Mercedes-Benz E Class, SL Class Recall R/2004/094: Possibility Of Reduced Braking Efficiency, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 5 Jul 2004
- Launched
- 39,742
- vehicles in the UK
- p005
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Mercedes-Benz recalled E Class, SL Class vehicles built between 1 June 2002 and 1 June 2003. Premature wear of the Sensatronic Brake Control (SBC) unit may lead to a reduced braking efficiency. The recall notice describes the fix as: download the latest software. Following the download the system will advise when the SBC hydraulic unit requires replacement. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Premature wear of the Sensatronic Brake Control (SBC) unit may lead to a reduced braking efficiency.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: POSSIBILITY OF REDUCED BRAKING EFFICIENCY Defect: Premature wear of the Sensatronic Brake Control (SBC) unit may lead to a reduced braking efficiency Remedy: Recall affected vehicles download the latest software. Following the download the system will advise when the SBC hydraulic unit requires replacement.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could lead to a reduced braking efficiency.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: download the latest software. Following the download the system will advise when the SBC hydraulic unit requires replacement. The fix is a software update, which usually takes under an hour at the dealer.
Are You Affected?
E Class, SL Class built between 1 June 2002 and 1 June 2003 may be included. Mercedes-Benz estimates 39,742 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Mercedes-Benz, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Mercedes-Benz.
- Book with any franchised Mercedes-Benz dealer, quoting the campaign code p005 or the DVSA reference R/2004/094. See how to get a Mercedes-Benz recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLS, E Class, GLCDrive shaft joint | Low | R/2026/148 | |
| E ClassCoolant pump control software | Low | R/2026/201 | |
| E ClassRouting of transmission wiring harness | Book soon | R/2025/534 | |
| E ClassGround connection bolting | Urgent | R/2025/155 | |
| E ClassWelding of rear axle carrier | Book soon | R/2024/502 |
This is one of 833 Mercedes-Benz recalls in DVSA’s data. The Mercedes-Benz recall launched before it was R/2003/186 on 17 Jun 2004, for tyre valves may leak where fitted in wheel. The one launched after it was R/2004/032 on 30 Jul 2004, for the mounting of the foot operated parking brake pedal may detach. You can also see every Mercedes-Benz recall, all recalls launched in 2004 and brake recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2004/094, launched 5 July 2004. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.