Experiencing issues with your 2008 Mercedes Benz E350, specifically an illuminated ESP light and cruise control malfunction? Many owners encounter this frustrating problem, often fearing expensive repairs. One Mercedes Benz E350 owner recently faced this exact situation after noticing the ESP warning light appear on their dashboard, accompanied by a message indicating cruise control was unavailable.
Initially, the owner addressed potential brake issues by replacing the front and rear rotors and brake pads, investing around $1,000 in parts and labor. Despite this significant maintenance, the ESP light persisted. Seeking professional diagnosis, a dealership visit incurred a $139 fee. The diagnosis? A faulty brake switch. The dealer quoted approximately $29 for the part and a hefty $365 for labor to replace this seemingly simple component. Opting to decline the dealership’s service, the owner decided to investigate a DIY solution.
Inspired by online research suggesting the brake switch as a potential culprit, the owner accessed and removed the brake switch located near the brake pedal. This process proved to be straightforward, requiring only the removal of a few screws to access the switch. As a temporary measure while awaiting a new replacement switch ordered online for around $20, the owner cleaned the existing brake switch with contact cleaner spray and reinstalled it.
Astonishingly, this simple cleaning procedure resolved the issue entirely. Upon restarting the Mercedes Benz 2008 E350, the ESP light was gone, and cruise control functionality was restored. This experience highlights that a malfunctioning brake switch can indeed be the cause of ESP and cruise control problems in a Mercedes Benz 2008 E350. Before resorting to costly dealership repairs, consider inspecting and potentially cleaning or replacing the brake switch. This straightforward DIY approach could save you significant time and money, getting your Mercedes Benz E350 back to optimal performance.