Rear Brake Pads at 32k miles?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 61
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From: Delano MN
2003 e320
Rear Brake Pads at 32k miles?
I brought the car in for service this morning for the power steering issue, I just got a call from the service rep saying the rear pads on the car were down and the pad light would come on soon. They want $350 plus tax to change them.
I can do brakes, so I said I'd take care of it, to which he then explains that I'd have to have the hard and software in order to do the job since its brake-by-wire. Nice.
So two things: One; Why rears pads low with 32k miles and the fronts are fine? Two; Is his statement true?
Fill me in...
I can do brakes, so I said I'd take care of it, to which he then explains that I'd have to have the hard and software in order to do the job since its brake-by-wire. Nice.
So two things: One; Why rears pads low with 32k miles and the fronts are fine? Two; Is his statement true?
Fill me in...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Delano MN
2003 e320
Jesus, never mind. It's true and people have had them go down with less miles. I see the DIY, but the risk outweighs the benefit. I'll call them back and tell them to do it...
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 723
Likes: 32
From: Central Jersey
2003 E500, 2004 G35X
Originally Posted by jclemen
I brought the car in for service this morning for the power steering issue, I just got a call from the service rep saying the rear pads on the car were down and the pad light would come on soon. They want $350 plus tax to change them.
I can do brakes, so I said I'd take care of it, to which he then explains that I'd have to have the hard and software in order to do the job since its brake-by-wire. Nice.
So two things: One; Why rears pads low with 32k miles and the fronts are fine? Two; Is his statement true?
Fill me in...
I can do brakes, so I said I'd take care of it, to which he then explains that I'd have to have the hard and software in order to do the job since its brake-by-wire. Nice.
So two things: One; Why rears pads low with 32k miles and the fronts are fine? Two; Is his statement true?
Fill me in...
Almost a Member!
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 48
Likes: 2
From: Georgia
Regarding brakes, it is NOT uncommon to see a ML500 needing front/rear pads
AND rotors at 20k miles. Now wouldn't that suck. It could always be worse. If you do the pads yourself, take the key out of the ignition. Unplug the SBC connector, replace pads, plug in connector (be careful to install it correctly). Before starting the car, pump up brake pedal to build pressure to take space between pads and rotors (if not, may cause a fault in system because it freaks out because of the extra effort it took to make contact-----talking from experience). Good luck.
AND rotors at 20k miles. Now wouldn't that suck. It could always be worse. If you do the pads yourself, take the key out of the ignition. Unplug the SBC connector, replace pads, plug in connector (be careful to install it correctly). Before starting the car, pump up brake pedal to build pressure to take space between pads and rotors (if not, may cause a fault in system because it freaks out because of the extra effort it took to make contact-----talking from experience). Good luck.
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Longmont, CO
04 E320 4 Matic, 95 Audi S6, 99 Carrera 4 Cabrio, 12 Fiat 500 Sport, 00 BMW R1200C 10, BMW R1200R
Originally Posted by f4iman78
Before starting the car, pump up brake pedal to build pressure to take space between pads and rotors (if not, may cause a fault in system because it freaks out because of the extra effort it took to make contact-----talking from experience). Good luck.
There is absolutely NO physical link between the rear calipers and the brake pedal in this car. The rear calipers are totally 100% brake-by-wire.
When you take the key out of the ignition and disconnect the SBC module, make sure you DO NOT USE YOUR REMOTE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS OR OPEN ANY DOOR!!!! These things will also make the SBC run a test squeeze on the calipers.
Also, I think that you are doing quite well for getting this kind of mileage out of these pads. The rear pads are very small and they are tapered significantly. You must be easy on the brakes like I am. Yet, my rears are wearing a bit faster than the front so far. I still have over 80% of the pads left at 14,000 miles; we will see how it ends up though.
Steve
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From: Philadelphia, PA (USA)
2025 E53 Hybrid
Pad thickness??
I have a 2005 E500 4matic with single piston floating calipers. At 19200 miles I had 11mm+ of pad material on the front and 9mm on the rear. I should have taken a measurement when the car was new. How thick are the new pads?
Originally Posted by Flash Gordon
Do a search because there is an extensive thread on replacing the pads with SBC. You DON'T need any software or hardware, just a simple unplug of the SBC unit. That's what most dealers do anyway. If you had done brake job before, this is as simple as any. I have not been to any shop for brake work for over 15 years. My car is not due for new pads, yet, but I have both the front and rear pads ready, and the instructions from that thread. When the brake light comes on, I am ready to go. You can order your pads now( both front and rear )and replace them when that light shows up. Do that thread search first
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Almost a Member!
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 48
Likes: 2
From: Georgia
This would be logical for the front brakes, but since he needs new rear brakes this is useless. As a matter of fact, I am now thinking that pumping the pedal will not even do anything on the front (since the emergency system is not activated).
There is absolutely NO physical link between the rear calipers and the brake pedal in this car. The rear calipers are totally 100% brake-by-wire.
There is absolutely NO physical link between the rear calipers and the brake pedal in this car. The rear calipers are totally 100% brake-by-wire.
