My 2008 does not have SBC, not 100% sure but I don't think it applies to any W164.
I did the traditional "pump the pedal" brake flush with no problems at all.
Just make sure to use approved Dot 4+ fluid .

 

DOT 3 is still around for good reason. And DOT 4, no matter DOT 5.1 is here.

If your brake reservoir cap says DOT 3 or 4 then don't worry, use either. The difference is DOT 4 has a higher boiling point. But DOT 4 has a greater affinity for water. Same for DOT 5.1, greater boiling point, but greater affinity for water. That means you will have to flush sooner.

DOT 3, 4, and 5.1 are fully compatible so it doesn't matter if you mix them.

Having said that, DOT 4 is good compromise if your vehicle says DOT 3 is all that is needed (or all they knew about way back when your vehicle was manufactured). DOT 4 rarely costs much more than DOT 3, but much less than 5.1 which is moderately hard to find.

 

Any system with ABS has multiple paths from reservoir to brake caliper. Should check and see if there are bleeders on the ABS manifold. Usually the manufacturer's diagnostic software can open valves for the technician for better flushing. But don't let me put you off doing it yourself. If you get 75% of the fluid every 2 years then all will be good. Most vehicles on the road don't get brake fluid flush, ever.

I favor the Motive Power Bleeder providing a steady push over the pressure followed by suction of pumping the brake pedal. I have found if there is a bubble in the lines then it has plenty of time to return to its high point when the brake pedal returns.

 

You may want to check out this link:

"Eric the Car Guy" has some pretty useful videos on different maintenance techniques. I used his method to do my 2006 W164.

 

Eric The Car Guy says most of the fluid is in the reservoir then proves the error in his statement by using half the reservoir on the first bleeder. And half again on the 2nd. The last took about 2/3rds fill. So there was at least twice as much brake fluid in the lines and calipers as his reservoir.

I recommend keeping an inexpensive bottle of drugstore rubbing alcohol (isopropyl) near with the cap loose because if you spill brake fluid or get any on your fingers/gloves this alcohol can quickly cut the brake fluid before it does too much damage.

 

Dot 4 and Dot4+ are not the same spec.
Most European manufacturers , including MB spec Dot4+ for the even higher boiling point and other improved characteristics.
Problem is not so much when its new but during the two year life.
As it picks up moisture the boiling point drops significantly. There is also the issue of corrosion and compatibility with the seals . Check your owners manual or talk to MB parts; you'll find they sell/use Dot4+
MB spec is BB00.40-P-0330-01A p/n is A 000 989 08 07 13.

Any MB, BMW, VW, Volvo dealer will have it or their equivalent.
It's a bit harder to find and slightly more expensive.If you only do the change every two years it's worth the extra $.

 

Dot 4 and Dot4+ are not the same spec.
Most European manufacturers , including MB spec Dot4+ for the even higher boiling point and other improved characteristics.

DOT does not list a "4 plus" spec. So where do you find the spec?

Problem is not so much when its new but during the two year life.
As it picks up moisture the boiling point drops significantly.

There is very little magic or new about glycol-based brake fluids. They are hygroscopic, and the higher the boiling point the more hygroscopic. Meaning the more likely it is to damage itself. The more often it will need to be flushed.

DOT 5.1 is generally a bad idea for casual street use due to its short life. The most useful application of DOT 5.1 I have seen is in the rear brakes of KTM 2-strokes used for woods racing. In 2004 KTM downsized the caliper crossing a threshold for many pushing the rear brake beyond its limits. Fresh 5.1 is critical if one wishes to have a rear brake 50 miles into the race. And by fresh I mean "the night before." A 2-stroke has little to no compression braking so everything must be done with friction brakes.

So I use DOT 4 in my Husaberg and KTM 4-strokes. I brake much less at the same speeds riding with my 2-stroke friends. I know because I hear their overheated brakes squealing.

Whatever Toyota put in my Prius brakes in 2006 is still there. But do find it beneficial to flush brake and clutch hydraulic fluids every 2 years on street bikes, and once or twice per year on dirtbike which gets power washed after every ride.

There is also the issue of corrosion and compatibility with the seals .

Definitive references please, not internet blogs. Just how does 4+ differ from 4? Perhaps viscosity?

Check your owners manual or talk to MB parts; you'll find they sell/use Dot4+
MB spec is BB00.40-P-0330-01A p/n is A 000 989 08 07 13.

Any MB, BMW, VW, Volvo dealer will have it or their equivalent.
It's a bit harder to find and slightly more expensive.If you only do the change every two years it's worth the extra $.

Fully expect Chrysler and Freightliner dealers would have MB spec brake fluid.

Dealers sell a lot of things, some good, some questionable. My fraud detector sounds an alarm when someone makes up a spec such as DOT 4+. Especially when they don't explain how it differs from 4 or 5.1. All I'm hearing is F.U.D. in defense of 4+. I don't drink Mercedes-Benz Kool Aid, don't share blind faith in M-B.

 

Thanks everyone for your input. I am glad to hear that traditional pedal method will also work for ML350. I will do the flush once appropriate brake fluid is purchased.

 

DOT 4+ is not covered in FMVSS spec 116 ( the "DOT spec") but has been used as a reference by most European car manufacturers since the mid 90's.

MB spec 331.0 for DOT 4+ brake fluid has a Dry boiling point of min 260 c and a wet boiling point of min 180 C. That's the same as FMVSS DOT 5 (including 5.1 for the poly glycol version).

Viscosity specified is max 1500 mm2/s @-40c .That's same as DOT 3 , lower than DOT 4 at 1800 , but not as low as DOT 5 at 900.

Manufacturers of the fluid such as Pentosin, ATE, Aral ,Mobil ( in Europe) are shown to meet MB 331.0 as well as the comparable specs of Audi, BMW, VW , Porsche, Land Rover, Volvo.

Flush intervals for MB and Volvo, which I have ,are 2 years ; seems to also be same /similar for others.

I consider that the manufacturers designed the hydraulic system, including the choice of fluid ,to ensure proper operation over a wide range of conditions.
Since the specified fluid is available I see no reason to second guess them to save a $.

 

Where is MB spec 331.0 published?

Yes, when one practices specmanship and insists on more more more, the maintenance intervals will get shorter. Four years to never is about the same for DOT 3 as 2 years is for DOT 5.1. The greater affinity for water is directly due to higher boiling point. Simple glycol chemistry.

1500 vs 1800 at -40°C is trivial. What would be important would be viscosity at typical operating temperatures. The original impetus for DOT 4 was to narrow the accepted viscosity range so ABS systems would perform consistently with brake fluids from different manufacturers. Increased dry boiling point was something they had to do to sell the public on a different spec.