I have added the master cylinder to my replace list. I will get the hoses local. As soon as I get everything replaced I will take it for a quick spin around the block to see if the bearings were damaged. Now that I think about it, I should have poured some gasoline on the fire and stroked the flames because insurance would have covered it. hahahaha. I have a Mitsubishi Diamante that I have rebuilt the engine and done lots of work on, so I guess its time to get to know the Mercedes.

I had the same thing on my 96 500sl. Replaced everything. Root cause was the brake booster hung up a little at the top of the stroke and didn't allow the fluid back into the master cylinder. I backed off on the pedal stop and is OK now.

You need calipers, pads, rotors, e-brake shoes, and a master cylinder. Yes, the master cylinder can do this. I have seen it before on M.B., on a 140 chassis, and a 126. In fact, you may need wheel beaings, if the seals got cooked. -Zach

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I'm in the middle of the same exact brake problem with my 99 c280. I had gone to the store 2 miles away with no problem. Started back home and it started to feel like a slight drag, just not the same kind of coast off the accelerator. It gradually got worse but like your wife I thought the 1 mile left to go before home would be alright. By the time I'm back in the driveway the rear rotors are glowing like a lava flow and the flames incidentally where popping up from the top of the rotor from between the cooling slots. Also like you my e brake was in good shape. I thought the problem was with the anti-tow feature of the security system (which applies the rear brakes when being stolen with a tow truck). My mechanic says no that that system passes diagnostic testing. Get this. After a complete rear brake replacement and a subsequent master cylinder swap, now the front brakes are locking up. It's been in the shop 5 weeks now going on 6. I sure would love to know what the problem with yours turned out to be.

I was unaware of the brakes applying as an anti tow. You could unplug the ABS unit and see if the problem goes away. But you won't have ABS in a hard stop so proceed at your own risk. ( and drive it like an old car with straight brakes )

You would see a button on the center area of the dash to disable this very feature, it is drawn like a car being lifted by a hook from the front. (it does show on my E320 which has ESP too.

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Got it. I have seen the button on other cars before and through it was to shut off the tilt alarm.

I would not use stock pads anymore,I use ceramics

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