If you're an experienced DIY'er, you can jack up the car, open the hood and trunk, lock the doors, put the keys away and go about your business of brake service.
You may have to put up with the car alarm if you jack up one side then the other, in this case, just use your key fob to shut it up.
If you're not confident of what you're doing, unplug the SBC module.
The recommended and preferred method is to deactivate the SBC thru SDS, the manual procedure to deactivate is prone to missed steps and mistakes.

 

When I worked on my brakes I set the car up, rolled the windows down, locked the doors and then put the key away. I unplugged the SBC module and put a rag in between the plug and the receptacle. When I was done I plugged the SBC module back in and started the car. I initially got a brake malfunction indication but that went away after the brakes were applied a few times. shut the car off and turned it back on, has worked fine every since.

 

SBC STOP MANUAL

I just happened to stumble upon this, hope it helps

Cheers,
Adam

 

I just ordered a C3 clone with a hard drive for a T30. So eventually I'll have the STAR system to work on my 2005 E500. Just too much dependency on the dealer without STAR. For example, my SBC warranty is ending Dec 2014, which is next year. I asked the dealer to check it out since there is a bulletin about using STAR to check it and update its software and the computer will tell you if the system's life is at its end. If so, the dealer is supposed to replace the SBC unit under warranty. My dealer says that I don't need to come in unless a non-brake pad brake warning comes on but I'm sure that will come on in Jan 2015. There are so many other little things like suspension adjustment, transmission service, passenger side front seat belt warning, etc. that I just feel I could handle myself with STAR instead of being dependent on the dealer. Plus the clone is costs nothing. 300 for the cables, tranducer thing and harddrive loaded with the software. All I need now is an IBM T30 laptop which I can pick up used on eBay for cheap. There is another thread on here about the clones that makes the clone seem promising. Thanks for all your replies. Now I need to find the clone SDS system for my wife's Land Rover. Take care!

 

You can't work on SBC because it require additional module which you can't buy.

 

I too have wondered about this complicated procedure. Is there any reason why you can't just disconnect both batteries?

 

This document says that you would use SDS (STAR system) on the SBC brake system. Am I reading this wrong. also you use the STAR system to activate and deactivate the SBC system. Using STAR to deactivate the system will actually deactivate it, but before it does so, it will also release the pressure reservoir enabling you to actually get all the fluid out of the system. Am I wrong here? There is also a thread ( I can't recall where) where a guy goes step by step on how to service his brakes and uses STAR to deactivate the SBC system and then reactivates it.

Or did you mean that the SBC module is a separate STAR module that is not included in the clone software?

 

Or did you mean that the SBC module is a separate STAR module that is not included in the clone software?

You can do all this w/clone SDS. The module is needed to reset SBC count when expires.

 

The regular STAR system can deactivate the SBC brakes. I have done it a few times.

 

I forgot to attach the doc I was referring to so here it is.

 

That can be done in developer mode but it is all in German and I would never reset the counter. Even the dealers do not have DAS/Xentry developer mode. It was intended for factory use. However you are correct as of 07/2007 that option was removed from the standard versions of DAS/Xentry. The module required is 211589042101 and it is so pricey it is safer to replace the SBC unit itself.
There are standalone SBC reset tools popping up all over and they scare me because that means people are buying them and using them. It is inviting danger.

Here is a thread from a UK forum that discusses it. I have to say to readers of this thread that benzworld.org, its ownership and all affiliates do not recommend resetting the SBC ever.
Resetting the W211 SBC counter - MBClub UK - Bringing together Mercedes Enthusiasts

 

Noodles according to the docent that I posted you dont neeed star to deactivate. dont you think that is right? Or could there still be a danger when I need to change the pads?

Cheers,
Adam

 

You can deactivate/activate it using MB procedure, I did it once and it works. Activation part is little tricky because of the timing between the steps plus your car needs to be in air in three out of four corners. Second time I work on my brake calipers I just unplugged the SBC and plugged it back after I finished.

 

Isstay nailed it for a brake job. Without a lift follow his method in his post.

 

So Noodles Isstay, is it just as simple as that? unplug and 'play' ? And there would be no problem after that because of the pressure on the brake fluid that is generated from pushing the piston?

 

If that large harness removed from the SBC unit and a dry clean cloth is placed between the connector and the SBC unit you should have no pressure building up because you have removed the power source to the SBC system. Also the ability for it receive any input signals/instructions so it will be save to work on.

If had been more than two years since a complete brake fluid flush please take it in for one. Most dealers only get about $100-$120 for it and it is well worth it.
I do not know what they will charge in Finland.

 

With respect to the life counter on the SBC unit. There was chatter about resetting the counter. Can you also increase the counter in STAR so I can get this thing replaced with the updated unit before my warranty expires next year?

 

Not that I have found.

You could step on the brake pedal 500 times a day for several of months.