Are there W202 cars without brake pad wear sensors?

[blackmercedes]

Our 190E cars have had wear sensors in the front only. So, I was pleasantly surprised when I bought the 1998 C230 and found it had wear sensors on all four pads.

An e-mail friend of mine is doing his first DIY brake job on his 1998 C230. When buying the parts at the dealer, they insisted that his car has no rear pad sensors. They indicated that since his car has no traction control, they didn't install wear sensors in the back.

Now, my car has NO traction control (no ASR, ETS etc. Canadian unique model) and when I did my brakes, I installed rear pad wear sensors.

In fact, my dealer (he's in Ontario) says NO C-Class cars were ever equipped without rear pad sensors.

Huh? Anyone know? Bill is scared to take his car apart without having all the bits ready, as he lives a couple hours from the dealer and has no alternative transport. I told him to pull the rear wheels and look at the pads, but I thought I'd post this as well...

Thanks!

[dieseldude]

I wonder John, if since the ASR is depenedent on the ABS (and thusly, the brake pads) to function, that maybe some 'option-lean' models don't have them?

Just a guess, (esp. since Canadian cars seems can come with a wider variety of options/triml levels) but I think it would be a shame not to include it. Such a simple system and a very convenient service aid.

It'll be interesting to see what you find out regarding this.

Regards,
- Ryan

[Ali Al-Chalabi]

I have a 97 C280 US version without traction control, and there are no wear sensors on the back on my car. Only one on each inner front pad.

[blackmercedes]

Interesting! I wonder if model year, destination country, and ASR/No ASR make a difference?