E500 (lack of) brake feel. Is this normal?
 

The stopping power is quite good, but I don't like the feedback at all. Basically, in the area of travel before engagement, the pedal movement is so firm that you can't really detect with your foot when the brakes engage. This is kind of disconcerting, and I often end up over-breaking a little in light braking situations. I'm used to being able to feel with my foot as the pads contact the rotor before they really grab. This feedback enables you to better modulate. Is this natural for these cars, or should I get it checked? If this is the typical, is there a way to alter it?

This car has the SBC brake-by-wire system. The feedback is completely artificial. And yes, that is normal, there isn't anything to be done about it.

Thanks, I guess I need to come to terms with the death of the analogue car.

Not really, they got rid of SBC after 2006. So if you got a 2007-2009+ model, it wouldn't have SBC and you'd be somewhat back to normal.

I have the 04 and also the SBC, but my brakes have a "Mercedes" feel to it. It is no different from the other cars I have so if you are having issues with brake feel, have it checked. The SBC unit's warranty was extended to 10 years so you should still be covered.

Ironically enough, the later w211 cars are worse. I own a 2008 Bluetec and have driven many an E350 and E550. There is a large no-feel no-effort zone before the pedal firms up. It feels like air in the brake lines, but persists after a brake bleed. It is not very Mercedes-like.

I replaced the pads on all three of my w211s with Akebono.

Not only do they reduce dust to practically nothing, they really smooth out the initial grab vs the stock pads. Feels like normal brakes now.

They also don't compromise emergency stopping power. If I give the brakes a quick jab, the car drops anchor.

I have SBC on my '500 and I conpletely have feel on my breaking. Been driving it for 7 years now. The only time I had the issue that you are describing was when it was time for new pads/rotors.

I'm with funkle, my 04 feels/does exactly what he is describing.

Its a bit deceiving sometimes.