E240 SBC Noisy & Vibrates

[PeteC]

Hello,

Just found this site and this is my first message. Looking for advice really. Just bought an E240 2002 (new shape) but have found that there is some noise and vibration coming from the braking system - generally only at low speed or when the car is stationery (sometimes not even when pressing the brakes). Mercedes have checked it out but say it's all normal. Even the manual states that the braking system will make noise and you will feel a pulsating sensation on the brake pedal at times. I understand that the E Class has a Sensotronic Braking Control system and this is what is making the noise. I'm finding it very off putting for a "luxury" car to exhibit such characteristics - all my passengers can hear it but not feel it (that's for the driver to detect). I've been told by a friend that the noise and pulsation varies from car to car and that there have been many recalls on the system (for whatever reason) and in fact Mercedes have stopped fitting this electronic braking system to the latest E Class. Has anyone else experienced this ? Should I pursue it harder with Mercedes ?

 

[Dieselman]

This is indeed due to the SBC pump. If the noise is audible I would think that is worth investigating but as the unit is bolted to the inner wing then there is always a likelyhood of transmitted noise.

Try another car as a comparison.

 

[prprandall51]

The 211 E Class SBC system does indeed vibrate.

However, it should be too intrusive nor should it happen too often. Mine has a little vibrate every morning within seconds of starting. The SBC pump runs for a few seconds to pressurise the system; I hear it but cannot say that I feel it. Occasionally during a journey, the system tops up.

I guess the real question is: is it intrusive? If so, there may be a problem and it is certainly worth having it checked out, in my opinion.

If it is only that you didn't expect a luxury car to "rumble" for a few seconds every so often, it may help to counter-balance this slight inconvenience with the thought that you have a car with the most sophisticated braking system in the world and that one day it may save your life in a situation where a non-SBC car (even one with ESP, ABS, etc.) would fail to do so. That's how I look at it, anyway.

If you haven't done so already, it is worth reading up on SBC, the system is simply amazing.

Hope this helps

Philip

 

[glojo]

As Dieselman has quite rightly suggested, try another car. Simply ask for a test drive in an E-class (before the facelift model is released)

The most audible noise we hear is when the car is unlocked, the SBC activates and it sounds like a bad case of indigestion. There might be a few noises that my wife has not reported, but it should certainly not be distracting. The SBC system is brilliant, have you played with SBC Hold and SBC Stop.

Regards,
John

 

[PeteC]

Thanks Dieselman - will try to compare with other E Class models.

 

[PeteC]

As Dieselman has quite rightly suggested, try another car. Simply ask for a test drive in an E-class (before the facelift model is released)

The most audible noise we hear is when the car is unlocked, the SBC activates and it sounds like a bad case of indigestion. There might be a few noises that my wife has not reported, but it should certainly not be distracting. The SBC system is brilliant, have you played with SBC Hold and SBC Stop.

Regards,
John

Thanks glojo - mine does sound like a bad case of indigestion and perhaps also like an old kitchen fridge refrigerator compressor starting and stopping. It is definitely intrusive but this was all demonstrated to Mercedes who were unphased. Even when I switched the engine off, lifted the bonnet and while they were inspecting it, it made the indigestion sound - some 30 seconds after the car was switched off ! I'm aware of the benefits but it in fact spoils this otherwise great car. I will try to listen to others in the near future and perhaps pay another visit to Mercedes. I'm even considering changing the system for new parts even though Mercedes are saying all is okay.

Regards,

Pete

 

[PeteC]

As Dieselman has quite rightly suggested, try another car. Simply ask for a test drive in an E-class (before the facelift model is released)

The most audible noise we hear is when the car is unlocked, the SBC activates and it sounds like a bad case of indigestion. There might be a few noises that my wife has not reported, but it should certainly not be distracting. The SBC system is brilliant, have you played with SBC Hold and SBC Stop.

Regards,
John

Hi John,

I was aware of the hold and stop functions by reading this on the web however my manual doesn't refer to them at all. Do you think is an optional extra with the SBC system ?

Pete

 

[s999sws]

I have a 2 month old E280CDi, this also vibrates and makes noises. MB are going to fit a sound reducing mod to it in a couple of weeks. This will take 4 hours, so it must be quite a bit of work. I also have SBC hold, but not SBC STOP. I believe the STOP function has been deleted due to problems with the system and also with operator error. If I can get STOP, I would be grateful for any info on how to access this function.

 

[glojo]

I believe the STOP function has been deleted due to problems with the system and also with operator error. If I can get STOP, I would be grateful for any info on how to access this function.

SBC Stop was simply omitted as part of the cost cutting, it has gone, so you will not be able to access it. We have it, but only used it when playing with the instruction manual. I cannot see how 'operator error' could cause a problem with this option, could you explain this one please?

Everyone and their dog hears rumours. Some even believe them.

A year or so ago, an upgrade was circulated to dealerships that reduced excessive noise, new vehicles though would have the modified system?

Good luck with the problem,
John

Edit
Hi PeteC
Sorry I did not answer your post, SBC Stop has now gone, so unfortunately you will not be able to access it.

This option might have been beneficial if you live in a large urban area and get caught in lots of very slow moving traffic.

 

[drifting]

I know the noise you are talking about. My car usually makes the same sound most mornings, never to be heard again. However when a Jag decided to reshape the rear end of my car I had a loan E (can't remember the size, but it was petrol) and it was making that noise at random intervals throughout our journeys, can understand how it may irritate. So in essence I feel there is something wrong with yours? unless of course the diesels are different?

Paul.

 

[s999sws]

when I say operator error, I mean the driver of the car. I did read a report where the test driver said that the brakes kept coming on by themselves in traffic, this I took to refer to STOP. My new car does not have this sound reducing mod. My local MB dealer, Plymouth, have been very good so far, and I can recommend them for their attentiveness since I bought the car in feb.

 

[glojo]

I mean the driver of the car. I did read a report where the test driver said that the brakes kept coming on by themselves in traffic, this I took to refer to STOP.

I understand where your coming from. SBC Stop has to be activated by the driver, you again get a display on the multi-function screen informing you that it is activated.

It can only be activated when stationary or travelling at less than 10mph.

As soon as the vehicle exceeds 40mph the SBC Stop is completely deactivated.

The system is only meant to be used in very slow moving traffic, it is also only available on earlier automatic 211's. I believe it was removed in late 2004?

Folks have a go at me for praising our local dealership, I note your local dealer is part of the same group. One of our very learned members has unfortunately had a/some bad experiences with the Plymouth part of this major dealership, so fingers crossed it has improved?

Never settle for anything you are unhappy with, always insist on peace of mind........ Take out a demonstrator to compare. The early morning indegestion is something we have grown accustomed to and I suppose the odd very quiet rumble is simply not noticed? I am terribly fussy and if there was any type of obtrusive noise, our vehicle would be plotting a course up the A38

Regards,
John

 

[PeteC]

I have a 2 month old E280CDi, this also vibrates and makes noises. MB are going to fit a sound reducing mod to it in a couple of weeks. This will take 4 hours, so it must be quite a bit of work. I also have SBC hold, but not SBC STOP. I believe the STOP function has been deleted due to problems with the system and also with operator error. If I can get STOP, I would be grateful for any info on how to access this function.

Hi S99SWS, very interested in this sound reducing kit - can you please let us know if it is effective. I guess Mercedes are doing this for free ?

Regards,

Pete

 

[s999sws]

Hi there Pete
when it's been completed and I have tested it, I will report back. It is being done under warranty.
Stephen W-S

 

[glojo]

Hi there Pete
when it's been completed and I have tested it, I will report back. It is being done under warranty.
Stephen W-S

Try very hard not to be fobbed off with them saying it was an upgrade or TSB. The service bullentin for this problem is over a year old. It sounds like you have a new vehicle?

We would all be very interested in the cause of your problem.

Good luck,
John

 

[s999sws]

whats a TSB?
The car is 3 months old.
Stephen W-S

 

[glojo]

whats a TSB?
The car is 3 months old.
Stephen W-S

Technical Service Bullentin or similar

There are quite literally hundreds of these that get raised on ALL vehicles, hence my tiresome posts on the need for very modern Mercedes-Benz to be serviced by main dealers.

I actually posted a copy of one that instructed main dealers NOT to repair under warranty a diesel powered Mercedes-Benz that has had petrol put in the tank?

John

 

[awg454]

Hi i run two eclasses the e320 cdi sbc system seems to run more than the e55 but you can hear them both i quite often feel it in the e320cdi but dont in the e55.
My dealer always tells me it is normal!

 

[glojo]

Hi i run two eclasses the e320 cdi sbc system seems to run more than the e55 but you can hear them both i quite often feel it in the e320cdi but dont in the e55.
My dealer always tells me it is normal!

What an interesting point, you are in the ideal position to comment. I am surprised the 320 is noisier. Surely it is the same pump, same installation location, same deadening equipment? The wheels, brakes on the 55 might well be different, but that should be irrelevant.

Hopefully the new system will not have this characteristic? (An E-class without indigestion, whatever next? )

Regards
John

 

[glojo]

I am trying to post a relevant TSB, but it is proving to be a challenge, still.......

If at first you don't suck seed
Then suck an easter egg!!

Note this is an old US TSB, but still relevant