02' C240 (W203) - The Brake Pads Are Worn
#1
Member
Thread Starter
02' C240 (W203) - The Brake Pads Are Worn
I'm looking for some insight as to what action I should take, overall I'm looking for the most cost effective way to change my brakes. The car is a 2002 Mercedes C240 (W203).
The brake lights have been on for roughly 3 weeks now, and I've been driving the car really sparingly, to avoid additional damage to the rotors which themselves probably are worn as well since prior to the brake lights coming on, the car would randomly shake while suddenly braking at speeds higher than 60mph on a freeway.
I called the dealers, notably Rallye and Lakeview for those who live on Long Island and they quoted me about 350 dollars for the front or rear brake pads only without rotors. Since those are usually worn first than the rears. With the rotors the price would jump up to 600 - 1000 depending on how many rotors are needed, usually rotors are changed in pairs so it would be about roughly 1200 including taxes, which is extremely expensive for a brake job.
So I'm looking for alternatives, I was thinking of visiting various websites to get a set of both OEM front and rear brakes along with the rotors. Anyone know any good sites that have OEM parts like this for a discounted price? The dealers are asking about 140 for both pairs of brakes front and back and 24 dollars for both sensors not to mention the rotors which cost about 110 each.
Here is a little history about the car, the car was purchased in July 2006 and it had about 30,570 miles in it. Today, July 2010, it has about 69,100 miles so its actually not bad for a four year old car considering the average driven is usually about 12,000 per year. It was a certified pre-owned vehicle, so my assumption is that the brakes were relatively new when the car was purchased. The brakes have been done before, the front brakes were changed in 2007 and the tires were changed in 2008. And the mileage is realtively low for a four year old car as I don't really go much places with it. The rear pads have never been changed before. So my assumption is that both the rear and the front pads may need to be changed.
So the bottom line, I'm looking for ways to save money, perhaps maybe buying the brake pads and rotors (OEM) online and then taking them to the dealership and have them install them and paying the labor only. Anyone have any ideas?
Thanks So Much!!!
-Vlad
The brake lights have been on for roughly 3 weeks now, and I've been driving the car really sparingly, to avoid additional damage to the rotors which themselves probably are worn as well since prior to the brake lights coming on, the car would randomly shake while suddenly braking at speeds higher than 60mph on a freeway.
I called the dealers, notably Rallye and Lakeview for those who live on Long Island and they quoted me about 350 dollars for the front or rear brake pads only without rotors. Since those are usually worn first than the rears. With the rotors the price would jump up to 600 - 1000 depending on how many rotors are needed, usually rotors are changed in pairs so it would be about roughly 1200 including taxes, which is extremely expensive for a brake job.
So I'm looking for alternatives, I was thinking of visiting various websites to get a set of both OEM front and rear brakes along with the rotors. Anyone know any good sites that have OEM parts like this for a discounted price? The dealers are asking about 140 for both pairs of brakes front and back and 24 dollars for both sensors not to mention the rotors which cost about 110 each.
Here is a little history about the car, the car was purchased in July 2006 and it had about 30,570 miles in it. Today, July 2010, it has about 69,100 miles so its actually not bad for a four year old car considering the average driven is usually about 12,000 per year. It was a certified pre-owned vehicle, so my assumption is that the brakes were relatively new when the car was purchased. The brakes have been done before, the front brakes were changed in 2007 and the tires were changed in 2008. And the mileage is realtively low for a four year old car as I don't really go much places with it. The rear pads have never been changed before. So my assumption is that both the rear and the front pads may need to be changed.
So the bottom line, I'm looking for ways to save money, perhaps maybe buying the brake pads and rotors (OEM) online and then taking them to the dealership and have them install them and paying the labor only. Anyone have any ideas?
Thanks So Much!!!
-Vlad
#2
Super Moderator
I would just pop a new set of brake pads on the car and be done with it. splinter has posted minimum rotor thicknesses before. People on this forum seem to chuck out rotors far more often than we do in the ROW.
You can save a fortune by not going to dealers & still fit premium parts. Read the many threads by C230 Sport Coup. He does brake jobs very cheaply by shopping around. Still uses good parts.
You can save a fortune by not going to dealers & still fit premium parts. Read the many threads by C230 Sport Coup. He does brake jobs very cheaply by shopping around. Still uses good parts.
#3
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: NYC
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
c240 4Matic
Check these guys out.. They have a Mercedes Benz Master Tech as part owner there.. I will be visiting them soon.. Give them a cll and see what they can offer.. I think it's worh the trip if you can save a few hundred dollars.. From NYC it's a 1 hour and 20 minute ride... Make a day out of it.. and let us know what unfolds..
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...w-shop-nj.html
Will
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...w-shop-nj.html
Will
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: New Joisey
Posts: 858
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
13 Jeep JKU Sahara w/4" lift Kit & the works,2015 Toyota Sienna XLE,2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
I can do the job for you my man if you wann drive down to Southbrunswick NJ..........lol......seriously...........it is a 2.5-3hrs job thats it..........there are some nice wholesale auto parts store by my house too......dont go OEM just go good quality aftermarket...............you pay to play...........it is relaitvely easy DIY...........
or do what others said......by OEM.....check out this web site...http://www.europartsdirect.com/
buy parts from here and go to a local mechanic and get them installed..........not a rocket science installing these...............
since you mentioned ramdon shaking most probably your rotors are warpped (that means that they were recut onces and cannot be recut again so you will need new rotors.....recut rotors warp quickly under stress or prolong use if pads are wornout).........so might as well do a complete new setup............
or do what others said......by OEM.....check out this web site...http://www.europartsdirect.com/
buy parts from here and go to a local mechanic and get them installed..........not a rocket science installing these...............
since you mentioned ramdon shaking most probably your rotors are warpped (that means that they were recut onces and cannot be recut again so you will need new rotors.....recut rotors warp quickly under stress or prolong use if pads are wornout).........so might as well do a complete new setup............
Last edited by Javvy; 07-02-2010 at 09:53 AM.
#6
Super Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Sherman Oaks, California
Posts: 570
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
09 C63 AMG, 05 C55 AMG
just get pads and rotors, get german oem. If you get aftermarket, the metals in the rotor will be cheap if made in china or asia somewhere. Go with a ceramic pad, if you dont want dust. I just put balo front rotors, akebono front pads, and an oil change, for $450 with labor included
Trending Topics
#8
Member
Thread Starter
Wow you guys are the best, nice informative replies, and very helpful! Anyway yeah more than likely I will probably purchase them online and get them installed by an independent mechanic, I was thinking of just changing the pads without the rotors. What generally happens when you change the pads without changing the rotors? I was told that the shaking will become significantly worse and the brakes may even squeak. Has anyone changed pads without changing the rotors? Are there adverse effects? Also another question, the sensors, do they come with the pads or do I have to buy those seperately? Thanks again guys! .
#9
Out Of Control!!
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: OC
Posts: 18,677
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes
on
9 Posts
a quarter mile at a time
Wow you guys are the best, nice informative replies, and very helpful! Anyway yeah more than likely I will probably purchase them online and get them installed by an independent mechanic, I was thinking of just changing the pads without the rotors. What generally happens when you change the pads without changing the rotors? I was told that the shaking will become significantly worse and the brakes may even squeak. Has anyone changed pads without changing the rotors? Are there adverse effects? Also another question, the sensors, do they come with the pads or do I have to buy those seperately? Thanks again guys! .
Rotors should only be replaced when approacing or at minimum thickness. Minimum thickness should be stamped on the rotor itself.
It won't kill your car if you simply replace the pads and not the rotors, especially if they are above minimum thickness. If you do this, you should keep an eye on brake wear and keep in mind that you may want to replace your brakes (rotors+pads) before the pads are fully worn next time.
I wouldn't count on sensors coming with the pads. They sometimes do but may also be the wrong ones. They are about $5 ea from the dealership, so just pick some up there, it's not a big deal.
#11
Member
Thread Starter
As always thanks for the great advice! This week im gonna make the decision. But before i do i just wanted to share this with you all:
I went to AutoZone and PepBoys on Monday. And out of curiosity I asked for a quote on the brakes and rotors. They quoted me about $275.00 for both front and rear brakes including the rotors. I asked them why they are so cheap and they told me the dealers like to overcharge lol. I feel like I'm gonna get what I payed for and the parts are simply not good enough. The parts are from a company called Duralast. Is that a safe and reputable company? I went to the websites posted above and the parts cost a little over 300. The dealers asked about 600.00 for the parts. So I'm thinking I'm gonna get what I payed for if I buy AutoZone parts to put in the car. Has anyone else ever done that?
I went to AutoZone and PepBoys on Monday. And out of curiosity I asked for a quote on the brakes and rotors. They quoted me about $275.00 for both front and rear brakes including the rotors. I asked them why they are so cheap and they told me the dealers like to overcharge lol. I feel like I'm gonna get what I payed for and the parts are simply not good enough. The parts are from a company called Duralast. Is that a safe and reputable company? I went to the websites posted above and the parts cost a little over 300. The dealers asked about 600.00 for the parts. So I'm thinking I'm gonna get what I payed for if I buy AutoZone parts to put in the car. Has anyone else ever done that?
Last edited by Vlad-II; 07-14-2010 at 11:08 AM.
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: New Joisey
Posts: 858
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
13 Jeep JKU Sahara w/4" lift Kit & the works,2015 Toyota Sienna XLE,2013 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
That is a good price and they will warrenty their job as well.....but the million dollar question is how hard do you drive your car..........do you track it.....do you drive / brake hard enouugh to reach the max heat temp on the rotors??? fo the answer is no.........then go with them and get it done.........yea if you would be a DIY kidn of guy like me I would have suggested to invest the labor money really good quality pads.......... duralast is a reliable brand for a normal DD ............
#13
Member
Thread Starter
That is a good price and they will warrenty their job as well.....but the million dollar question is how hard do you drive your car..........do you track it.....do you drive / brake hard enouugh to reach the max heat temp on the rotors??? fo the answer is no.........then go with them and get it done.........yea if you would be a DIY kidn of guy like me I would have suggested to invest the labor money really good quality pads.......... duralast is a reliable brand for a normal DD ............
#16
Member
Thread Starter
Just for a quick update, I was able to change the brakes, I had gotten an indy who works at one of the local dealerships to do the job half price, ended up spending about $700, but its much better than getting the job done at the stealership for $1400. Also, another thing that I need to worry about now is the passenger side's right control arm, its another expensive part that needs replacing, unfortunately. I swear as these cars age its just one problem after the other, can never get that "perfect" car anymore, lol. Its at 72,000 Miles so I guess its to be expected at this point...
#17
MBWorld Fanatic!
You paid WHAT!? $700? My god man, you were ripped.
I paid $350 (incl all parts, tax, labor) for new front pads and rotors installed on my 05 Sport (with the bigger brakes). My car had 75,000 when the rears were done and that cost me $90, the rotors were fine.
I paid $350 (incl all parts, tax, labor) for new front pads and rotors installed on my 05 Sport (with the bigger brakes). My car had 75,000 when the rears were done and that cost me $90, the rotors were fine.
#18
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
mercedes benz c230 kompressor
I am trying to get my front brake pads changed on my 05 c230 kompressor. can anyone tell me of any good sites to order the parts from? I type in the part number and get so many different brake styles can someone help me pick out the exact one I need?
#19
Super Moderator
#20
Member
Thread Starter
-Vlad
#21
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
mercedes benz c230 kompressor
Thanks for that website. I went there and I still run in to the same problem there are more than one type of brakes that I can buy. How do I know which style to buy?
#22
Super Moderator
Ok i see what you mean ok i would buy the one that says Original Equipment next to it if you want exactly what you have now. Is this a us c230. If it is you have the sport package so you would need the sport pads. GL BTW just got my 5th order from them today as always perfect
#23
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
mercedes benz c230 kompressor
Ok i see what you mean ok i would buy the one that says Original Equipment next to it if you want exactly what you have now. Is this a us c230. If it is you have the sport package so you would need the sport pads. GL BTW just got my 5th order from them today as always perfect
#25
Hi everyone! New to posting, but have been lurking through the forum for a few months now, so I hope I'm doing this right.
My parents have a 2003 C240 base model, and it's time to change the brake pads. I've been looking through forum for as much information on this as I could so here goes:
I'm planning on buying Akebono brakes for the front and rear from pepboys, specifically these http://www.pepboys.com/product/details/207074/00847 (front) and these http://www.pepboys.com/product/details/206583/00847 (rear). $100.09 and $83.59, respectively, with a current promotion of 35% off for a grand total of $119.39 pre-tax.
I've checked here http://showmetheparts.com/akebono/, but since this my first time ordering parts online, I just wanted to make sure >.<
What I would like to know is:
(A) Have I found the correct parts for my parents' car? And is this a good choice to go with?
(B) Any recommendations on brake wear sensors, and how many would I need?
(C) Do I need anything else for a brake pad replacement? If so, what?
(D) What else is there to know about a brake pad replacement?
Any information would be greatly appreciated, thank you!
EDITED: Also, this is just a work commuter car
My parents have a 2003 C240 base model, and it's time to change the brake pads. I've been looking through forum for as much information on this as I could so here goes:
I'm planning on buying Akebono brakes for the front and rear from pepboys, specifically these http://www.pepboys.com/product/details/207074/00847 (front) and these http://www.pepboys.com/product/details/206583/00847 (rear). $100.09 and $83.59, respectively, with a current promotion of 35% off for a grand total of $119.39 pre-tax.
I've checked here http://showmetheparts.com/akebono/, but since this my first time ordering parts online, I just wanted to make sure >.<
What I would like to know is:
(A) Have I found the correct parts for my parents' car? And is this a good choice to go with?
(B) Any recommendations on brake wear sensors, and how many would I need?
(C) Do I need anything else for a brake pad replacement? If so, what?
(D) What else is there to know about a brake pad replacement?
Any information would be greatly appreciated, thank you!
EDITED: Also, this is just a work commuter car
Last edited by yduong7; 02-24-2015 at 01:20 AM. Reason: EDITED: Also, this is just a work commuter car