[AgSilver]

Originally Posted by shardul

SBC STOP
The system offers several additional functions besides a new braking behavior, due to its electronic brain: In stop-and-go traffic the vehicle brakes automatically, when the foot is lifted off the accelerator pedal ("Traffic Jam Assist"). It can be engaged under 10 MPH, using the the cruise control lever and switches off automatically at higher speeds. It remains active under 40 MPH. When engaged the instrument cluster indicates "SBC S". One can also activate it on downhill slopes via cruise control, so the car won't speed over the set limit. It was deleted starting with MY 2005.

SBC HOLD A "drive-away assistant" prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards or forward when starting on a hill or steep incline. A firm push onto the brake pedal, and the car remains stopped, even when taking the foot off the brake pedal, until the driver accelerates and the vehicle begins to roll. When set, the instrument cluster indicates SBC HOLD. I like using this function and miss it when switching back to other cars. As far as I know it was first introduced in the spring of 2003 in the 04 E-class Estate and lateron in the 2004 SLs.

DRY BRAKE
And finally there is the dry brake function. It is always activated when the windshield wipers run. The system then knows, that it rains and, with short brake pulses unnoticed by the driver, keeps the brake discs always dry and fully functional.

You're not going to believe this, but in 1962 I had a Jaguar MKII 3.8 Sedan and it had the very same feature. Of course it used a solenoid valve in the brake line that would activate when the car was stopped and would hold pressure in the lines via a check valve after you pressed hard on the brake peddle. There was a switch on the accelerator (NC) which would open when you pressed the peddle and release the solenoid valve. Obviously there had to be a speed sensor to prevent the valve from operating when the car was in motion, but I don't recall how it worked. However, it was all completely mechanical.