does or has anyone replaced their brakes. At what mileage are most of w204 owners having to get new pads or rotors. Cost ?

 

Based on my '01 W203, I would say the first pad replacement will be 40-45000 miles.

And, I make no particular effort to conserve the brakes or tires.

 

I had to replace my front brake pads at 19,000km. I was very shocked to see how quickly my brake pads ate up. The rears were still okay though and only the fronts were replaced. The discs were also fine as well. Maybe I shouldn't drive so hard anymore. haha

 

yeah it really depends on driving habits. no sudden stopping is the way to go

 

I had brembos on my Acura TL, the pads lasted around 30K miles.

It all has to do with your style of driving. If my car was used for doing a lot of backroad runs and not so much highway use, I'd expect a much shorter lifespan

 

this car has a wear sensor, correct?

 

Yeah, they should start screaming at you when they are ready.
Does the EBD tend to make both front and rears wear at about the same rate?

 

It has wear sensors that trigger in plenty of time. Life is totally dependent on service. Rotors will go at least two pad changes, sometimes 3 before being out of spec. (with use of stock pads)

 

Average 2 sets of front pads to 1 rear - very rough. Sometimes changing front without rear gives you a slightly low pedal. Frequently better to replace front & rear if this feeling bugs you.

 

beyond the squeaking brake sound as the "wear sensor", doesnt the dash also pop up with a message? I know MBs from the start had a brake pad sensor, my dads 1984 has a light on the dash for this issue