The M-B SL600 is a world-class luxury sports car that has developed a few brake problems as it ages. Here are the two difficulties we deal with frequently:
ABS & ESP Light Came On, and the Brake Pedal Went To the Floorboard.
The important thing is that the brake pedal was ineffective in stopping the car. The ESP light on means you’ve turned it off, or a fault exists, and the stability system isn’t operating as it should. The stability system helps you control the car in slippery conditions. An ABS light tells you the anti-lock feature on the brakes is inoperative. The ABS prevents a braking-caused skid. If this happens to your SL600, have it towed to our shop; do not drive it.
Brakes Were Ineffective
This problem is caused by the Sensotronic Braking System (SBC) failure. The SBC braking system observes brake pressure and overrides the driver to apply the correct braking power. The SBC system dries the brake discs automatically. This sounds like revolutionary technology, but it has caused headaches for owners of the 2003-2012 Mercedes so equipped. Here again, do not drive your car. Have it towed to our shop; we know how to fix this problem.
Ceramic Brake Pads
Ceramic brake pads are installed stock on many luxury vehicle brands. Because of their cost, many think ceramic brake pads are the best choice. Here is the rundown on ceramic brake pads.
Pros:
- Quieter than organic or semi-metallic brake pads
- Less brake dust
- Longer lasting
- Longer brake pad lifespan
- Resistant to salt and water, suitable for temperature extremes and salted roads.
Cons:
- Most expensive option
- Less stopping force than semi-metallic brake pads
- It doesn’t shed heat as well as other materials
- It may create too much rotor wear if paired with lower-quality rotors
Ceramic brake pads are well suited for city driving, someone who doesn’t enjoy cleaning black brake dust from their wheels and doesn’t subject their vehicle to severe-duty use such as heavy towing or track driving.
Brake Rotors
The four varieties of brake rotors are Drilled, Slotted, Drilled & Slotted, Smooth
Drilled rotors are suitable for rainy climates. They supply more friction because the drilled holes allow water to escape. However, uneven wear is typical.
Slotted rotors are a good choice for heavy trucks but not for your SL600, as they are noisy with short service life.
Drilled and slotted rotors are installed at the factory on some luxury cars, including Mercedes and BMW. If your SL600 came stock with these rotors, you might prefer to continue with them. If you track your vehicle, these are not for you, as drilling makes cracking inevitable.
Most cars come new with smooth rotors for the best performance in all driving conditions. Smooth rotors are best for you if you want a quiet brake rotor.
