pfphipps

Anybody changed their own E320 pads? I am still trying to decide if I want to do it or not. Let me explain more.

I got a nail in a rear tire of my 2003 E320 over the weekend. When I took off the tire, I noticed how thin the back brake pads were and how bad the rotor looked with only 17000 miles. I then took off a front wheel to see if they were almost down as well. Pads and rotors looked great in front. This is exactly the opposite of any of the other Mercedes I have owned–fronts have always worn out in a hurry, backs almost never need to be replaced.

Then I looked again at the thread about changing your own 211 brake pads. The pictures there, from an E500 I think, are nothing like what is on my E320. In order to replace the pads on the E320, you must first get the caliper out of the way. The way I have done in the past with calipers about like this to remove one of the caliper fastening bolts and swing the caliper out of the way while doing the work. Although there are some other Mercedes models that look a little like this, it is different than any I have seen in the past.

I believe the E500 has multiple piston calipers while the E320 only has a single piston. However, the “more simple” E320 seems more involved when changing the pads.

Comments?

X72

I would love to know too if anyone has changed the brake pads themselves on and E 320. By the way, pfphipps, the rear brake pads on my car are also wearing out faster than the front pads.
William
2003 E 320

konigstiger

Although I cannot help you with details about changing the pads out on a 320 I can tell the 500 does, in fact, have multiple pistons whereas the 320 has a single piston. Also, MBUSA bulletin P-B-42.10/48 JUL04 “Increased Rear Brake Pad Wear” notes that the variable power distribution of the SBC system applies additional force to the rear than a conventional system. The rear pads have been revised because of premature wearing. The part number for all 211s up to 5/04 production is A004 420 44 20 (original pads were 003 420 51 20).

mercedestech1

With the SBC system it is normal to have the rear pads wear out faster than the front pads-SBC uses more rear brake assist during normal braking than a conventional system. The new pads that you get from MB will be more resistant to this,and will not wear quite as fast. That being said I do not advise anyone to work on an SBC system at home-for your safety spend the money and have it done at an authorized MB repair facility.

pfphipps

"That being said I do not advise anyone to work on an SBC system at home-for your safety spend the money and have it done at an authorized MB repair facility."

I am beginning to believe this! Especially after looking at my brakes.

Questions: Is there a sensor on the back pads as well on the E320 that will warn me as I get closer to the end of pad life. As the rotors are very, very grooved on the back with the old type pads, what is the rotor life with the new type of pads?

konigstiger

Yes, but only the rear inner brake pad contains a brake wear sensor.

jangy

I'd be careful messing with these pads, too. Pay to get them done at the dealer. It costs a load, but safety is #1.

X72

Thanks for the excellent info! My car has 48,000 miles, and I am still on the original pads. Of course, nearly 3/4 of that mileage was on long interstate drives with little brake use. I also drive the car gently when I am in the city. I think I can get 10k more out of the rear pads, but the front pads still look great. I will take it to the dealership to have the brakes done when the time comes, for safety, as advised. Yes, I value my fingers!
William
2003 E 320

pfphipps

I value my fingers too but the way it looked from the E500 pictures, you would not even have to get your fingers in any danger area. However, on the E320, it appears that you have to remove the caliper to get the pads out. I usually will tackle most anything but I can just picture the piston from the caliper flying across my garage! That could damage much more than my just fingers including my pride. Can you imagine calling the dealer to ask what to do then! So I have already called the dealer about having them do the job. Let you know how much it cost later.

Almost all my driving is in the city but very gentle driving, nothing spirited at all. Too old for that now!