johnny's E320

I have 95,000 miles on my 1998 E320. Mostly traffic driving. My sensor is now telling me it's time to check the linings. I'm not into the High-Performance stuff a lot of people are...just want quality but not overindulgence. What can I expect to pay for a brake job (SF Bay Area). Is OEM vital? Aftermarket okay?

So...what rotors should I put on this MB? Zimmerman? Balos?
What pads? Pagid? Someone else?
What else should I consider?

Help me as you all have helped me before!

AWE

If you're looking for direct aftermarket replacement, you can't go wrong with ATE, Balos, Brembo or Zimmerman.

Here's the preference as recommended by those who install these on a daily basis...

Brembo
Balos
ATE
Zimmerman

Expect to pay about $40 ~ $60 for each of these rotors. Factory replacements are a bit higher. Spray some primer on the hat and edges to help eliminate rusting.

As for pads, they run anywhere from $40 ~ $100 per axle set. If performance pads are not an option, then look into Jurid, Mintex, Textar and Bosch. Out of the brands I mentioned, I would say that Mintex is the volume seller, though I like the Bosch personally myself.

KWiK

based on this statement, I would say just get OEM replacements. The price isn't bad and you didn't say you had any complaints about them.

johnny's E320

Thanks for all your help so far.

I have purchased the OEM pads and sensors. Should I go with the OEM rotors or go with aftermarket. Which aftermarkets work well with OEM pads?

Anyone know of a GOOD brake mechanic in San Francisco/San Jose area that will install my bought brake parts?

Thanks again all!
John

KWiK

you are on a roll, just get the OEM rotors for the same reasons you got the OEM pads. Plus, you know the rotors and pads work well together.


Have you considered installing this stuff yourself. It isn't very difficult and would save a nice chunk of change.

johnny's E320

Okay, I know I'm quite mechanical. I can do this job, but will I need to bleed anything? Will I need to purchase any special tools? What about adjusting the brakes once everything is installed? I am willing to do it myself if I have the confidence that they will stop my car. Your help is encouraging. Please don't stop now...

John.

KWiK

Depending on how long it's been, you may just want to change the brake fluid. No special tool are required. There is nothing to adjust once the new pads & rotor are installed. You might want to check on MercedesShop.com to see if they have a DIY listed. You could also search this forum for a DIY since most cars will be very similar.

Have fun.

bigtire

Why not just replace the pads and have the rotors turned? No use in going to the expense of new rotors if the origionals are OK.

KWiK

Turning rotors isn't usually a good idea. It is very common for the turning process to make the rotor thinner than the minimum spec. At 95K miles, I'm willing to bet that normal wear has taken his rotors down below minimum thickness.

Just replace them.

rp718

I'd try turning them first. Any reputable shop will tell you if they're too thin to turn. It may save you a few $$.

2quik

from what i have learned , oem is pagid and ate, this is what the dealer will send u , when u order ur pads from them,

AWE

Hopefully, this could help in your decision-making...


New OE-replacement rotors (ATE, Balo, Brembo, etc) - $35 ~ $60 each.

New OE-replacement pads (Jurid, Textar, Mintex) - $35 ~ $50 per axle.

Brake pad sensors - $2 ~ $5 each.

Low-dust "kevlar" pads - $89 - $129 per axle. Is it worth it? Yes. Does it squeal? It does when unprofessionally installed (without proper shims, compounds, bedding process, etc) or when installed with used rotors.

Work on the MB brakes is easy. Honest shops vary in labor from $80 to $150 even with full rotor/pad replacement. It takes only about 40-80 minutes for a complete brake job (including flush and drain fluid) if a shop is well-equipped with the right Mercedes Benz tools. It takes longer to remove your wheels than it is to replace brake pads.

Dealers charge by the "flag" hour.

It is recommended that your brake fluids be replaced every 24 months, especially if they have turned dark. At the price shops offer to flush and drain your brake fluid ($25 - $40), I get all my cars done every year.