Automotive

patrick_y
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The SBC Braking System

The SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) Braking System on Mercedes-Benz vehicles was adopted for the W211 E-Class from 2003-2006, the SL-Class cars for many years, and the Maybach cars.  It's a fully computerized brake system with a lot of safety benefits, but at the detriment of performance.  Performance issues seem to be overheating and a less communicative braking feel from the pedal that has a force feedback system to simulate normal brake pedal response.  There is no brake booster, but the SBC computer literally has its own pump that activates the brakes on its own. 

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Bim.  I'm glad to hear it met your expectation and that the grip was better than what you expected.  I imagine I would find the 211 E55 to be a difficult car to drive on the track, the suspension is vague (due to being an air suspension), the car ponderous (due to its weight and heft), the steering slow and not very communicative.  On the other hand, the car is reasonably balanced (it's heavy front and rear), it's insanely fast, and it can be a hoot to drive/pilot/helm. 

Lastly, it's amazing an eleven year old car from 2004 is still so current in today's world in respect to power.  476 horsepower is still a very respectable figure in today's world.  The E63 is in the 500 horsepower range today.  Today's big improvements come mostly in fuel economy figures.  .  Have we reached an end to the crazy horsepower wars?  Have we driven that quickly to the Pearly Gates of horsepower wars?  Only time will tell...