2005 E55 SBC brake job DIY? W211
 

Hello,

I recently purchased a 05 E55 with 54K miles and am LOVING it.

I understand the W211 E55's have the SBC braking system and require a "Star Diagnosis" machine to work on..

Does anyone have details on this or know the procedure to safely change the brake pads with the SBC system?

Thanks,
Jerome

The short version?

The thing about SBC brakes is that the SBC system has the ability to apply hydraulic pressure to the calipers entirely on it's own. It does this at various times, prompted by various things, for a variety of reasons. Why isn't really important right now.

The thing is, if it should happen to apply pressure while some part of your body is in the way, you lose that part of your body.

The Star system allows the tech to disable the system, and then re-enable it once everything is back together.

Can it be done without disableing the system? Yeah... I though you might ask. As a tech, there is no way I'm going to answer a question like that, as lawyers would eat me alive if something were to happen. I will go ahead and say that merely disconnecting the battery won't do it, as the SBC has it's own power source (lest you lose battery power in the midst of a emergency braking manuever/crash.).

My final word of advice? Take the time and think it over carefully before you decide how you'd like to proceed. You may very well find a method that allows you to do it yourself, but if something should go wrong, your fingers will never grow back. Ever. Choose wisely.

MV

Read this thread for the lengthy scoop.
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w211-e-class/1251931-brake-pad-replace-official-mb-workshop.html

There are many ways to proceed with that brake job, including the method that MANY MB dealers use.

Send me a PM or e-mail if you want to DIY.

Thank you alll so much for the info! Replacing brakes on my other cars has always been so doable from my home garage so I am hoping with a few additional steps perhaps I can replace the brakes on the E55. If anyone else has any tips or ideas feel free to chime in. Thanks again.