Other manufacturers (with ABS) don't recommend this every 2 years. I think lexus does but toyota doesn't. What happens if we do it every 4???
brakeflush necessary every 2 years or
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99" CL500 , 99' CL500, 97' S500, 01' S500, 02’ G500, 09’ G550
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I don't know why people put 2 year limits on things like this (or tranny fluid although I guess with that not all the fluid comes out so maybe that is a reason). I doubt Mercedes built these cars with change intervals of less then 5 years. Just replace fluid and parts with original Benz replacements and you should be good for at least 5 years. My thinking is, that given the price tag of the cars, even leased... these cars were pretty much maintenance free for 5 years new. do it once and forget about it. I don't think my 140 have ever had a brake fluid flush.
You can buy one of those brake fluid testers. They are like $25 online.
Obviously, everyone is entitled to do whatever they want to their cars... You will always find those who Boast "I've *NEVER* Changed this-or-that.. and I've haven't had a problem... you are wasting time/money and 'Over-Maintaining' ".
I don't care what other automakers recommend on their vehicles... I care what the M-B Engineers have workded Countless hours to come up with their Specified Maintenance Intervals.
Yes, I'm sure there are some "minor Micro-Climate Variations", but they've set a 2-year Brake-Bleed procedure for the "Average" environment. Where I live? I do it *EVERY* year, due to very high heat/humidity situation.... and I will tell you, there is a very, VERY definate change in the Hydraulic fluid color, even in One year (indicating atmospheric moisture absorption). Some European Service sheets state "1-Year" Intervals.
Back to the "It's MY car, I'll do as I wish" mantra--- Yes, if you want to Rust-Out your Expensive ABS and other Brake components by NEVER flushing you brake fluid, that's your financial gamble.... but there is also more serious possible sequellae!!
If you allow enough moisture into the system, then there is a risk of that absorbed water "Boiling" when heated during heavy braking... leading to a Cavitation/Bubble in the Hydraulic line, which "could" cause a Loss of Braking Ability...
Now, this is where "I have my rights to do what-I-Want" gets Trumped by "You owe it to your Fellow-Drivers sharing the road to keep your vehicle in Proper-Working-Order-So-You-Don't-KILL **ME**!"
Really, it costs $8 bucks for a Quart of M-B Fluid, it takes 30 minutes using an Inexpensive Pressure-Flushing system (ie. Motive), why WOULDN'T you do it at 2 year intervals??
Anyway, I'll get off of my soapbox....
I don't care what other automakers recommend on their vehicles... I care what the M-B Engineers have workded Countless hours to come up with their Specified Maintenance Intervals.
Yes, I'm sure there are some "minor Micro-Climate Variations", but they've set a 2-year Brake-Bleed procedure for the "Average" environment. Where I live? I do it *EVERY* year, due to very high heat/humidity situation.... and I will tell you, there is a very, VERY definate change in the Hydraulic fluid color, even in One year (indicating atmospheric moisture absorption). Some European Service sheets state "1-Year" Intervals.
Back to the "It's MY car, I'll do as I wish" mantra--- Yes, if you want to Rust-Out your Expensive ABS and other Brake components by NEVER flushing you brake fluid, that's your financial gamble.... but there is also more serious possible sequellae!!
If you allow enough moisture into the system, then there is a risk of that absorbed water "Boiling" when heated during heavy braking... leading to a Cavitation/Bubble in the Hydraulic line, which "could" cause a Loss of Braking Ability...
Now, this is where "I have my rights to do what-I-Want" gets Trumped by "You owe it to your Fellow-Drivers sharing the road to keep your vehicle in Proper-Working-Order-So-You-Don't-KILL **ME**!"
Really, it costs $8 bucks for a Quart of M-B Fluid, it takes 30 minutes using an Inexpensive Pressure-Flushing system (ie. Motive), why WOULDN'T you do it at 2 year intervals??
Anyway, I'll get off of my soapbox....
^^^ While I agree with nearly everything G-AMG has said here, it's also worth noting that a failure to flush out the brake fluid will eventually lead to corrosion in the braking system, and replacing all of the parts thereby affected will make flushing seem really, really cheap...even if you pay the stealership to do it.
There's an old saying that often still rings true: "It's the cheapest man who pays the most."
That said, my mantra remains: one of the great things about owning a car is getting to make all of the decisions about it, including how best to maintain it.
Good luck.
There's an old saying that often still rings true: "It's the cheapest man who pays the most."
That said, my mantra remains: one of the great things about owning a car is getting to make all of the decisions about it, including how best to maintain it.
Good luck.
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