I noticed that the brake fluid reservoir in my E420 has been going down as of late. So I looked under the car to find a wet spot above the exhaust pipe just in front of the rear axle. I'm sure the line needs replacing and I'm considering doing it. Looking at other threads, I hear that the suspension needs to be dropped. With good mechanical skills and basic tools, I wondering if I can reroute the line/lines in question to avoid having to do this given I'm working with a jack and jack stands. I think I might buy the line/lines from the dealer already flared to avoid the tooling. I'm counting on the 11mm nut attaching the line to the hose to be stubborn but hoping . I have a question about the line/lines supplying the rear brakes. Is it 1 line with a T or are there 2 separate lines? My DIY thinking and budget says think about it but some threads are telling me otherwise. I'm also curious what this will cost if I do it versus the stealership. On a difficult scale out of 5, what would this rate?

That depends on the year & type of traction system of the car.
All e-class after 1997 have 4 channel braking systems.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

This is a '94.

And has ASR.

That would be a 4 channel ABS system with 4 brake lines that are NOT connected.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

Doc,

How many lines come down the middle of the underside of the car? Not to be ignorant but do you mean that each line is independent of each other hence, not connected.

I just bought an used 420E, and it is leaking from about the same exact spot.
It appears the hard line ruptured due to rust, right at the spot where the clip that holds the line to the subframe is.
I asked my son to press the brake pedal as I watched, it squirts from there.
I am considering changing the line myself, but it looks more like a pro's job, it looks like a VERY difficult place to reach.
Any suggestion on how to tackle this job, please let me know.

__________________
1999 Porsche 996 Carrera Convertible
1994 420E - SOLD
1986 300E - SOLD, what a car
609 Certified

Pictures of the location.

Attached Thumbnails

   

__________________
1999 Porsche 996 Carrera Convertible
1994 420E - SOLD
1986 300E - SOLD, what a car
609 Certified

It looked like a real pita and not being well equipped to do this work, I let the dealer do the repair. This was a good decision since they needed 3 days to get the parts, install, test and fix a leak that arose during the repair. I had both lines replaced to save any future problems. Got a free courtesy car for the weekend out. Without a lift and air tools I wouldn't attempt it. Good luck!

I am thinking of a local shop, I wouldn't think of dealership (their prices are completely ridiculous).

Specially since I will be buying a new engine harness.

__________________
1999 Porsche 996 Carrera Convertible
1994 420E - SOLD
1986 300E - SOLD, what a car
609 Certified