Brake pad replace on 2005 CDI (SBC)
 

I'm just reporting on my brake job on my 2005 E320 CDI. I had heard horror stories on brakes actuating during removal and crushing fingers/hands in the process.

I needed to change rear pads, so I began to research how to DIY. Apparently the SBC system does a self test anytime a door is opened or the key gets near the car. The self test consists of actuating each caliper. To prevent this from happening while working ont he brakes, the SBC system must be disabled. There's a fairly elaborate process to disable it through the computer. Others have claimed the quickest way to disable is to simply remove the connector at the SBC unit.

Being a big fan of "simple" I went the route of disconneting the SBC connector. I could see in the car the dash turned red with a "Warning...reduced braking"...etc

I proceeded to change pads without issue. Pumped up the brakes afterward, reconnected the SBC, started car, and got no warnings on the screen at all.

As far as I'm concerned, working on SBC brakes has changed from "dangerous and not DIY friendly" to "no problem"