Brake Pads and Rotors on e320
 

Would like to replace rotors and pads on a newly purchased '03 E320. Upon going to Fastlane to check part availability and prices I see where they talk about "deactivating the SBC brake system using an SBD 102 or Mercedes Star Diagnosis tool". I've replace a lot of brakes over the years but have never heard of a system like this. I can appreciate that technology has passed me by but is a routine brake job no longer "routine"? Is this now a "dealer only" service? MB Doc, can you lend some input on this brake job? Thanks.

I'm sure he'll weigh in here, but here is my understanding of the system.

The Sensotronic brake system has no master cylinder. The pedal no longer mechanically actuates the brakes. Rather, the computer senses the pedal movement and pressure and applies the brakes for you.

Because it's computer controlled, there is a high-pressure reservoir (something like 2000psi). It needs to be depressurized before dismantling any brake parts, and repressurized before driving the car after repairs.

If you search here for "Sensotronic" you will find a thread linking to a less-expensive tool to deactivate and reactivate the system. Around $200, IIRC (this may be the SDB 102). Still, at this time, I would be extremely uncomfortable with electronically-controlled brakes.