GColeMayne

Just bought a 2007 e550 4matic w/ 111,000 miles...
Need to replace the break pads- any suggestions on brands? I'm really annoyed with the steering wheel shaking as I attempt to come to a stop... Warning light says "brake pad ware"... Wheel alignment is all good so says my mechanic...

I was thinking either Brembo or Bosch pads to improve breaking performance. Is there a big difference between these and generic pads? Should I forget waiting on shipping and just go to Advanced Auto Parts and buy some?


I realize that at such high mileage she may never drive like new, but I have about a 3k budget for repairs and would like to be as efficient as possible in making this daily driver run like a peach- maybe even turn her into a track car eventually.

Thanks for any help--

kajtek1

Akebono

cetialpha5

I believe the light comes on when you have less than 25% of the brake pad left so it's time to get them done and time to pick up a new sensor. The shaking is probably due to the rotors too, it's a common complaint of MB rotors on the E550. Aftermarket seems to be better, but i don't remember which brands were preferred. Akebono are also good, ceramic pad so not much brake dust. If you're not in a rush, I'd grab something from rockauto, they have a lot of options.

GColeMayne

Great information. I'll definitely give an Akebono rotor/pad set a look on Rockauto-

Strigoi

If you have shaking when applying the brakes you need rotors too. You can't go wrong with Akebono pads. Rotors I'd just stick with some OEM ones.

Check out FCP Euro or AutohausAZ for rotors. FCP has a lifetime warranty on everything they sell, brakes included.

Flash Gordon

Steering wheel shaking while you brake is caused by worn front rotors. Need to replace rotors, just pads won't do.

NewShockerGuy

+2.

I put them on the e55 caliper conversion I did to our w211. I have Akebono on my STi, ranger, and solara. They are great. Very minimal brake dust. Stops very good as well.

-Nigel

GColeMayne

Thanks everybody.

I was in a bit of a hurry to get these components fixed as it makes me really nervous to drive a shaky car. Bought front/back sets of Akebono pads arriving Friday, and a complete front/back set of Brembo vented/lightly drilled rotors ready for in store pickup at AutoZone w/ a 2 year warranty. Very eager to experience the difference with the premium rotors/pads setup.

As a newbie, I really appreciate how quickly and thoroughly this community responds to help out!!! I'll post some pics when the work is complete.