2005 Mercedes E-Class Owner's Manual - Page 93

Safety and Security Driving safety systems Warning! G The SBC brake system requires electrical power to operate. A malfunction in the vehicle's power supply or electrical system may impair brake system operation and switch it into its emergency operation mode. In such a case, the red brake warning lamp ( page 358) and warning messages in the instrument cluster ( page 367) come on while driving. To brake, the driver must then apply significantly greater brake pedal pressure and depress the pedal much further to obtain the expected braking effect. If necessary, apply full pressure to the brake pedal. Brakes may only be applied to the front wheels. Stopping distance is increased! If there is a malfunction in the SBC brake system, we recommend that the vehicle be transported with all wheels off the ground using flatbed or appropriate wheel lift/dolly equipment. A tow bar must be used if circumstances do not permit the use of the recommended towing methods and the vehicle requires towing with all four wheels on the ground. Towing the vehicle with all four wheels on the ground is only permissible for distances up to 30 miles (50 km) and at a speed not to exceed 30 mph (50 km/h). For more information, refer to "Towing the vehicle" ( page 439). i If the SBC brake system is activated as the brake pedal is first depressed, you may feel a reduced pedal resistance and longer pedal travel than normal. When releasing the pedal, you may also feel the brake pedal pulsate and you may hear a sound which is caused by the activation of the SBC brake system pump. This is normal and not an indication of a malfunction. Pedal travel returns to normal when you release the brake pedal and the sound soon ceases. If you experience the above while driving and the red brake warning lamp ( page 358) illuminates and/or warning messages appear in the instrument cluster ( page 367), the brake system is malfunctioning. Follow the instructions of the warning message(s) and have the brake system checked immediately. The SBC brake system is automatically activated when you unlock the vehicle with the SmartKey or the KEYLESS-GO* open the driver's or passenger door turn the SmartKey in the starter switch to position 1 in vehicles with KEYLESS-GO*, press the start/stop button on the gear selector lever once depress the brake pedal release the parking brake 91