Anyone replace brake pads on new '03 E-class??
 

Car only has 10k miles on it and the brake indicator lamp is on. It's very annoying as it beeps. I've always done brake pads/rotors in my previous cars, will I expect anything new with this car besides the sensors needing replacement? Are there any special tools required? Should I have the rotors turned over or wait for the second pad install? Also, any recommendation on brake pads that don't sqeal, last longer and most importantly don't DUST like the OEM's?

TIA
-ardy

Look under the DIY section on top of this page!
 

A short cut...http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W124BrakePads
It should be a start...
Welcome aboard!

DO NOT attempt to service the brakes on this car. It has SBC, Sensotronic brake control, and you can badly damage your car and yourself if the SBC is not first deactivated prior to servicing the brake system. The system is deactivated using the shop computer.

Gilly

sounds like another attempt by m.b. at MAKING us go to /rely on the dealer for everything:mad: :mad: :eek:

Hi daddiojiggy, it sounds as though you're not familiar with the MB SBC system. MB isn't interested in "MAKING" you do anything. Remember, this is the worlds' first production "brake by wire" system, and it requires special attention. Gilly is right on the money. Don't attempt any repair/maintenance on this system unless it is first de-activated!!! This system will, at times perform a "Pre-Drive Check". In other words, it will momentarily pressurize the system to check for leaks. If this were to occur during service ( replacing brake pads ) it could result in injury/damage, etc. As far as vapors2k question? It sounds like the parking brake isn't fully released.

Gilly,

Thank you for your reply. Would removing the negative connection at the battery suffice as to "deactivate" the SBC system?

ah, the parking brake is fully released otherwise there would be a warning lamp to indicated it is on. The front pads are worn and my guess is this car only has sensors for the front? That's why I was assuming that the rear pads should not need changing unless MB set brake biasing on this car different than the rest. The car makes all these mechanical sounds when the door opens and such, thought it was the air suspension but then it could be the brake system too? Very good info! :thumbup:

Seems that this should be covered under the warranty. 10K is way too short for pads.

Craig

Even with the SBC unplugged and battery disconnected, there
is still massibe pressure built up in the SBC hydraulic unit accumulator (14bar). This is a very easy way to lose a finger and pop out the caliper pistons.
Please!!! do not do this yourself. The vehicles
computers also need to be recalibrated for new pads so that the
SBC and ESP can function properly.
THIS IS NOT A DO IT YOURSELF JOB!!!!
DR.D

lluvmils:daddiojiggy, it sounds as though you're not familiar with the MB SBC system
where did you get that from?do you know of another way to do these brakes?like gilly said you're going to have to go to the dealer.plain&simple,over&out!:mad:

Not nessasarily the dealer but, it requires a SDS.




Joe

Dude, just call around to the indys and ask 'em if they have a sds. (Star Diagnosis) AND ask them if they have the latest update. Then get a quote on pads. (normally pads are 1.0 hr)



Joe

SDS? Thanks again guys, it's too bad I wont be able to do this. I hate having the dealer do something that I could possibly perform, but I guess in this situation, I must have them change the brake pads. :mad:

Quote

Gilly,

Thank you for your reply. Would removing the negative connection at the battery suffice as to "deactivate" the SBC system?

end Quote

If I were "forced" to do this job without SDS, I would certainly want to recommend disconnecting the battery, but Dr D is correct of course, that there is a pressure accumulator which is where the braking pressure actually originates from. The electric pump which charges the reservoir can't run without the battery power, but the original pressure would still exist. I don't think it's worth the risk, but it would at least somewhat reduce the risk of an accident if both batteries were disconnected.
I don't want to sound like an A-Hole here, but MOST 2003 E Class owners I would assume would have the car dealer serviced, for now. I too would tend to assume there is a problem with the SBC if the pads are worn out at 10,000 miles. If you screw up this job, it can hurt you and damage the car, and I'd HATE to see the (non-warranty) repair bill for THAT! New SBC calipers? Excuse me? Cha Ching!

Gilly

Hey daddio, for the record, my apologies if I caused any offense. I'm not trying to step on any toes. As previously stated, MB isn't "MAKING" you do anything. Replacing brake pads on an SBC equipped vehicle isn't the same job as on a non-SBC system. If recent history is any indication, SBC is here to stay. I'm sure other manufacturers will develop similar systems in the near future. As joe p says, the system can be de-activated with the properly updated SDS. Once the system is de-activated, replacing the brake pads is an easy DIY job. Hats off to vapors2K. One of the things that can activate the "Pre-Drive Check" is opening the drivers' door.