ToonArmy

I have my 2003 SL500 in for its B service (24 months, 21K miles). Dealer informs me I need new brake pads front and rear, and also front rotors.

Never been on a track, but do drive briskly, mix of suburban and freeway. Wondering if this is to be expected? I can see the brake pads needing to be replaced fairly often, but I didn't expect the rotors to go out so soon.

Thanks for any input. Also, if anyone has had them replaced, any price quotes? They quoted me $240 for the rear and $880 for the front (parts and labor).

vraa

My dads at a few thousand miles less than you, and he's been given the same advice; get new pads and rotors.

Personally I don't believe them, however, I don't have a way to check myself at home.

I've been told that with SBC, it is expected however, so there does seem to be some truth about the pads and rotors going out so soon.

The price quotes I really can't say about since you didn't distinguish how much for labor and how much for parts. I don't personally carry a line of individual rotors and pads, however I can direct you to someone who does if you'd be interested in aftermarket pads and rotors that could leave less break dust and/or improve your braking ability.

ToonArmy

Hi Ricky,

Thanks for the information. As you say, I wasn't able to check for myself, so for now at least I have to trust my dealer. At least what they're telling your dad and me sounds consistent. Since I needed the car, I've gone ahead and had the stuff replaced.

I guess this is the trade-off for having a relatively heavy car that still feels relatively nimble - it can stop well, but it burns through the pads and rotors to dissipate the energy of that huge mass.

Thanks also for the pointers to the aftermarket brake parts - since I've had the work done already, I can't really consider that this time around, but will consider it for next time.

vraa

Sure thing man, I'm one of those believers that information should be free

giffSCPA

I have a 2003 SL 500 Launch Edition - mfg 01/02, and had to have front and rear pads and rotors replaced recently at 41,000 miles. I do not drive too briskly, no track; but drive about 50% very short local drives (2 miles) and 50% long interstate drives (200 miles). Total cost, incl PA State Tax at my local Mercedes Service Center was $1,030.00. I was a bit surprised that rotors had to be replaced now.
Giff Albright, State College, PA

okc329

Mercedes policy is to replace rotors when pads are replaced. Their dealers do not usually re-surface rotors. However, the rear rotors and pads should last at least twice as long as the front. Anybody who is told to replace rears at less then 50 K miles should get a second opinion. Go to a tire store, have them pull the wheels and look at the pads yourself. These dealers are hungry for service business since the sales of new cars are so competitive.

theboogers

rear rotors and pads will wear with the traction control stopping wheel spin. low mileage can still need rotors replaced, if you drive like a sport, pay like a sport.

tiggerfink

Which models? I had my pads replaced on my SLK320 and the dealer never mention anything about replacing rotors.

tiggerfink

I am about to have my rear pads replace at 50,000 miles on my 2002 SLK320. Dealer said rotors do not need replacing. Rotors should last a while.