Hi guys,

I took my 2002 ML320 to the dealer because the abs, esp, ets lights stay on.
They told me the abs pump is loosing pressure, and the cable harness is bad
part #163-540-25-09 for cable harness
#004-431-04-12 for brake pressure
Parts and labor going to cost over 3k, we just don't have that kind of money to fix it right now just looking for any suggestions if there's cheaper way to go or maybe something my husband can tackle it himself
any advise would be greatly appreciated!!

E320 2001 SAME LIGHTS ON, REPLACE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ABOVE
THE BRAKE ARM WHERE YOU PUT YOUR FEET TO BRAKE REMOVE COVER 15 MIN
DIY. JUST STAND ON YOUR HEAD

We thought it was the brake light switch also, replaced it, but didnt fix the problem thats why we took it to mb dealer and wasnt prepare for the major repairs

roxy, recommend having your husband research how difficult this job is for a DIY'er. If it's doable then call several MB dealers [MB of Cincinnati (877-432-8846) offers wholesale prices] for parts prices. Expect that your husband can do the repair himself for less than $1,000. Still not cheap, but far less than the dealer's quote.

__________________
Fred Hoelzle

Roxy,

I understand your pain when it comes to big dollar repairs, but owning three late model Mercedes I do ALL the service work on mine.

Not sure what part of the country you reside on-USA it sounds like for sure?

The part numbers you posted are not for a wiring harness, but for a physical electronic part. Here is what they look like:

1635401217 (163 540 12 17) Diaphragm Position Sensor on Brake Booster manufactured by GENUINE MERCEDES for $190.62 at KO Performance

0044310412 (004 431 04 12) Brake Pressure Regulator (ABS Pump) NOTE: For cars with Electronic Stability Program (Code 472). NOTE: This unit must be programmed after installation. manufactured by GENUINE MERCEDES for $1480.38 at KO Performance

If you replace the pump(the expensive part) you may have to take the car in to get it programmed into the Dealer or Mercedes Independent repair shop

Now, I did find a thread on a common failure the pump happens to be the brushes on the pump being the culprit to your problem, and there is a cheap fix.

C1401 ABS/ETS/BAS lights come on randomly - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

I did a little searching here

Look at the stickies for info

W163 M-Class - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

Some ABS outcomes:

BAS/ESP and ETS lights came on - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

Need Advice ASAP! (sooner if possible ;-]) - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

ANY TRICKS TO KNOW WHEN CHANGING ESP PUMP - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

ABS, ESP, BAS and ETS lights and incessant beeping - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

I searched using the words ABS Pump

Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

A cheap Factory Mercedes Benz parts that sells at wholesale is Caliber Motors

I deal with Omar at caliber. Email them your request.

Wholesale Parts Department - Mercedes-Benz of Anaheim is the #1 Parts Dealer in the Nation

If the parts prices are still expensive. Then the Mercedes Recyclers are the other alternative.

Best of luck,

Martin

roxy-
it would be helpful if you stated what part of the country you are. the forum might be able to direct you to an independent MB shop closeby.

ben

__________________
Ben
1987 190d 2.5Turbo

Thanks guys for your help!!
We're in fresno, Ca and I will look into everything that you guys suggested
And will keep you updated, any more info or ideas always welcome
Thanks again!!

Best of luck Roxy,

Here is a place that sells cheap Used parts. I'm going to buy a bumper from them next week. Four hour drive north.

bmw and mercedes parts(916)852-7670

Best of luck,

Martin

Hi Martin,

Thank you for all your help, the threads/links you have provided us are really helpful.
My husband took out the pump and ordered the brush for it today. it was around $16.00 a whole lot better than $3k
Will keep you updated as we go along....thanks

Hi guys,

Good news and bad..My husband finished replacing the brush yesterday, we thought everything was fixed caused the lights didn't come on when we turned on the car.

Then I took the car to the store, after driving for about a mile, the bas/esp came on and stayed on until I turned off the engine, the cycle repeats. The other two lights..abs & ets are fine, they stay off.

We were hoping the worn brush in the abs pump was the problem for these lights to stay on, but it only fixed 2 out of the 3.

Any ideas what it could be at this point? So far I feel like we're the right track and so close to get this thing fixed.

If your husband disconnected the battery while performing the repairs, he will have to reset the steering angle sensor, which is a common reason the BAS/ESP light comes on. After you start the engine, turn the steering wheel all the way to the left stop, then to the right, and return to center. After a few seconds the light should go out (if this was in fact the problem).

__________________
2002 E320 T-sedan (210.282) 219K
1994 E320 (124.032) 252K (dearly departed in hit & run)
1988 260E (124.026) 301K (sold)

I have a 98 E320 4Matic wagon that just gave me the BAS, ETS failure notices. I then notice I have no brakelights (after nearly being rearended).

I suspect that the brake light switch failed from reading the above links.

I did just add hydraulic fluid. Coincidence?

A new switch is the first step?

Tom

I put in a new switch and did the full lock side-to-side and still get same results.

Warnings on the BAS, ETS, and 2 lamp failures and no brake lights.