[adrossan]

From what I can gather Mercedes introduced ABS braking as a very expensive optional extra in 1978.

Does anyone know, or able to point me in the right direction, as to when this became standard equipment ?

As an outside chance, in particular on my 82 280SE RHD Australian delivered.

Thanks in advance.

Matt

 

[PlaneCrazy]

In Europe since 1984. Here in South Africa, which may be better aligned with the US, probably no sooner than 1987. I have never seen a W123 or 1st gen W126 with ABS, and I have never seen a 2nd gen W126 without it, although some early W124s in South Africa were without ABS.

I don't know if your RHD W126 came from South Africa or from Germany, though.

 

[adrossan]

In Europe since 1984. Here in South Africa, which may be better aligned with the US, probably no sooner than 1987. I have never seen a W123 or 1st gen W126 with ABS, and I have never seen a 2nd gen W126 without it, although some early W124s in South Africa were without ABS.

I don't know if your RHD W126 came from South Africa or from Germany, though.

Thank you (I'm plane crazy too ! WW1 & WW2 especially)

Mine is Australian delivered, direct from Germany.

 

[rod_W126 280SE]

Hey Matt, do you have the original build sheet for your 280SE. Mine was stuck to the last page of the maintenance booklet. It lists ABS as option 470. If not, you can download your build data from lastvin.com by entering your VIN. This should demonstrate that the ABS is an option. Lastly, I have a copy of the original english language sales brochure. It mentions ABS as an optional item. Perhaps it's worthwhile getting one of these online.
With all these combined it might be enough for you to demonstrate the standard model was not equipped with ABS.
Good Luck

 

[tusabes]

Are you trying to find out if your car has abs or not ? Either hit the brakes hard or look for the abs parts in the engine compartment

 

[PlaneCrazy]

Or if you have ABS and want to get rid of it, I have a W123 that's just begging for ABS...

 

[adrossan]

Hey Matt, do you have the original build sheet for your 280SE. Mine was stuck to the last page of the maintenance booklet. It lists ABS as option 470. If not, you can download your build data from lastvin.com by entering your VIN. This should demonstrate that the ABS is an option. Lastly, I have a copy of the original english language sales brochure. It mentions ABS as an optional item. Perhaps it's worthwhile getting one of these online.
With all these combined it might be enough for you to demonstrate the standard model was not equipped with ABS.
Good Luck

Thank you kind sir, I'm being bounced between mechanics and auto-electricians, both pointing the fingers at each other & saying your job. Blue slip inspections are still refusing to budge on the ABS light. No one will fix it, huge $ numbers are being thrown around, and no one will entertain disconnection either.

The vehicle arrived with no paperwork whatsoever; I just found a manual in the UK for a horrendous price & bought it.

It's just been booked in with an outfit that specialises in Mercs; they claim it is never that the ABS lenses need a clean, the only way to fix it is removal of sensors and all wiring, and total replacement. I don't buy that either, all advice has been to clean the lenses first & see if the light goes out.

I'm perfectly happy to fight with RMS & argue as an optional extra, it makes no difference if the light is on; people drive around with the light on for years and it poses no threat. The braking system will not fail if the ABS light is on, in fact the "optional extra" system is, in effect, no different from pin-striping so far as braking & stopping is concerned, & can be removed or disabled and the vehicle should pass for registration. It is no different than a 280SE without ABS as an optional extra.

I also now have four emails from RMS with conflicting opinions, granting, withdrawing and reinstating an unregistered driving permit to drive the vehicle to various repairers.

I will try your suggestions, not the first time I've taken on the government & won. Sometimes it pays to be a lawyer.....

 

[adrossan]

Or if you have ABS and want to get rid of it, I have a W123 that's just begging for ABS...

You pay for it to be removed & postal charges, and it's yours my friend ! I don't like the feel of ABS & would be happy to see it gone from my vehicle.

 

[adrossan]

Are you trying to find out if your car has abs or not ? Either hit the brakes hard or look for the abs parts in the engine compartment

No good sir, it has it all right, the ABS light is on and no one will fix it, disconnect it or remove it, & no one will pass it for registration because they say the vehicle isn't safe & doesn't comply with current regs (despite it being an 82 model) The issue is driving me further round the bend than I normally am.

 

[John350]

Take the bulb out.

 

[adrossan]

Take the bulb out.

Good thought !