drexappeal

Wow. That's crazy. I'm sure that's good for BMW business.

Saprissa

Seriously.
Huh ?

there is something definitely aloof in the MBUSA Marketing Dept.
I would be sticking it to BMW if I were them. Is MBUSA hurting that much that such cost-cutting measures are really necessary ?
Business is business and profits rule the day in the end, but when the competition gets away with it and is practically luring potential buyers across the street to the Bavarian Motor Werks boutique... I'd be thinking twice about it !

drexappeal

Yup. It's funny cuz the fact that I got free service on my 2004.5 was really important to me compared to the 2005 models. Just think, if I waited a couple months to order my car, I probably would've ended up with a 2005 and had to pay more to get the same type of warranty I have now. Just doesn't make sense.

vraa

Lexus does as well if I remember right.

drexappeal

Man, it's getting worse and worse Oh well, I still love my car and love the fact that other things are covered under warranty (although, the more stuff I keep doing, they're going to void the whole thing - )

mleskovar

Brake pads are covered under the warranty, just not for wear. Some dealers will address the problem of pad noise and some won't. The typical fix (I use that term loosely) is to clean and lubricate between the caliper pucks and pads. You didn't say how many miles were on the pads but the more worn they are the less chance of getting them 'fixed' under warranty. Type of pads has nothing to do with whether or not they'll squeel even though many will swear their squeels stopped once they started using brand X pads. The low pad warning light goes on when there is X amount of pad material left on the pad that has a warning sensor attached. Some models have low pad indicators on just the front wheels which means you have a 75% chance of having a worn out pad before the light goes on. Pads "should" wear evenly but often do not.

drexappeal

What's the normal "life" of a MB brake pad on our cars?

I've been thinking about this, since my car is about to reach the 1.5 years mark in October. That's normally when I'm used to replacing them, but can anybody else give me a guage as to when I should expect to change mine?

I don't drive too hard, but I'm not "driving Ms. Daisy" either. Just enough to push it sometimes and chill others. Basically, I drive fast enough to get a ticket on Sunset "supposedly" going 57 in a 25 (45 safe speed). Yeah, that definitely sucked.

mleskovar

Depends on: driving style/conditions/speed/environment (flat or hilly?). Some people will quote their average pad life as normal and they get 12k miles...and others think 40k is normal. If you don't know how to check your own pad wear you are asking to be cheated. Once I replaced my MB pads with Porterfields (highly recommended) and the next week at a B service was told I have 40% pad life remaining. This is not a generalization: MOST dealers will tell you pads need replacing if they are anywhere near 30% remaining, often more. I think it's the most lied about "service you require" because 1. it's easy to do and gives them a good $ return 2. it's a wear item that people expect to replace - but most don't know when 3. dealers can always claim they were erring on the side of safety and how can you fault that? Learn to check your own, almost every car you can check your pads by just looking at them through the wheel openings. Learn what to look for or be at the mercy of people (not all) that make a living by changing your pads.

maecclass

i had a 2001 Audi A6 and every time i warp the rottors they gave new brakes

r3v1ls

Yah BMW's service is awesome, another reason my dad's really considering a BMW over a MB.

drexappeal

I know how to check the pad wear, just wasn't sure if there seemed to be a standard time-frame with our cars. Plus the fact that I'm pretty lazy nowadays (guess it's the older I get). Anyways, thanks for your input.

drex

GDawgC220

yep, both BMW and Audi have included maintenance which also includes wiper blades, brakes, etc. I think Lexus may as well, but not too sure.

02sliver240c

Are these pads any good? I am tired of the Brake Dust and am ready to rip off the old pads and run them over in my truck.

Just wondering before I order them.

Thanks.


GREENSTUFF PADS MERCEDES
Today's Price: US $96.26 Qty:
MANUFACTURER: EBC Brakes
PART NUMBER: DP21365
COLOR: N/A
SHIPPING SURCHARGE: NONE
SHIPPING INFO: Orders ship within 1 - 3 days. Delivery time based on shipping method selected.

I KOMPRZ

I am using them now, comparing brake dust they are way less than OEMs. Yes I used to have to clean my front wheels almost every 3 days, now every other week. I love the low dust, but as far as stopping power.....just my opinion, the OEM seems better...maybe coz they are softer, thus more dusty

02sliver240c

How much better? Do you regret putting them on?
If they are anywhere even close I am going to get them just for the brake dust.

Thanks for the reply.

Buellwinkle

I've heard the EBC pads warp rotors. I used Poterfields on my 2002 C230, a little pricier but a little better grip and much less dust. As a comparison, the amount of dust with Porterfields in the front and MB pads in the rear is about the same. Also, my MB low dust pads in my 2004 C230 SS are equivalent to the Porterfields on my old 2002 C230.

razorfish228

I'm even worse. I clean my wheels everytime I come home from a long drive. I even clean the inside of the wheel. Waxing the wheel doesn't really work either.

I was about to buy Porterfield brakes just because of the brake dust and wanted to get more information from others that have tried it.

02sliver240c

Where can I get Poterfields?

MB has low dust pads? I asked the dealer and he said just get used to cleaning your wheels every 10 minutes. I said WTF?

vraa

I believe one of our forum vendors, Evosport, carries Porterfield pads.

02sliver240c

Thanks Ricky. I'll check it out.

psk145

Buellwinkle: Do you get any squeeking with the porterfields? I have them on my BMW, and they would squeel something awful. TIA

02sliver240c

<-------Interested as well. I do not want that.

TNblkc230wz

I use Akebono Ceramic pads on my van. They are very low dust, with a solid break pedal, and good grip. They don't squeel, but they do make a very faint noise like a buffer polishing aluminum.

gaiex

Try to use ferodo brake pads, they stop very very good because they are very soft and then you could clean the wheels every hour

02sliver240c

I saw those on Tirerack.com.
Anyone else running these?

No thanks. I'll stick to less work, low dust pads.