Changing brake pads on W211, 2003 E500
 

I am planning to change the brake pads to Porterfield after reading good reviews. I have changed brake pads on different make of cars before, but the W211 seems to be very much different due to the electronic brake system. I understand that I need a SBC 102 tool to deactivate the pressure in the system in order to safely remove the pads. How expenesive is this SBC 102 Tool? Can someone please enlighten me in the procedure to change these brake pads. Is it that much complicated compared to ordinary brake system? Many thanks in advance.

I need help, please.

Replacing the brake pads on an SBC equipped vehicle is no more difficult than on any other MB, however the system needs to be de-activated to prevent the SBC system from performing what's known as a "Pre-Drive Check". When this occurs, the system is pressurized at approx. 60 BAR. I'm not sure about an "SBC 102" tool. I use SDS.

Can you please elaborate the procedure of using the SDS tool to de-activate the system. Where can I buy the tool? Thanks for your help.;)

I bet the tool is not cheap, ask the dealer.

Here is a link to a previous thread discussing the sbc deactivation.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/tech-help/70790-anyone-replace-brake-pads-new-03-e-class.html?highlight=w211+brake+pad

Thank you very for the thread. It was very informative. To be honest, I don't find the new brake system any superior to other cars with good brakes. As a matter of fact, the brakes on my Infiniti is better than my E500, both in stopping distance and ease of brake modulation. My previous 328i's brakes were better also!

I guess I won't put on the Porterfield pads by myself and I will go to a local MB shop for that:)