2011 E550 Brake Rotor Quality?
06-25-2011, 07:11 PM
#1
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2011 E550 Brake Rotor Quality?
I have a new 2011 E550. I absolutely love this car. HOWEVER . . .
I have had brake pulsing noise (brake by wire, so no pedal pulse) since I got it and it has gotten worse. Finally took it to the dealer at 9,000 miles and they are replacing ALL four rotors. They confirm, of course, that the brakes have not been abused -- I am a relatively conservative driver and have never had a panic stop or long downhill grade without using the tranny paddle.
The dealer seemed to take this in stride, which causes suspicion that MB has had a vendor problem with rotors.
Has anybody had a similar experience? Is there a history with this?
BTW, don't let anybody talk you out of the V8 vs. the V6. I got 27.6 mpg, measured at the gas pump, on a 3,000 mile trip in the western US, mostly Interstate and otherwise good road, at 70++ mph. That V8 simply loafs along, even on grades.
I have had brake pulsing noise (brake by wire, so no pedal pulse) since I got it and it has gotten worse. Finally took it to the dealer at 9,000 miles and they are replacing ALL four rotors. They confirm, of course, that the brakes have not been abused -- I am a relatively conservative driver and have never had a panic stop or long downhill grade without using the tranny paddle.
The dealer seemed to take this in stride, which causes suspicion that MB has had a vendor problem with rotors.
Has anybody had a similar experience? Is there a history with this?
BTW, don't let anybody talk you out of the V8 vs. the V6. I got 27.6 mpg, measured at the gas pump, on a 3,000 mile trip in the western US, mostly Interstate and otherwise good road, at 70++ mph. That V8 simply loafs along, even on grades.
Last edited by Live Oak; 06-25-2011 at 08:46 PM.
06-25-2011, 08:09 PM
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welcome...550! ahhhh.....
wow, that's some great MPG's......wow.......
I use cruise control so much......kind of wish more people would..
as far as the question, I haven't had any break concerns yet, and I don't recall that
many issues in the past few months.......being posted here anyway, but maybe someone will advise....
I guess you're not doing any crazy braking or anything?
did you keep the old parts? or let the shop keep 'em?
whenever I go to the dealer I always say 'whatever you take off, put in the boot'.....hehe.....
good luck with this and keep enjoyment close
and toss up some pix....
wow, that's some great MPG's......wow.......
I use cruise control so much......kind of wish more people would..
as far as the question, I haven't had any break concerns yet, and I don't recall that
many issues in the past few months.......being posted here anyway, but maybe someone will advise....
I guess you're not doing any crazy braking or anything?
did you keep the old parts? or let the shop keep 'em?
whenever I go to the dealer I always say 'whatever you take off, put in the boot'.....hehe.....
good luck with this and keep enjoyment close
and toss up some pix....
06-25-2011, 08:43 PM
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Porsche 991S, Cayenne S, 1972 BMW 3.0CS E9 Coupe
btw, Mercedes dumped brake by wire back in 2006 (no more SBC beginning with the 2007 models.)
Since you now have all new rotors just be sure to bed the brakes properly and you should be fine. The rotors have to be built to a specific spec (thickness and material.) But many issues come from not bedding brakes properly with fresh rotors and pads (like when you drive the new car off the dealer's lot.) Proper bedding improves pedal feel and reduces brake squeal. It prevents brake judder and also can extend the life of the pads and rotors.
The dealer took it in stride because they can get rebated from MBUSA since brakes can be replaced free within 12/12k on new cars.
Since you now have all new rotors just be sure to bed the brakes properly and you should be fine. The rotors have to be built to a specific spec (thickness and material.) But many issues come from not bedding brakes properly with fresh rotors and pads (like when you drive the new car off the dealer's lot.) Proper bedding improves pedal feel and reduces brake squeal. It prevents brake judder and also can extend the life of the pads and rotors.
The dealer took it in stride because they can get rebated from MBUSA since brakes can be replaced free within 12/12k on new cars.
06-25-2011, 09:16 PM
#4
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Thread Starter
Thanks for that input.
". . . btw, Mercedes dumped brake by wire back in 2006 . . ."
Are you saying that this car has the old pedal to master cylinder arrangement???
". . . btw, Mercedes dumped brake by wire back in 2006 . . ."
Are you saying that this car has the old pedal to master cylinder arrangement???
06-25-2011, 09:36 PM
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Porsche 991S, Cayenne S, 1972 BMW 3.0CS E9 Coupe
BAS is an electronic system, but it simply interprets the braking behavior of the driver and initiates the full braking effect when it identifies an emergency situation. Conventional braking systems normally use engine vacuum to increase braking capability. So instead of relying on just the vacuum power, an electric pump pressurizes brake fluid to provide full power assist.
Brake-by-wire means there is no mechanical connection between the car’s brakes and the brake pedal. With SBC small electric motors near the wheels generated brake pressure. They were managed by electronic control units connected to the brake pedal.
06-26-2011, 05:51 PM
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E550 4Matic 2011
I have an '11 E550 with 17k miles on it. I have had a steering wheel wobble when breaking. Started a while ago but is getting worse. Took it to the dealer last week and, since I had not purchased my car there, they said they could do nothing since brakes and rotors are warrantied for 12k miles. They do say my front rotors and not properly aligned and causing the wobble. They said I should call dealer where I bought my car and complain and maybe they'd give me a discount off of the $660 for new rotors and brakes. Nothing wrong with the brake pads so I don't want to pay anything for this. Dissappointing for a 1 year old car of this price. Love the car otherwise - very happy with the engine.
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06-26-2011, 07:06 PM
#8
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My dealer said, "You are lucky you are bringing it in at 9,000 miles -- the warranty on brakes expires at 10,000 miles"
That said, I have the distinct feeling that the issue is a common one, something wrong with factory rotors, maybe a vendor problem.
I'll bet there is enough of this going on that MBZ would have a hard time denying that it is a manufacturing defect, 10,000 miles notwithstanding.
It would be interesting to see what stuff is in the service notice pipeline to MBZ dealers, and how states with (good) lemon laws would view this situation, which is, in reality, a safety issue, and a manufacturing defect issue.
In my case, the problem was obvious from day one on a brand new car with 20+ miles on it, and I squawked it, with documentation, to the dealer at that time. I then continued to drive it, but it got worse, not better with use ("wear in").
I've had more than a dozen new cars over 48 years, of a variety of makes. Absolutely none of them had that "pulsing" problem, except in one case where a dealer "machined" the rotors, and they immediately sounded and felt like hell. Of course the dealer said "That's normal."
I think there is an MBZ defect issue, maybe even a recall one, if there is enough squawking to the right people.
That said, I have the distinct feeling that the issue is a common one, something wrong with factory rotors, maybe a vendor problem.
I'll bet there is enough of this going on that MBZ would have a hard time denying that it is a manufacturing defect, 10,000 miles notwithstanding.
It would be interesting to see what stuff is in the service notice pipeline to MBZ dealers, and how states with (good) lemon laws would view this situation, which is, in reality, a safety issue, and a manufacturing defect issue.
In my case, the problem was obvious from day one on a brand new car with 20+ miles on it, and I squawked it, with documentation, to the dealer at that time. I then continued to drive it, but it got worse, not better with use ("wear in").
I've had more than a dozen new cars over 48 years, of a variety of makes. Absolutely none of them had that "pulsing" problem, except in one case where a dealer "machined" the rotors, and they immediately sounded and felt like hell. Of course the dealer said "That's normal."
I think there is an MBZ defect issue, maybe even a recall one, if there is enough squawking to the right people.
06-27-2011, 12:48 AM
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MBUSA covers tires; wheel alignment & balancing, brakes, glass, and wipers for 1 year/12000 miles whichever comes first - confirmed in your Service & Warranty booklet.
06-27-2011, 08:54 PM
#10
Warped.
Just had the front rotors replaced today.
Started getting brake vibration at 33,000miles. Out of brake warranty so I dropped 400+$.
I read up on causes of "warping". 2 things I'd like to share.
1) I suspect use of the brake HOLD function after hi speed / rapid stops can contribute to warping. I use this a lot but will change my ways.
2) Bedding brakes. Was my dad supposed to teach me about this? I'll try it tomorrow.
Started getting brake vibration at 33,000miles. Out of brake warranty so I dropped 400+$.
I read up on causes of "warping". 2 things I'd like to share.
1) I suspect use of the brake HOLD function after hi speed / rapid stops can contribute to warping. I use this a lot but will change my ways.
2) Bedding brakes. Was my dad supposed to teach me about this? I'll try it tomorrow.
06-27-2011, 09:42 PM
#11
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Thread Starter
The dealer replaced four rotors and all pads. Brakes feel and sound great now. I'll watch it.
The work order said original runout on front and rear was .005" and .004" respectively, out of specs.
(Had a C300 Sport loaner. Needed a kidney belt!!)
The work order said original runout on front and rear was .005" and .004" respectively, out of specs.
(Had a C300 Sport loaner. Needed a kidney belt!!)
06-28-2011, 12:34 AM
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2011 E550, 2018 Land Cruiser, 1966 Vette
06-28-2011, 01:14 AM
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2011 E550, 2013 GLK
My wife's 2008 E350 had warped rotors at 16,500 miles. The car was driven on a 6,000 mile trip right after we got it and then it was driven mostly by my wife.
I attributed the problem to the dealer using an impact wrench when they rotated the wheels because the brakes were never abused.
Incidentally, the dealer wanted about $660 to change the front rotors and pads. I could have got OEM parts off the Internet and done it myself for $200 but I sold the car.
I attributed the problem to the dealer using an impact wrench when they rotated the wheels because the brakes were never abused.
Incidentally, the dealer wanted about $660 to change the front rotors and pads. I could have got OEM parts off the Internet and done it myself for $200 but I sold the car.
06-28-2011, 07:01 AM
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06-28-2011, 03:33 PM
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2010 E 550 4matic, 2012 GL 450, 55 Morgan Plus4
It seems that there is significant problems with the E550 rotors based on the recurring threads. What I haven't seen is a reccomendation for aftermarket rotors. Any suggestions. I'm about due for the 30,000 mile service.
I live in the mountains east of San Diego and do about 100 miles a day. My mileage runs between 22 and 23 calculated and is about 1/2 mpg less than the cars opptomistic computer.
I live in the mountains east of San Diego and do about 100 miles a day. My mileage runs between 22 and 23 calculated and is about 1/2 mpg less than the cars opptomistic computer.
06-29-2011, 08:48 AM
#18
It is conjecture but I feel it is conceivable this greater than ordinary pressure can facilitate imprinting on a hot rotor, which will lead to 'warping'.
06-29-2011, 12:32 PM
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'12 CLS 550 4matic
I have a new 2011 E550. I absolutely love this car. HOWEVER . . .
I have had brake pulsing noise (brake by wire, so no pedal pulse) since I got it and it has gotten worse. Finally took it to the dealer at 9,000 miles and they are replacing ALL four rotors. They confirm, of course, that the brakes have not been abused -- I am a relatively conservative driver and have never had a panic stop or long downhill grade without using the tranny paddle.
The dealer seemed to take this in stride, which causes suspicion that MB has had a vendor problem with rotors.
Has anybody had a similar experience? Is there a history with this?
BTW, don't let anybody talk you out of the V8 vs. the V6. I got 27.6 mpg, measured at the gas pump, on a 3,000 mile trip in the western US, mostly Interstate and otherwise good road, at 70++ mph. That V8 simply loafs along, even on grades.
I have had brake pulsing noise (brake by wire, so no pedal pulse) since I got it and it has gotten worse. Finally took it to the dealer at 9,000 miles and they are replacing ALL four rotors. They confirm, of course, that the brakes have not been abused -- I am a relatively conservative driver and have never had a panic stop or long downhill grade without using the tranny paddle.
The dealer seemed to take this in stride, which causes suspicion that MB has had a vendor problem with rotors.
Has anybody had a similar experience? Is there a history with this?
BTW, don't let anybody talk you out of the V8 vs. the V6. I got 27.6 mpg, measured at the gas pump, on a 3,000 mile trip in the western US, mostly Interstate and otherwise good road, at 70++ mph. That V8 simply loafs along, even on grades.
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...-question.html
06-29-2011, 07:13 PM
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E500 and R350
It is interesting and sad to see this brake defect be so common, and MBUSA knows all about it, see DTB P-B-42.10/79 issued 9/20/07. We have had clients get so frustrated that the dealership can't fix the problem they decided to have us file lemon law actions. Between the embarrassment of people turning and looking at the "city bus" coming to a stop and the change in braking process (starting pumping brakes to try and minimize the noise), they just had enough. Hope the DTB helps you get some assistance at the dealership level.
06-29-2011, 08:36 PM
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