vinkodex.Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC): electrohydraulic brakes
It does not show up on every car. Check before you buy.
critical
severity
not available
mileage
3
sources
3 sources next to the write-up.
The fault
How you spot it
The electrohydraulic brake system of the early W211 E-Class (and the related C219 CLS), the SBC, can switch into hydraulic backup mode because of software and hardware faults, with a longer pedal travel and more effort needed. The maker started several recalls (NHTSA 05V133 and its predecessors); the 2006 W211 facelift already got conventional hydraulic brakes, and the SBC was dropped because of complaints.
After the recall is closed, the SBC pump unit still has a service life counter, the replacement is expensive, and the backup mode is noticeable on a test drive. On the post 2006 facelift W211 this system is gone.
Which model
Who it affects
The card opens the generation, the engine or the transmission.
Generations and models
2 generations.
vinkodex.Checklist
Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC): electrohydraulic brakes
What you would check for this fault. Take it to the car.
Before you buy
Checklist
What you tick stays on this device only.
Sources
How we know
Information, not an expert opinion
We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.
- A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
- A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
- You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.