LILBENZ230's 2005 C230K SS Adventures Thread
03-30-2009, 05:24 PM
#52
MBWorld Fanatic!
When I first got mine at 17k miles it had the same half an inch indent on the outer and about 1/4 on the inner but they were not different color than the rest of the discs. Now at 50k miles the brake light turned on but the dealer said that it is total metal to metal cause of these outer and inner indentation. I explained to them that that's how the brakes were and they've worked fine for the 30+k miles i've added to them. Took it to another tech and he said the same thing. They both want to replace my rotors. See image below. I believe this is how it comes from factory but I'm not sure why they don't know that.
03-30-2009, 05:43 PM
#53
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Thanks for your reply! Your car is my car's twin! I'm at 45k.
If we have the same issue, then you're being lied to. Mine didn't look like that until the brake pads were replaced with new OEM pads. I had them checked 4600 miles ago when I got new tires and the OEM pads had 60% life left. They have about 18-19k miles on them since they were last changed.
Mine didn't cause any noise or vibration. My car has developed a slight vibration recently, though. I attribute this to letting a beginner driver drive it. I later noticed she had a habit of riding the brakes, but I didn't catch on till it was too late.
Have you taken it to an independent shop?
If we have the same issue, then you're being lied to. Mine didn't look like that until the brake pads were replaced with new OEM pads. I had them checked 4600 miles ago when I got new tires and the OEM pads had 60% life left. They have about 18-19k miles on them since they were last changed.
Mine didn't cause any noise or vibration. My car has developed a slight vibration recently, though. I attribute this to letting a beginner driver drive it. I later noticed she had a habit of riding the brakes, but I didn't catch on till it was too late.
Have you taken it to an independent shop?
03-30-2009, 05:54 PM
#54
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thanks for your reply! Your car is my car's twin! I'm at 45k.
If we have the same issue, then you're being lied to. Mine didn't look like that until the brake pads were replaced with new OEM pads. I had them checked 4600 miles ago when I got new tires and the OEM pads had 60% life left. They have about 18-19k miles on them since they were last changed.
Mine didn't cause any noise or vibration. My car has developed a slight vibration recently, though. I attribute this to letting a beginner driver drive it. I later noticed she had a habit of riding the brakes, but I didn't catch on till it was too late.
Have you taken it to an independent shop?
If we have the same issue, then you're being lied to. Mine didn't look like that until the brake pads were replaced with new OEM pads. I had them checked 4600 miles ago when I got new tires and the OEM pads had 60% life left. They have about 18-19k miles on them since they were last changed.
Mine didn't cause any noise or vibration. My car has developed a slight vibration recently, though. I attribute this to letting a beginner driver drive it. I later noticed she had a habit of riding the brakes, but I didn't catch on till it was too late.
Have you taken it to an independent shop?
Well I took it to an independent tech and he said the same thing. He said the grooves are way too deep that the rotors will need to be replaced. I don't think hes trying to get over on me but I just don't think he knows. Unfortunately he's already purchased the rotor. He got them from the dealer at $142 each. Rotors plus 4 pads and labor costing me $785 about. I was going to just do everything myself but chickened out. Now I'm a broke a$$ chicken.
Well, now I know better.
03-30-2009, 06:25 PM
#55
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
That seems way high. Labor for mine, including a rotor change or resurface, is only $90. I just have to buy the parts. I'm not ready for it yet, though. And yes, my car is silver.. but I have the gray interior.
03-30-2009, 06:48 PM
#56
Super Moderator
Yes - I'm afraid that rotor has seen better days - You did the right thing to replace.
03-30-2009, 07:05 PM
#57
MBWorld Fanatic!
I'm sorry I meant total including parts. The tech is charging me 3 hour labor at $85/hr. Is that a bit much? Parts alone are (rotors, 4 pads, 3 sensors) $530 tax included.
03-30-2009, 11:06 PM
#58
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Oh for all four wheels? If that's all four wheels, I don't think it's that far out of line. I can't imagine why you would need 3 sensors if you're just talking about the front? He showed me on my car it only has 1 front sensor (right wheel, I believe) and I couldn't see any sensor on the rear, either side.
The tire and brake place I use here is fantastic. I know them all and have taken every car I've ever had to them and they're very trustworthy. I called them today and verified their prices, and they said if I brought the rotors and pads they'd do the change for $40 plus tax. That's significantly less labor charges than you. The $90 I spoke of earlier is a pad-set, resurface, and labor for a regular car.
I saw the OEM pads online for $105ish. I'd be looking at about $400 for the fronts (new pads, rotors, and labor) versus your nearly $800.
If you're talking about all four wheels, though, that's different.
http://www.thebenzbin.com/parts/inde...668+11921+1031
That's Zimmerman cross-drilled front rotors at $102.95 each. OEM pads are $90. Free shipping, seems like a good deal to me.
The tire and brake place I use here is fantastic. I know them all and have taken every car I've ever had to them and they're very trustworthy. I called them today and verified their prices, and they said if I brought the rotors and pads they'd do the change for $40 plus tax. That's significantly less labor charges than you. The $90 I spoke of earlier is a pad-set, resurface, and labor for a regular car.
I saw the OEM pads online for $105ish. I'd be looking at about $400 for the fronts (new pads, rotors, and labor) versus your nearly $800.
If you're talking about all four wheels, though, that's different.
http://www.thebenzbin.com/parts/inde...668+11921+1031
That's Zimmerman cross-drilled front rotors at $102.95 each. OEM pads are $90. Free shipping, seems like a good deal to me.
Last edited by LILBENZ230; 03-30-2009 at 11:30 PM.
03-31-2009, 04:36 AM
#59
MBWorld Fanatic!
Oh for all four wheels? If that's all four wheels, I don't think it's that far out of line. I can't imagine why you would need 3 sensors if you're just talking about the front? He showed me on my car it only has 1 front sensor (right wheel, I believe) and I couldn't see any sensor on the rear, either side.
The tire and brake place I use here is fantastic. I know them all and have taken every car I've ever had to them and they're very trustworthy. I called them today and verified their prices, and they said if I brought the rotors and pads they'd do the change for $40 plus tax. That's significantly less labor charges than you. The $90 I spoke of earlier is a pad-set, resurface, and labor for a regular car.
I saw the OEM pads online for $105ish. I'd be looking at about $400 for the fronts (new pads, rotors, and labor) versus your nearly $800.
If you're talking about all four wheels, though, that's different.
http://www.thebenzbin.com/parts/inde...668+11921+1031
That's Zimmerman cross-drilled front rotors at $102.95 each. OEM pads are $90. Free shipping, seems like a good deal to me.
The tire and brake place I use here is fantastic. I know them all and have taken every car I've ever had to them and they're very trustworthy. I called them today and verified their prices, and they said if I brought the rotors and pads they'd do the change for $40 plus tax. That's significantly less labor charges than you. The $90 I spoke of earlier is a pad-set, resurface, and labor for a regular car.
I saw the OEM pads online for $105ish. I'd be looking at about $400 for the fronts (new pads, rotors, and labor) versus your nearly $800.
If you're talking about all four wheels, though, that's different.
http://www.thebenzbin.com/parts/inde...668+11921+1031
That's Zimmerman cross-drilled front rotors at $102.95 each. OEM pads are $90. Free shipping, seems like a good deal to me.
03-31-2009, 05:31 AM
#60
Super Moderator
The number of sensors varies by car as Benz got cheaper & cheaper in some markets. My car has 4 sensors - some have 2 front 1 rear - some have 1 front 1 rear & some have only 1 front
03-31-2009, 01:05 PM
#61
MBWorld Fanatic!
Good to know...thank you! When he showed my the pads, the 2 in the front had the holes in them for the sensor and only 1 of the rear pads had the hole. Have you changed the brakes yourself? I used to change my brakes on my Integra when I had it and it seems the same when I saw the DIY on the coupe. With rotors involved, I thought I might have an experienced tech do it. This job isn't cheap. Atleast for me.
03-31-2009, 01:46 PM
#62
MBWorld Fanatic!
Just because the pads have holes doesn't mean you have connections for them.
Get ceramic pads like Akebono's.
You'll double-triple your pad life and they work great.
Aznmode, sounds like you're getting raped.
Seriously doing brakes on these cars is so easy.
Just unbolt the wheels, unbolt the calipers, swap the rotors (just one bolt holding the rotor on, the hubs are sealed, so no grease involved), gently push the pistons back to start positions (but 1st open the brake fluid reservoir and put a rag around the bottom), pull the old pads, put in new pads, bolt the caliper back, put the wheel back on,
a 1 hour per axle job at most.
You should be looking at about $300-400 in parts tops for the front axle if
you order the parts online. My last front AMG brake job cost me $300 in parts.
I have well over 50K miles on the Akebono pads and they still look great.
Rear brakes are unlikely to go at the same time.
Hell, pay me a $100 and we'll get it done assuming you have a driveway.
I'm not too far away.
The rotors someone posted above may NOT be the correct ones for you.
They're for the 4 piston AMG brakes.
2005 2 piston sport brake pn's are posted around here somewhere.
2004.5 4 piston brakes use different parts then either of these.
PM me, if you want to consider this...save yourself a few hundred $$$.
Send your ph #. Don't worry about the mechanic, he can return the parts.
Just tell him you're short on cash for now....
1st thing to do is search on 2005 brakes and get the correct part numbers.
Take a close look at your calipers to determine if they are 2 or 4 pot.
Don't use stock pads or you'll be doing this again in 20K miles.
Get ceramic pads like Akebono's.
You'll double-triple your pad life and they work great.
Aznmode, sounds like you're getting raped.
Seriously doing brakes on these cars is so easy.
Just unbolt the wheels, unbolt the calipers, swap the rotors (just one bolt holding the rotor on, the hubs are sealed, so no grease involved), gently push the pistons back to start positions (but 1st open the brake fluid reservoir and put a rag around the bottom), pull the old pads, put in new pads, bolt the caliper back, put the wheel back on,
a 1 hour per axle job at most.
You should be looking at about $300-400 in parts tops for the front axle if
you order the parts online. My last front AMG brake job cost me $300 in parts.
I have well over 50K miles on the Akebono pads and they still look great.
Rear brakes are unlikely to go at the same time.
Hell, pay me a $100 and we'll get it done assuming you have a driveway.
I'm not too far away.
The rotors someone posted above may NOT be the correct ones for you.
They're for the 4 piston AMG brakes.
2005 2 piston sport brake pn's are posted around here somewhere.
2004.5 4 piston brakes use different parts then either of these.
PM me, if you want to consider this...save yourself a few hundred $$$.
Send your ph #. Don't worry about the mechanic, he can return the parts.
Just tell him you're short on cash for now....
1st thing to do is search on 2005 brakes and get the correct part numbers.
Take a close look at your calipers to determine if they are 2 or 4 pot.
Don't use stock pads or you'll be doing this again in 20K miles.
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; 03-31-2009 at 02:32 PM.
03-31-2009, 05:43 PM
#63
MBWorld Fanatic!
Just because the pads have holes doesn't mean you have connections for them.
Get ceramic pads like Akebono's.
You'll double-triple your pad life and they work great.
Aznmode, sounds like you're getting raped.
Seriously doing brakes on these cars is so easy.
Just unbolt the wheels, unbolt the calipers, swap the rotors (just one bolt holding the rotor on, the hubs are sealed, so no grease involved), gently push the pistons back to start positions (but 1st open the brake fluid reservoir and put a rag around the bottom), pull the old pads, put in new pads, bolt the caliper back, put the wheel back on,
a 1 hour per axle job at most.
You should be looking at about $300-400 in parts tops for the front axle if
you order the parts online. My last front AMG brake job cost me $300 in parts.
I have well over 50K miles on the Akebono pads and they still look great.
Rear brakes are unlikely to go at the same time.
Hell, pay me a $100 and we'll get it done assuming you have a driveway.
I'm not too far away.
The rotors someone posted above may NOT be the correct ones for you.
They're for the 4 piston AMG brakes.
2005 2 piston sport brake pn's are posted around here somewhere.
2004.5 4 piston brakes use different parts then either of these.
PM me, if you want to consider this...save yourself a few hundred $$$.
Send your ph #. Don't worry about the mechanic, he can return the parts.
Just tell him you're short on cash for now....
1st thing to do is search on 2005 brakes and get the correct part numbers.
Take a close look at your calipers to determine if they are 2 or 4 pot.
Don't use stock pads or you'll be doing this again in 20K miles.
Get ceramic pads like Akebono's.
You'll double-triple your pad life and they work great.
Aznmode, sounds like you're getting raped.
Seriously doing brakes on these cars is so easy.
Just unbolt the wheels, unbolt the calipers, swap the rotors (just one bolt holding the rotor on, the hubs are sealed, so no grease involved), gently push the pistons back to start positions (but 1st open the brake fluid reservoir and put a rag around the bottom), pull the old pads, put in new pads, bolt the caliper back, put the wheel back on,
a 1 hour per axle job at most.
You should be looking at about $300-400 in parts tops for the front axle if
you order the parts online. My last front AMG brake job cost me $300 in parts.
I have well over 50K miles on the Akebono pads and they still look great.
Rear brakes are unlikely to go at the same time.
Hell, pay me a $100 and we'll get it done assuming you have a driveway.
I'm not too far away.
The rotors someone posted above may NOT be the correct ones for you.
They're for the 4 piston AMG brakes.
2005 2 piston sport brake pn's are posted around here somewhere.
2004.5 4 piston brakes use different parts then either of these.
PM me, if you want to consider this...save yourself a few hundred $$$.
Send your ph #. Don't worry about the mechanic, he can return the parts.
Just tell him you're short on cash for now....
1st thing to do is search on 2005 brakes and get the correct part numbers.
Take a close look at your calipers to determine if they are 2 or 4 pot.
Don't use stock pads or you'll be doing this again in 20K miles.
I just didn't wanna F anything up so I decided to go with a certified tech. I've done breaks on Integras so it sounds the same. He's the only one I know in the area and I already know hes gonna give me crap if I try to cancel the work. He tells me he has to pay 15% restock fee. That would be about $75 if I calculate it right. I may just give him that. For parts, I can always call the dealer for the part #. I've already got the part #'s for the pads. Thanks for the offer...I may take you up on it. I believe I have the 2 piston ones. Akebono makes pads for those? I read they didnt.
03-31-2009, 06:50 PM
#64
MBWorld Fanatic!
Well it's just a joke that he's quoting 3 hours.
I'd say, sit and watch him do it.
It won't take 3 hours. I don't know how these guys justify spending more "hours"
than they use. I remember the case of a guy who was charged 20 hours in 1 business day...
dropped off 1pm Sat. Returned 12 noon Mon. closed on Sunday....
Even if they worked continuously, that could only add up to 8 hours.
I mean, it's a SHOP rate. That includes all the resources of the shop.
I've done brakes on every vehicle I've ever owned.
My old Toyota PU was the worst, since the rotors were part of the axle,
and you had to deal with the bearings and what not.
These days, the bearings are separate, thankfully.
Makes it such an easy job. Like maybe 8 bolts total including the ones
holding the wheels on.
Seriously, this is an easy DIY.
Maybe just pay him for the parts, and DIY.
Well keep it in mind for the future.... I'm just 'over the hill'
likely within 45 minutes of you. (and I'm not working, so hey...I can use some extra cash and save you some)
PS. Smyth doesn't like to give out PN's for the obvious reason, as they overcharge 2-3X MB MSRP.
I'd say, sit and watch him do it.
It won't take 3 hours. I don't know how these guys justify spending more "hours"
than they use. I remember the case of a guy who was charged 20 hours in 1 business day...
dropped off 1pm Sat. Returned 12 noon Mon. closed on Sunday....
Even if they worked continuously, that could only add up to 8 hours.
I mean, it's a SHOP rate. That includes all the resources of the shop.
I've done brakes on every vehicle I've ever owned.
My old Toyota PU was the worst, since the rotors were part of the axle,
and you had to deal with the bearings and what not.
These days, the bearings are separate, thankfully.
Makes it such an easy job. Like maybe 8 bolts total including the ones
holding the wheels on.
Seriously, this is an easy DIY.
Maybe just pay him for the parts, and DIY.
Well keep it in mind for the future.... I'm just 'over the hill'
likely within 45 minutes of you. (and I'm not working, so hey...I can use some extra cash and save you some)
PS. Smyth doesn't like to give out PN's for the obvious reason, as they overcharge 2-3X MB MSRP.
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; 03-31-2009 at 07:01 PM.
03-31-2009, 07:46 PM
#65
MBWorld Fanatic!
For anyone that might need it I was able to get part #s from Fletcher Jones in Fremont.
2005 Sport Sedan 02/05 Manufacture date:
Front rotors - 2034211312 $130 each
Front Pads - 0044205120 $95 pair
Front Sensor - 2115401717 $15 (only one side needed)
Rear Pads - 0034205220 $75 pair
2005 Sport Sedan 02/05 Manufacture date:
Front rotors - 2034211312 $130 each
Front Pads - 0044205120 $95 pair
Front Sensor - 2115401717 $15 (only one side needed)
Rear Pads - 0034205220 $75 pair
04-06-2009, 06:34 PM
#66
MBWorld Fanatic!
Well guys. I've finally done it! This was fairly easy. I think I had a harder time with my Integra. LOL. The hardest part was trying to get the rotor off. It was stuck on there and had to use WD40 and mallet it off. I had to hit it pretty hard to get it off. The other hard part was that the grove on the rotors was match to the brake pad so it made it hard to slide the brake assembly off. I had to compress one side of the pad back in which allowed it to come off. So to confirm, those groves are definitely from wear. The stock rotors were completely flat. And only 1 front right sensor was needed. None in the back. The torx screw to remove the rotor was a size T30. Everything else was very easy. Rears are even easier since there was only 1 pin that holds the brake pads in place. Definite thanks to C230 Sport Coup for the advice. This wouldn't have been possible without his help.
Last edited by aznmode; 04-07-2009 at 07:06 PM.
04-06-2009, 06:52 PM
#67
Super Moderator
Great - saved yourself a bundle of money - Yes sometimes you have to belt the old rotors to get them off - C230 Sport Coup has plenty of experience of DIY.
04-06-2009, 08:27 PM
#68
MBWorld Fanatic!
did you use all stock parts...including pads? and doesn anyone know any more about where to get the akebono at? all i can ever find online is akebono for the rear application, none for the front?!
04-06-2009, 11:12 PM
#69
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Yeah my car has no rear sensor either. My issue, though visually similar, must be different since my rotors developed that odd coloration pattern after the pads were replaced with new OEM pads. As soon as I get the warning, I'll have them changed and report back.
04-07-2009, 12:18 AM
#70
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'05 C230Kss
Well guys. I've finally done it! This was fairly easy. I think I had a harder time with my Integra. LOL. The hardest part was trying to get the rotor off. It was stuck on there and had to use WD40 and mallet it off. I had to hit it pretty hard to get it off. The other hard part was that the grove on the rotors was match to the brake pad so it made it hard to slide the brake assembly off. I had to compress one side of the pad back in which allowed it to come off. So to confirm, those groves are definitely from wear. The stock rotors where completely flat. And only 1 front right sensor was needed. Non in the back. The torx screw to remove the rotor was a size T30. Everything was very easy. Rears are even easier since there was only 1 pin that holds the brake pads in place. Definite thanks to C230 Sport Coup for the advice. This wouldn't have been possible without his help.
i need to get pads and rotors replaced come summer. i'm paying an independent to take care of it after i buy the parts. i don't have the room, tools, or skills.
for oem parts though, i've been searching through the following sites to see if i can save some money:
parts.com
partsbin.com
trademotion.com
they list oem front pads around $65 and front rotors at $90 for the '05-'07 two-piston front brakes if this helps anyone. some other websites i found on the forums seemed to have shut-down this year.
04-07-2009, 03:53 PM
#71
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Can someone tell me what this part number identifies? It doesn't even seem to be a Benz part #:
004-420-51-20
It's listed on my last brake service with no description beside it.
004-420-51-20
It's listed on my last brake service with no description beside it.
04-07-2009, 07:07 PM
#72
MBWorld Fanatic!
04-07-2009, 07:13 PM
#73
MBWorld Fanatic!
I'm not sure about Akebonos on the fronts but I think Roland mentioned he bought the rears from this company. Maybe call them and find out if they sell them for the fronts. http://www.importrp.com.
04-07-2009, 07:15 PM
#74
MBWorld Fanatic!
congrats on DIY!!
i need to get pads and rotors replaced come summer. i'm paying an independent to take care of it after i buy the parts. i don't have the room, tools, or skills.
for oem parts though, i've been searching through the following sites to see if i can save some money:
parts.com
partsbin.com
trademotion.com
they list oem front pads around $65 and front rotors at $90 for the '05-'07 two-piston front brakes if this helps anyone. some other websites i found on the forums seemed to have shut-down this year.
i need to get pads and rotors replaced come summer. i'm paying an independent to take care of it after i buy the parts. i don't have the room, tools, or skills.
for oem parts though, i've been searching through the following sites to see if i can save some money:
parts.com
partsbin.com
trademotion.com
they list oem front pads around $65 and front rotors at $90 for the '05-'07 two-piston front brakes if this helps anyone. some other websites i found on the forums seemed to have shut-down this year.
