Aaron68

So I just called the stealership in Van Nuys CA for a set of front pads and they said it's going to be $240.00. What's wrong with this pic? I was thinking list price should be around $100.00 or so. Any thoughts?

gregory13lil

Yup they are expensive from the dealership. BUT...I suggest you get a better quality set (AKEBONO) that will give you the same or better stopping power AND also be virtually dustless. The factory brakes create a nasty black powder that completely coats your wheels and makes them look nasty in as little as a week. The AKEBONO pads create a light whitish/grey dust. I can go months without cleaning my rims and they will still look ok. I have been running mine for a year and a half now and they still look new!!

Just a thought!!

Greg

Aaron68

Yeah, I've been thinking of a different brand. Never really heard about AKEBONO. So you're saying it holds better than factory pads? What about EBC or Hawk? Anyone experience with either of those?

gregory13lil

I almost forgot to mention that I also upgraded the rotors at the same time so that may have given it an extra edge as well. I upgraded to Cross drilled Zimmerman rotors and the Ceramic Akebono pads. Do a search and you will see that many on this forum have been happy about these pads.

Here is the website for Akebono:http://www.akebonobrakes.com/aftermarket/euro/index.asp

Also..this PDF should give you alot of info on these pads: http://www.akebonobrakes.com/afterma...re_english.pdf

As far as the other pads go..I have heard great things about Hawk and EBC pads. Do a search and you will also see some great combos for Hawk pads and rotors. I can't comment on them completely since I never used them personally. Either way..You cant go wrong with any of these pads whichever you choose. You just might want to make sure that the new pads wont eat up the factory rotors too easily..that the reason I upgraded those as well.

Greg

M-bENZ

I used to have the EBC red stuff on my CLK320...very happy with it.

Andy

MarcusF

Keys Mercedes-Benz said the pads (part number 0044200320) were $180? I paid $92 at the Valencia dealer in June and complained because I didn't get a discount ($75). Forget Keys, drive another 20 minutes up to Valencia.

Aaron68

PN:0044200320, is it for a 430 or a 55? Are the pads for a 430 and a 55 the same? Hope so, Valencia is not too far away from me.

Aaron68

I called Valencia MB they said $200.00 for the front pads for a clk55. The 430 and 55 use different pads. EBC it is hope they work well.

bobbyjo9

I'm running ebc reds with stock rotors. everything is great but slight squeal with VERY light pressure when cold. When hot or normal pressure they are quite, smooth, and no real dusting

Aaron68

How is the braking power? Is it as good as stock or even better?

M-bENZ

I said "even better vs stock "...im planning to use that again to my 500.

Andy

Josh K

I've used reds on my Mercedes and currently have them on my MINI. Never had a problem with them.

bobbyjo9

Lets just say leaving a face imprint on the dash is still not a problem. For the 55 , brakes are better than the tires so you have nothing to worry about with either peddle feel or performance. If you were tracking the car you could step up to yellows but that would be the wrong combo for the street.

MarcusF

Sorry, didn't notice you have a 55. Those are WA2104200120 with a list of $200. Mercedes-Benz of Lincoln (directmercedesparts.com) is NOT giving a discount, but Mercedes-Benz of Annapolis (getmercedesparts.com) is! The discounted rate is $150. I don't remember if Annapolis charges (the oppressive) California sales tax.

Aaron68

I mic'ed my front rotors today and their at 27.3MM. I know the service limit is at 30.4MM. Is it really a big deal to keep using the same rotors? What would be the draw-back? Reason why I say this is because I noticed the service limit for the front rotors on a 430 is 25.4MM.

chem1441

I would think if your over the tolerance limit, you should replace the rotors especially if you are replacing the pads... I wouldn't want to have to replace the rotors next year, and use your 1 year old pads on them. Go 100% fresh.

bobbyjo9

I think for the pair of front rotors it was just shy of $400. Piece of mind and ease of break in is worth more to me than that. There are mechanical reasons to change the rotors, but for street use im sure it would be "ok". From a performance safety stand point though, you are putting an expensive car at risk over a few hundred bucks. JMHO

whkento

+1 on the above.

Aaron68

Already got the fronts and am waiting for the back and all pads.. Should have time to install next weekend.. So yeah, I do agree..