My 03 has just turned 34K miles and the "visit the workshop brake" light just came on yesterday. When I installed my splash guards (about 6 months) ago I noticed the rear pads where getting close, front pads had a lot of pad left. Thinking that only the rear may need replaced. Is this what most people are finding to be true? Also, car will be 3 years old in May, I have 2 service reciepts, 1 for service done at 12,xxx miles, and 1 for service done at 24,xxx miles. Had new radio software loaded and 2 brake recall notices (one done, just got the other). Other than that car has been perfect, still drives, rides, handles like new!! Thanks for your help!

 

This appears to be true but I've heard that Mercedes now have some different rear pads that should last longer.

 

Davel,
BudC is correct and there's a TSB out on this. I'll dig it out and post the info here for you tomorrow including the new rear pad part number. I also have an '03 E320 and I just changed the oil over the weekend (53813 miles) and inspected the brakes. The fronts are still OK but the rears will need replacing as they look like they only have 3/16ths of lining left (inboard & outboard pads). This is typical due to the operation of the SBC. The good news is that the rotors still look good (front & rear) with no lip at the edge. By the way, I do about 85% highway driving and not a heavy braker -- this is probably why the OEM pads have lasted so long.

Regards,
paul...

 

davel,
Here's the TSB info:

DTB # P-B-42.10/48, 7/15/2004

211 models up to 5/04 production date.

rear brake pad replace with Jurid 626, part # A0044204420

Good luck,

Regards,
paul...

 

Paul - Do you know the part number for upgraded pads on the 2005 E500 4matic? I have the single piston brake calipers. I will be rotating the tires in a couple of weeks when I hit 24,000 miles. So far I have been very happy with the tire wear and brake pad wear. I think I have a chance of making it to 40K miles on the Conti tires and 50K miles on the brakes.

- Fred

 

ff

 

Fred,
What are the "xxx" numbers for the E500 4-Matic, as the TSB listed several 211 models? I can check the TSB again when I get home and post the info. By the way, the E320 have a single piston caliper also.

I replaced the OEM Contis last October (47000 miles) because I knew I wouldn't make it through another New England winter -- went with Conti Extreme Contacts, and they've been performing well in "bad" weather.

 

E500 4matic = 211.083 and is included in DTB therefore same part # for rear pads.

 

Thank you for confirming that the 211.083 is covered by the DTB. I did verify that this is the model number for my car which was manufactured in 12/04. I guess that means my car already has these pads.

 

Maybe, not necessarily, don’t ever assume with MB!

 

34,000 miles is pretty good for the first brake job. The OEM rears are thinner than the fronts, and thus get to the limit with or ahead of the fronts. When you are at 3mm, there is very little brake pad left. Expect the dealer to tell you that the fronts need to be changed also. Unless the rotors are really, really worn, don't let him sell you rotors.

 

They didn't wear into the rotors, He quoted me a price of $320 to change the rear pads, and said the paids were around $120-160. I could shave worn I checked on OEM pads before and they were around $80 for the front and $60 for the rear. I told him to contact me once he had the exact cost. I've always changed the pads and sensors on my C, M, and older E classes, this one is no different except for the SBC system needs to be disconnected. I may become a do-it-yourselfer again, for that job $200 would be reasonable... :