W211 E class SBC - interesting

[b1g1an]

The brake pedal is attached to a tandem master cylinder, if the system suffers a complete failure pressure on the brake pedal is transferred directly to the hydraulic fluid in the front axle brake lines. There is braking but only on the front axle and without servo assistance.

I consider myself educated I knew the feedback you feel is completely man-made so assumed there was no connection at all.

 

[mannikon]

No, they say they are counter reset tools. With four buttons 25% 50% 75% and 100%. Heres one for 29 quid. I might buy it so that i can temp reset the unit until i can get a replacement sbc unit. However, i think its irresponsible and dangerous to reset the brakes as they will fail at some point. Id rather get in the car and not be able to drive it than find that they fail at the end of a motorway sliproad......

OBD SBC reset tool for benz W211 R230 ABS SBC Reset TOOL (Clear Code C249F) | eBay

The description there (click on original listing) is that this "device" is an alternative to using STAR to deactivate the SBC when carrying out any repairs or servicing.

 

[guydewdney]

If the sbc, afaik, has run out / failed then it wont let you put it in drive from a new start, or thats what i read. The counter, if its been tampered with, thinks that it still has x000000 operations left, and if the motor brushes failed, it gives you no warning, and drops back to the non assist brakes. However, if it still works, as intended, but has run out of pushes, then it still works but has the dreaded red brakes light on.

 

[TDE1]

I got an automated (I assume) reply as below. Chased it up today.

No news from local Bosch guy.



From: Bosch Service Center Germany [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: 01 February 2015 11:13
To: Tim Evans
Subject: [Ticket#2015020193000346] [Ticket: <OTRS_TICKET_TicketID>] Eingangsbestätigung

Vielen Dank für Ihre E-Mail.

Wir kümmern uns gern um Ihre Anfrage. Sie erhalten in Kürze eine Antwort.

Thank you for your email.

We will take care of your inquiry and send our response shortly.


Mit freundlichen Grüßen / Best regards

Robert Bosch GmbH
Bosch Service Center
Postfach 300220
70442 Stuttgart

Tel: +49 (0)711 / 400 40990
Fax: +49 (0)711 / 400 40999

E-Mail: [email protected]
web: Bosch in Deutschland

[Ticket: 19124]

 

[bozmandb9]

Glad to se a number of rational and balanced views on this!

Regarding a warranty, I am not sure SBC would be covered because it is likely to be viewed by the Warranty company as a "wear and tear" item?

The warranty specifically includes wear and tear (at least after 30-90 days, depending on which one I go for!

However I guess they could consider this a 'consumable' but I doubt it. They could catch it under the clause which requires a part to fail I suppose, since it's not failing, just reached end of life.

 

[flango]

One of my German friends just pointed me to this for SBC replacement £450 at the moment

https://www.bosch-repair-service.com/DE_en/Examples_EHB.xhtml#

 

[AMGeed]

Unfortunately, doesn't seem to have a replacement for either the CLS or E55 in the above link.

 

[merc85]

Unfortunately, doesn't seem to have a replacement for either the CLS or E55 in the above link.

its a case of matching your part number unit to those listed i suppose,

are they surcharged? if so you would have to consider the extra cost of sending your own unit to them also.

 

[flango]

its a case of matching your part number unit to those listed i suppose,

Exactly if you open one of the links it gives all the part number replacements, the front page I have linked to is just an example as it describes in the URL when I spoke to Bosch in Mannheim they said there wasn't many if any they couldn't do

 

[JimmySpangle]

So, as the part quoted above is 600 Euros, that tells me that it is not £450. It also tells me you cannot get the part here.

That site also requires a 'workshop login'. No idea what that is, but as a consumer it means NOT ME.

I am not put off the car as such. Still like them very much, but will not buy one that does or may need this doing within my ownership.

As for the little boxes on ebay. From what I read, yes they can reset the counter. BUT, would you want to? Imagine SCUBA diving. Your oxygen tanks is telling you it is near the end, so you just reset it so it says there is plenty left. I genuinely think you would be a fool to do either.

Yes, I know the SBC doesn't switch off immediately on getting to the limit, but the fact that someone CAN reset it is a concern.

 

[merc85]

Id just buy a 211 and budget for the pump in the future, i love mine to bits and dont care if it needs replacing in the near future.

 

[JimmySpangle]

Yes, probably good words there.

On balance, other than the SBC possibly needing changing at some point, these do seem like a very good car. I am used to the C220cdi, so it will be a nice 'upgrade' for me on my limited funding.

Thanks to EVERYONE who took the time to post. Good or bad, your input is appreciated and is what makes for a balanced and interesting chat.

Muchos Gracias.

 

[Gareth]

I couldn't agree more to be honest. I love my W211 and don't care that it has SBC, if it fails it fails, the car has been pretty reliable really.

I like to think that whilst I'm not the slowest of drivers, I do drive properly (lane control, keeping distance, use of indicators / mirrors etc) but I'd say there has definitely been 1 time where someone pulled out on me (their fault) and I've had the SBC properly kick in, I'm not saying I would have hit the car without it, but it certainly gave me an appreciation for having it on board and what it is capable of when used in 'anger'.

 

[bozmandb9]

To me, the SBC is a positive boon. Not just because it's a technically excellent system, better technology than is on almost every current car, and giving great safety and convenience.

Also precisely because people are so afraid of the big bills, it puts people off the cars, and makes them even more of a bargain. So far as I'm concerned I got a mega bargain. I got the 2005 model, with the new engine, new gearbox, but at a very knock down price, because it was not a 2006 model.

I've alway been a little contrarian, it certainly works well when you're looking for value. Works well with investing too, buy when the masses are selling, sell when they're buying!

 

[jaymanek]

I dont think its a major worry nowadays... forums have helped to make this a bigger issue than it really is...

On average your W211 will need this part changing once in its life. Budget up to £1500 if it hasnt been done. Although prices for the pumps are falling as they get older.

All cars seem to have their common issues with electrics or gearboxes, engine parts or whatever it may be.. This is just part of owning a W211.

Far worse cars out there.. I mean you could buy an equivalent BMW..
BMW dealers special order blue and white BMW soap for when they bend the customer over.

The issues we see with BMW and VAG products of the 00's and newer.... diabolical isnt the word....

 

[Deleted member 37751]

I think the system is great, I love W211's and the fact that the SBC system was used in the Maybach's of the same time speaks volumes; if it's good enough for a £250,000 car, it's good enough for mine.

 

[flango]

So, as the part quoted above is 600 Euros, that tells me that it is not £450. It also tells me you cannot get the part here.

That site also requires a 'workshop login'. No idea what that is, but as a consumer it means NOT ME.

I am not put off the car as such. Still like them very much, but will not buy one that does or may need this doing within my ownership.

As for the little boxes on ebay. From what I read, yes they can reset the counter. BUT, would you want to? Imagine SCUBA diving. Your oxygen tanks is telling you it is near the end, so you just reset it so it says there is plenty left. I genuinely think you would be a fool to do either.

Yes, I know the SBC doesn't switch off immediately on getting to the limit, but the fact that someone CAN reset it is a concern.

If you read my earlier posts I said it was not available in the UK only collection in Germany as they would not ship, but the point is it costs £450 to fix SBC + labour not £1500

If you want to pay £1500 thats fine by me, if anyone wants the part from Germany I'm happy to bring it back for them.

This forum is all about helping others which is what I was trying to do, as with all advice you can take it or leave it personally I couldn't give a FF

The fact remains SBC replacement available over the counter in Germany for €600

 

[pimpdriver]

just get a W210!

 

[JimmySpangle]

If you read my earlier posts I said it was not available in the UK only collection in Germany as they would not ship, but the point is it costs £450 to fix SBC + labour not £1500

If you want to pay £1500 thats fine by me, if anyone wants the part from Germany I'm happy to bring it back for them.

This forum is all about helping others which is what I was trying to do, as with all advice you can take it or leave it personally I couldn't give a FF

The fact remains SBC replacement available over the counter in Germany for €600

1. I DID read your post. The SBC is NOT available for £450. It is available for 600Euros, if you are in Germany. The fact that you are offering to collect one for anyone is very nice of you.
2. At what point did I ever say that I wanted to pay £1500? Read every post yourself, I never ever said that at all.
3. You couldn't give a FF? What exactly prompted that little outburst then?

 

[Howard]

Welcome on board Jimmy

You'll fit in a treat !