Mine has a fair amount of travel and took some getting used to. However I do not think is is anywhere near 3". Of course that would depend on measurement technique.

In any case I much prefer it to our Honda accord brakes with no free travel and hyper-sensitive.

 

Yeah I drove an Accord with the same brakes! Thought it would be real tough in the rain!

 

I rechecked with a ruler and the pedal travels 2" from all the way up to firm ... is that normal? It's always been like this and I thought with new pads and a 2 bar pressure bleed it would change but still the same ....

 

I'd say thats pretty normal. My e420 has more sensitive brakes, the SL took some getting used to but they are easy to modulate. Amazing how different cars have vastly different brake feel. Much more so than the variations in power steering.

 

Thanks e420 .... I'm OK if thats about normal .... but you are right, its a different feel ... I'm used to it but when my Dad drove it he was quite alarmed at first


How are you enjoying your new scanner?

 

With the engine at idle and the ruler in middle of pedal mine measures about 1.75" to firm response. So seems about the same as yours.

 

Thanks for checking ph_sl500 .... I wonder if generally thats the same throughout? I did drive another SL that had a hard pedal and no travel but I believe it actually had a problem ...

 

switching cars after driving one for a few days is definitely an adjustment. Between my 2015 Silverado 3/4 ton, 2004 silverado 3/4 ton E420, SL500, son's S-10 and daughters ford edge, the variations in brake feel are very dramatic and noticeable. all are very different. Not that any one is "bad" or "good", they are all just very noticeably 'different". all are capable, just markedly different. The SL is probably the most different in the amount of pedal travel and modulation control.

Now for one that is remarkably "odd" is some of the citroens that had ZERO pedal travel. didn't drive one but testers did make comments. had feedback to keep pedal travel to zero and took some getting used to. With the new drive by wire, that wouldn't be hard to do, but I'm sure would be something that would be hard to get used to.

 

I know they are all different but it seems the SL is marked-ably different .... It makes me wonder if they were that way brand new or it's something to do with age ...

 

I haven't measured my pedal but I know it is longer than an inch - probably like yours. Tell you the truth now with this car after 2 years that appears "normal". When I first got the car the travel seemed excessive.

Not now.

 

I bought an SL600 6 weeks ago. I was so concerned about the amount of brake travel before the brakes were applied that I queried it during the test drive but was assured that this was normal. I've never driven a car with such a long pedal travel before. Mine isn't a daily driver and it isn't a problem but I still notice it as a bit unusual every time I drive it.

 

Its about halfway between power and manual brake. It takes a while to get comfortable, but I like the control. The engineers left no stones unturned on these things.

 

I have at least 3" of travel in my 1997 S500. Prior owner said it was unusual. Master cylinder seems fine, no hissing out of the vaccuum brake booster, is it the ABS?

 

when you pump it does it get firmer? Could be air in the lines .... unless it's pressure bled it will have some air in the lines ....


are you sure it's over 3" ? .... mine felt that way but after measuring with a ruler it was about 2", which is reported as normal

 

Nearly to the floor but solid when there. Does not require too much pressure to brake, just really long legs

Pressure bled a few times, no spongy feel. Thought it was the master cylinder at first bu Pelican only stocks one out of the two and the ATE unit did not fit. Thanks for the reply.

 

It may be the master cylinder is on the way out ....

Here's a test for the brake booster :

Could also be a rubber brake line gone soft and flexing .....

 

Wow, didn't know there could be such a difference between MB models....my '98 S500 has what I would call "normal" brake travel....I purchased a '98 SL500 last fall and put it in storage for the winter...just got it out and the brake travel is scary...checked the reservoir and it is full....then I read all the posts about the SL's having excessive brake travel...so I guess this is my new "normal" when driving the SL....just glad to be part of an excellent forum...