- Joined
- Sep 26, 2010
- Messages
- 9,807
I did a brake job this morning on it (pads only). Apparently, Mercedes uses ultra soft material to give better braking power which equates to minimal pad life. I do not hammer the brakes, but I am in stop and go traffic 5 days a week. The passenger pads have a sensor on them that when exposed to the rotor signals the computer to inform the driver to check the pads. It lit up about 2 weeks ago and gave me time to shop for pads. Locally, the cost for front and rear pads was over $600 + tax. Found the part numbers for the front and rear pads plus 2 sensors and ordered online for $220 to the door. I searched to see if I could find harder pads, but did not have any luck finding non-MB pads. Out of curiosity, I inquired about the price for the dealer to do it and needed oxygen and some tequila after hearing the numbers.
The job took about an hour per wheel (I was not rushing) and was really straightforward AFTER I learned how to "unlock" the electronic emergency brake in the computer for the rear brakes. After that, it was lug nuts, a retaining clip, two caliper bolts, and one bolt to hold the wear sensor harness. The front brakes had no bolts (the calipers remain on the car) and you simply tap out two retaining pins, use a large screw driver to gain some clearance and simply pull the pads out. All in all, I saved a bundle, but I am not impressed with the life of the pads and some of the other wear items on the car. It is built like a tank and the management of the engine and its performance along with that of the transmission are stellar--the brake pads and tires not so much.
The job took about an hour per wheel (I was not rushing) and was really straightforward AFTER I learned how to "unlock" the electronic emergency brake in the computer for the rear brakes. After that, it was lug nuts, a retaining clip, two caliper bolts, and one bolt to hold the wear sensor harness. The front brakes had no bolts (the calipers remain on the car) and you simply tap out two retaining pins, use a large screw driver to gain some clearance and simply pull the pads out. All in all, I saved a bundle, but I am not impressed with the life of the pads and some of the other wear items on the car. It is built like a tank and the management of the engine and its performance along with that of the transmission are stellar--the brake pads and tires not so much.