'. I would have to pay the whole cost, a princely sum of £1918.50 for parts, labour and VAT. They would knock of £66 for today's investigation (which I have paid) and £110.57 plus VAT for the old unit.

The part itself is £867 + VAT, the rest is labour £528 + VAT and other parts £49+VAT including £35 for brake fluid!! (what and how much do they use for pete's sake?). Before they order the part I would need to pay 100% upfront and the job could be done next week.

I was told that has the car been regularly sericed by Mercedes (which it hasn't) the SBC would have been serviced over the years and I would not now be in this position. I took that on trust but I do wonder if it is correct?

So far, I have brought it home and am considering my options. Incidentally, does anyone have a view (from experience) how long in terms of time or miles is it before the brakes fail after the warning first appears? Or is it a lenghth of string.........

 

[television]

All we know is that the dash goes red and only about 10% braking front wheels only.

Give Colin a ring at MBS

 

[Pathfinder]

£35 for brake fluid...you gan buy a gallon container from ECP at £15. There must be an indy near Oprington who can do a better deal?

 

[Corned]

I was told that has the car been regularly sericed by Mercedes (which it hasn't) the SBC would have been serviced over the years and I would not now be in this position. I took that on trust but I do wonder if it is correct?

The only serviceable element of the SBC system is the periodic changing of the brake fluid in the system. I don't believe there are any other service items which relate to this. Software, perhaps?

Incidentally, does anyone have a view (from experience) how long in terms of time or miles is it before the brakes fail after the warning first appears? Or is it a lenghth of string.........

Yes, the length of string option I'm afraid, however there is anecdotal evidence that someone had the "White Message Of Great Annoyance" showing for about a year before it progressed to the "Red Message Of Imminent Doom".

Considering the expense which is now staring you in the face, it would be comparatively little expense (or inconvenience) to have a word with/visit to a proper STAR-equipped indie who has experience in this particular issue (do not bother with anyone who hasn't got this capability). MBS would be a good example of somewhere which has the requisite equipment and expertise.

 

[toby1]

Looks like quite a few 211s will be scrapped in the not too distant future over this, with their values falling. Pity.

 

[Stevitee]

Yes, that is certainly one option, thank you. My concern is that following the dire warnings that I was given yesterday about driving the car I am somewhat reticent about driving it to Devon ( I assume that MBS is the Exeter based establishment?) - some 200 miles and back again, if it can't be fixed.

I had been quite robust about continuing to use the car, assuming that no manufacturer would install a braking system that would fail, almost completely (by 90%), as a consequence of a virtually 'programmed time-out'. However, the thought of hammering down the A303 and being faced with the 'red light of impending doom' as I approach some roundabout does now rather fill me with dread.

My 'piece of string' question was really about using it between now and the end of next week - mainly locally, until it is 'moved on' as I believe it is termed in 'the trade'.

 

[Pathfinder]

Try Dronsfields to see if they have the parts, they are an authorised forum supporter.

 

[mej]

The only serviceable element of the SBC system is the periodic changing of the brake fluid in the system.

That's my understanding, and I have meticulously met this requirement and have written records of the changes. Interesting to see what happens when/if I have the SBC problem. Otherwise not FMBSH as self serviced (with love and care!!)

 

[television]

Maybe some kind manufacturer in China or India will make a pattern part

 

[Stevitee]

I had thought about sourcing the part from a scrappie - I also saw one on fleabay recently for close on £900 - but have been advised that still requires Mercedes to install it and set it up. The local indie I spoke to said that he couldn't install one as it needed specialist equipment. It does seem to me that there is a lot of 'black art' stuff going on here but as it is the brakes it would be foolish for me to mess about with it.

On another tack and regarding the above comment about W211s being scrapped. I asked Mrecs yesterday when thay stopped installing SBCs and reverted to using servos. I was told October 2006 so I trust that any W211 after that date should avoid this 'mousetrap'.

 

[television]

it is the face lift from 06-06 onwards with no SBC,, there is no room on the 211 or 230 for a servo

 

[mej]

Provided the price of just under £2k doesn't go up I still think it's a worthwhile expense on a car that is still largely self repairable/serviceable and which may have may years in front of it. Anything to avoid buying into the 'dealer only service' cartel which the electrickery is creating. I understand even taking up the handbrake now needs to be done on Star for the W212s and later models. Madness.

 

[Mic]

A piece of string may be......but a relatively long one as I understand it.......many thousands of miles to allow anyone, for example, on a European tour to continue with their itinerary and return home to their usual service outlet without undue concern.

As suggested you could at least get a verbal quotation from any one of our respected indies such as MBS which I am certain would be absolutely fine.
I use, and have every confidence in, Star Motor Services at Caversham nr. Reading which is a little nearer to Orpington.

No harm in getting a quotation.

Mic

 

[Frontstep]

Doesn't someone do a "remanufactured" SBC (one of the ECU people) I seem to remember it being mentioned on here.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Unfortunately we will be hearing more and more of this type of woe, you have my sympathies re the SBC fiasco, one of the reasons for me not trading up to the first generation 211s.

My personal opinion is to treat the cause and not the synptoms and move the car on, you will take a hit whichever way you turn but at least you can say goodbye to SBC troubles, pity really as the IL5 211 cars are the best of the bunch.

Mercedes should really honour their liability for SBC but as we don't live in the States with their consumer rights not much chance of that.

 

[Stevitee]

Thank you Malcolm 210 (and to everoyone else for their input) your comment is most helpful and aligns with my thinking. Whilst I appreciate that if I get it fixed - at a cost - the car could go on for years. Alternatively though, it might not given its age and the likelyhood for more things needing to be done. As it is, yesterday, the dealership identified four other things that needed doing and parts alone came to some £400. I could probably get pattern parts for less but I took it as and indication of a general decline. So, from an economic standpoint the 'hit' of sorting the SBC is not a viable proposition given the current 'trade in' value of the car. I am sad because had this not occured I was perfectly happy with the car and hoped to keep it for some time yet. It is a nice motor..................as they say. Thanks again to all for all the advice and guidance throughout this sorry tale.

 

[Pathfinder]

I would take it to a different Mercedes dealer who are not familiar with it and trade it in. It may work out cheaper than the repair bill.

 

[mej]

Take your point Steveitee about other issues, but if you PX you'll lose the £2k in depreciation as soon as you drive out of the supplying dealer!!

 

[television]

I would take it to a different Mercedes dealer who are not familiar with it and trade it in. It may work out cheaper than the repair bill.

I think that the SBC warning will now be featured in Glass's guide.

 

[st4]

Until SBC goes wrong, its the finest braking system around. Don't lose track of that