Char03

I have an 03 E320 and need to change the brake pads. I was wondering what some fellow members bought if they did not go with OEM pads and sensors. Any help on this simple matter is appreciated.

BudC

If you are talking about a 2003 E320, you cannot change the brake pads yourself.

Your car (and mine) has an electro-hydraulic brake system that has to have the brake system deactivated before the pads can be changed. So far as I know, only Mercedes dealers can do it.

This is the warning you will see if you go to one of the Internet sites that sells MB parts....

"Important: SBC brake system MUST be deactivated using SBD 102 or Mercedes Star Diagnosis tool. When activated, the SBC brake system builds up high pressure in the brake system. The automatic extension of the caliper pistons may result in serious bodily injury. Brake pressure may cause brake fluid to escape at high pressure, with possible resulting damage or injury. Maintenance or repair work must never be performed on an active SBC brake system. The SBC brake system pushes out the brake master cylinder when:
The vehicle is opened by remote control. The driver, front passenger or rear door is opened. The trunk is opened. The key is turned to position "1" in the ignition. The brake pedal is operated. The parking brake is released. The system performs a self test (pre-drive check)."

zam2000

If you don't have your key in the ignition, it should be okey to change to pad yourself. To be safe, just disconnect the battery (make sure you have security code).

I'm looking to change my crappy OEM pad. Too much dirt !!!

Char03

Well I plan on getting my pads changed at the dealer but I was wondering what kind of pads people were replacing them with. I'm thinking of just putting new OEM pads but I would really prefer some pads with a lot less dust and that don't squeak. The dealer told me they would install the aftermarket pads and simply sell me the new sensors, which I would need to get, if I decided to go in that direction but would not be able to warantee the pads.

JimPurdy

If you disconnect the main battery, the small secondary battery will still be connected and may still power the SBC. If the small battery is disconnected too, the entire system may have to be reprogrammed.

Char03

JimPurdy have you changed your pads yet? and if so, what did u go with?

JimPurdy

No, we bought the '03 in September '03 and only have a 6,500 miles on it. We have only taken 2 trips and those weren't that long. I work from my home office and when I travel, I take my old Volvo to the airport. My wife puts most of the mileage on the E and let's me drive it on weekends.

BudC

I recently bought a new 2004 E320 and left on a 4,600 mile trip with only 200 miles on the clock.

This car produces less brake dust than any Mercedes I've owned in more than 20 years.

Since I applied several coats of Zaino to the wheels before leaving, what little dust I had wiped right off.

I'd stick with the OEM pads that go for a bit under $100 from Internet suppliers.

I've been doing my own brake work for more than 40 years and I'm not going to like having to pay a dealer $100/hour to change the pads. By the time I need them, I've got to find a safe way to deactivate the SBC system so I can change them myself.

Given the current level of Info on the problem, there's no way I'm going to fool with this system until I know for sure that I'm not going to have a problem.

Char03

Could you tell me where you could get OEM pads online for that cheap. The dealer wants about $200 for four pads and the two front sensors. Does that sound about right?

BudC

http://www.buymbparts.com/

http://catalog.mercedesshop.com/

Note that there is only one sensor for the front and one for the rear on E320's.

Char03

thanks

konigstiger

6/04 dealer replaced rear brake pads for 03 e320 @ 19450 miles - total cost $185.80 (pads $69.30).

cschow

The Mercedes-Benz internal E-learning web site which was inadvertently made public for a few months last year also contained multiple warnings regarding the SBC brakes. From what I remember, essentially all maintenance on the SBC braking system requires dealer tools to depressurize the SBC system before performing the work and then repressurizing it afterwards. On any car with SBC I'd recommend letting the dealer do all the work. A third party's web site warning may or may not document all the potential dangers associated with the SBC brakes.

mleskovar

"The caliper pistons move out when a door is opened, when the key is placed in
the ignition, or when your foot is on the brake pedal. If you are going to change
the brakes, close all the windows and lock the car, then put the key someplace
you know nobody will touch it. The brakes will then be safe to work on.

__________________________________________________ _____________

Unplug the ABS Pump then you WILL be able to replace the Pads
DO NOT have The Key on or turn it on with the Pump Unplugged!!
I Have SEVERAL friends at Mercedes and I Just Learned the trick...

When you replace the pads...be sure to let the pump run then pump the brake
pedal..." And no, I don't know where the abs pump is.

BudC

Will you be able to spread the calipers? Will the system be depressurized?

AH320

I changed my brakes myself at about 15000 miles on my 03. The calipers didn't do anything. just goes about doing the same as any other car, but you gotta buy the brake sensor, it like $5-6 only

later

Oh i now have about 28000 miles on it.

BudC

Were you able to spread the calipers? What did you do in advance (disconnect pump, etc.)?

BTW, it looks like the SBC braking system really wears out pads in a hurry.

Mike F

so where can I buy the brake sensor? and where is the ABS pump that needs to be disconnected? Why pay MB $400 when I can easily diy it.

BudC

http://www.buymbparts.com/

http://catalog.mercedesshop.com/

CaptMike

I'm ready to do mine (22K). Dealor quoted $350 (pads) per axal.
$250 (rotors) per axal. So....worst case senario at dealors $1200 all the way around for pads and rotors.

I think I will shop around.

xabo

Would pad replacement be included in the " Free Maintanance" service on the '04's?

konigstiger

No these are considered wear items and outside the boundaries of free “maintenance”. Unless of course you’re within the 12 month / 12,000 mile limit whereby your dealer should consider replacing them free.

konigstiger

Shop around to say the least! You mean to tell me with all the time and assistance you rendered in rectifying the Logic 7 ordeal they won’t at least throw you a bone on this one?

BudC

Unless of course you own a BMW

CaptMike

LOL......you'd think....I guess that the wood steering wheel was about all I'm going to get. My former SA has left and went to work for a auto repair shop that specializes in MB's. He quoted me about $240 for pads per axel....about $100 lower that the dealer...and rotors, if needed for $75 each. $600 lower for pads AND rotors (if needed) all the way around.....$600 lower that dealer.