E320 CDI Warning Lights

[Phillip]

Driving along minding my own busines and suddenly the ABS, ESP and Brake Assist warning lights came on. I stopped turned off the ignition and all was Ok for about 3 mins then they all came on again. Now every time I start the car, they are on imediately. It is a 2000 W210 model. Anyone with any ideas? I hope it is something simple such as an ABS sensor.

 

[jberks]

Start with the brake light switch. Very common problem and around a tenner for a new one.
Do a search on here for brake light switch and you'll see loads of reports.

 

[eric242340]

Driving along minding my own busines and suddenly the ABS, ESP and Brake Assist warning lights came on. I stopped turned off the ignition and all was Ok for about 3 mins then they all came on again. Now every time I start the car, they are on imediately. It is a 2000 W210 model. Anyone with any ideas? I hope it is something simple such as an ABS sensor.

On a system like this both the brake light switch and the wheel speed sensors are suspect. But to evaluate it means a test with Star D. You could try changing the brake light switch first, but its better you have a diagnostics test done. The diagnostic test will tell you what needs to be done. And simply changing parts based on this Forum is not the best idea.

 

[Pipemaster]

cheap switch

maybe Eric but a damn sight cheaper especially if they are known to be iffy

 

[television]

On a system like this both the brake light switch and the wheel speed sensors are suspect. But to evaluate it means a test with Star D. You could try changing the brake light switch first, but its better you have a diagnostics test done. The diagnostic test will tell you what needs to be done. And simply changing parts based on this Forum is not the best idea.

Another stupid answer Eric, just because you cannot concieve that a brake light switch can do this, inspite of I think on at least 50-100 cars it has solved the problem, and I can only re call 1 car that it did not solve the problem.

This is a listed fault in the MB workshop data and the brake light switch is changed.

You think its better for the guy to spend £150 on a diagnosis and pay to have it fitted when he can buy one for £8 and fit it in 10 mins


This bit is the best bit post here by you.
And simply changing parts based on this Forum is not the best idea.[/QUOTE]

I could only agree here if all of the answers given were like yours, in most of your answers

I know that you do not understand the problem as you do not even understand pad wear sensors.

 

[hmang]

come and borrow a brake light switch to try
if you're near dorset

 

[Hibbo]

I can sort of see where you are coming from Eric, and I fully understand the logic in having a diagnostic check done before replacing a part. BUT, you must understand the obscene prices charged by the dealers to even plug a car in to the STAR diagnostic rig.

With the likely suspect part so cheap and easy to replace, both engineering and financial (ie tightarse ) logic says change the switch and take it from there.

PS. If a light goes out in your workshop please give me a shout and I will happily fly out and do a full wiring inspection and fully test your installation, when I give you the bill I will tell you to change the bulb.

 

[television]

The brake light switch can also cause the gear stick to lock in park, this is another symptom recorded, it fixed one of the 2 cars with this problem but failed to fix hmangs problem, think that i am correct there.

 

[hmang]

had 4
instances to change brake light switches on my cars

1/ c220 cdi 202 2000
2/ e320 cdi 210 2000
3/ e220 cdi 210 2000
4/ v220 cdi 2003

all the cars had warning lights up and no cruise control.
the mpv had a seemingly unrelated warning light (will try remember what)..switch fixed it

usually intermittant.

brake light switch fixed the prob every time.

never had a stuck in gear / park problem

 

[television]

had 4
instances to change brake light switches on my cars

1/ c220 cdi 202 2000
2/ e320 cdi 210 2000
3/ e220 cdi 210 2000
4/ v220 cdi 2003

all the cars had warning lights up and no cruise control.
the mpv had a seemingly unrelated warning light (will try remember what)..switch fixed it

usually intermittant.

brake light switch fixed the prob every time.

never had a stuck in gear / park problem

So sorry it must have been two other people :Oops:

 

[Phillip]

Thanks guys. Looks promising.

Loughborough Merc have a switch £9.71 + VAT. Once I've stuck it on I will let you know the results.

 

[Phillip]

Actually cost £9.71 including VAT. Took 5 mins to fit and works perfect.

Job done. Thanks again to all.