e430 brake bleeding
 

00 E430 4 matic,
has mushy brakes so I want to get the brakes bled. However i want to know if the car can be bled the conventional way simply by pushing the pedal and opening up the bleeder screws, or should i take it to the dealer if there is some special device that is required to bleed the abs and the 4matic/asr system ?
thanks in advance :)
also, can someone provide me the steps on how to correctly bleed this car if going to the dealer would not be necessary ?
thanks.

Basically the same as other cars. Here's a DIY link using a power bleeder, but the coordinated-pedal-pump-and-bleed-screw method works too. There is a recommendation to actuate switch Y61 (by jumpering) to bleed a side passage on the master cylinder, but ignoring it doesnt hurt anything - that little passage just won't get bled.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210-e-class/1368897-help-tips-diys-chassis-brakes-exhaust.html

I've read that the ABS and ASR systems require a little more than the conventional way of bleeding brakes.
perhaps a special tool to electronically activate the ABS.
anyone got an idea on what that might be ?
thanks :)

Try leaving the ignition on as you pour brake fluid in the reservoir and you bleed each caliper.
I had an issue using my Motive power bleeder which never failed me before but for whatever reason I couldn't firm up the brake pedal feel. After I gave up and did it the conventional way with the ignition on the brakes bled properly and now I have a solid and firm feel at the pedal.
Make sure that you fill the reservoir to the brim. I mean all the way up and make sure that the fluid is going to the back of the reservoir. A simple pedal pump action as you bleed will be sufficient.

The W211 (2003- 2009) is the one that needs special attention, not the W210.

If one resorts to pedal pumping, it is a good idea to use a 2x4 block under the pedal to prevent the Master piston from extending into the unused section of the bore.....see so many Master piston seals get ruined by pumping all the way to the floor...you want the piston seals to stay within the seated section of the bore at all times. Failure to do so ruins seal cup lip.

^^
Yes good advice

Best advice is have access to WIS ... either by owning the service DVD or subscribing online and downloading the procedures.

Then maybe read AP42.00-P-4280BA, Replace Brake Fluid.

Not much magic involved.

Good info but I still am looking for the answer to the questions which are :
1. does the w210 with 4matic require any special electronic gadget to bleed the ABS system properly ?
2. does the ignition has to be ON while bleeding brakes ?
3. with the car off, can the brakes be bled just as effectively ?

thanks :)