Brakes need replacing
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 112
Likes: 8
From: Newcastle NSW
2007 W211 E280
Brakes need replacing
Hi
When I had my car serviced a few weeks ago, mechanic advised me that the brakes were nearly worn out.
My q is this - will I get a message due to the wear sensors to replace the pads/discs? Can I wait until I get the message? Or should I replace the pads and discs ASAP?
When I had my car serviced a few weeks ago, mechanic advised me that the brakes were nearly worn out.
My q is this - will I get a message due to the wear sensors to replace the pads/discs? Can I wait until I get the message? Or should I replace the pads and discs ASAP?
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Joined: Feb 2014
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From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
I believe you're supposed to get a message when they hit about 25% pad life left. If you do the pads before you get the message, you can reuse the sensor but they don't really cost that much. Also there's only one sensor on the front and rear so the sensor only tells you about one of the brake pads, the other 3 could be better or worse.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 112
Likes: 8
From: Newcastle NSW
2007 W211 E280
I believe you're supposed to get a message when they hit about 25% pad life left. If you do the pads before you get the message, you can reuse the sensor but they don't really cost that much. Also there's only one sensor on the front and rear so the sensor only tells you about one of the brake pads, the other 3 could be better or worse.
I've decided to get the brakes done next Friday.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2013
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2021 GLB250 FWD, 2023 GLA250 FWD, 2013 C250, 2015 GLK350, 2005 ML350SE, 2003 E320
Absolute minimum remaining friction material on any one pad is 4mm (0.156”). A good visual guide is when the pad surface is worn down to the thickness of the backing plate, it’s time to replace.
You are never wasting money keeping the brakes in top condition.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 12
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w211
If my failing memory is correct, the older E320s had all wheels sensored, but that may have gone away with the demise of SBC.
Absolute minimum remaining friction material on any one pad is 4mm (0.156”). A good visual guide is when the pad surface is worn down to the thickness of the backing plate, it’s time to replace.
You are never wasting money keeping the brakes in top condition.
Absolute minimum remaining friction material on any one pad is 4mm (0.156”). A good visual guide is when the pad surface is worn down to the thickness of the backing plate, it’s time to replace.
You are never wasting money keeping the brakes in top condition.
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Super Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 633
Likes: 48
From: USA
2006 E320 CDI
I believe you're supposed to get a message when they hit about 25% pad life left. If you do the pads before you get the message, you can reuse the sensor but they don't really cost that much. Also there's only one sensor on the front and rear so the sensor only tells you about one of the brake pads, the other 3 could be better or worse.
stupid for mercedes to eliminate the left side sensor, the problem is if you are on vacation and it happens and mechanics are backed up in work, or they won’t deal with a mercedes or...sure if you live in germany its probably not a problem.
They were semi metallic pads, not sure why the left wore down 30% faster, but since then I only use ceramic pads.
Last edited by ot1; Mar 1, 2022 at 01:02 PM.
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Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 338
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From: Charlotte, NC
2005 E320 CDI, 2015 GLA 250
Ha! Years ago, my wife and I borrowed her parents Volvo wagon and she asked me to look it over before we left town on vacation. The rear pads had worn down to less than a paper sheet thickness even though they had not touched metal on metal. A mind blowing catch. But even more so was that I drove a Porsche 914 then and had new front brake pads that fit exactly.
Luck beats skill,
Peter
Luck beats skill,
Peter
Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 86
Likes: 14
From: Toronto, CANADA
2008 E300 4MATIC
When the pads wear down and trigger the sensor, is it mandatory to replace both the OEM pads and OEM rotors at the same time? I was told by a mechanic that this is a must because Mercedes designed these to be sacrificial.
If one was to switch to aftermarket ceramic pad / G3000 rotor kits available online, would I avoid this need to replace both parts (assuming its required)?
If one was to switch to aftermarket ceramic pad / G3000 rotor kits available online, would I avoid this need to replace both parts (assuming its required)?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,379
Likes: 704
2021 GLB250 FWD, 2023 GLA250 FWD, 2013 C250, 2015 GLK350, 2005 ML350SE, 2003 E320
When the pads wear down and trigger the sensor, is it mandatory to replace both the OEM pads and OEM rotors at the same time? I was told by a mechanic that this is a must because Mercedes designed these to be sacrificial.
If one was to switch to aftermarket ceramic pad / G3000 rotor kits available online, would I avoid this need to replace both parts (assuming its required)?
If one was to switch to aftermarket ceramic pad / G3000 rotor kits available online, would I avoid this need to replace both parts (assuming its required)?
I’ve been replacing rotors on every second pad change with semi-metallic pads. On my one car with ceramic pads, the rotor is worn below minimum spec by the time the pads are worn. But the ceramic pads last three times as long, so it’s okay.
I don’t have experience with the aftermarket parts because I’ve stuck with MB pads and rotors.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 112
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From: Newcastle NSW
2007 W211 E280
I have now had my mechanic replace all 4 rotors, 2 brake sensors and front and rear pads. I used DBA rotors (Disc Brakes Australia) and Bendix Euro pads. I will monitor and see how long these all last.
My E280 has 2 sensors -1 front right and 1 rear right. So yes, if the left side wears quicker, you may be metal-to-metal before the sensors trigger.
My E280 has 2 sensors -1 front right and 1 rear right. So yes, if the left side wears quicker, you may be metal-to-metal before the sensors trigger.
