E550 4 Matic brake vibration
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 40
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From: Greenwich, CT
2014 E350 4Matic; 2016 GL350 Bluetec; 2005 F430 Spider
E550 4 Matic brake vibration
Does anyone have vibration problems with their E550? I have a 2010 E550 4 Matic that i have owned since mile 1. The car has like 25k miles now. At around 11k the dealer replaced the front brakes due to the same problem for free under a warranty claim. The car is almost uncomfortable to brake. The lease may be up in a few months and I'm not sure I want another one as these brakes stink.
My dynamic driver seat blew out again the other day. Second time now and always the driver side closest to the door blows out. Not happy about this and taking it in is a hassle for a thing that is not 100% necessary.
Thanks.
My dynamic driver seat blew out again the other day. Second time now and always the driver side closest to the door blows out. Not happy about this and taking it in is a hassle for a thing that is not 100% necessary.
Thanks.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 640
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2015 GL450
Check out this link and have fun reading:
https://mbworld.org/forums/search.php?searchid=9390858
I personally get vibration every time I take my car to the dealer because, I think, they wash it and let it sit. Some kind of buildup on the rotors and/or pads. Some good hard braking has cured it every time. It'll [the vibration] stay for a very long time if I don't do the hard braking routine. I find the brakes quite tolerable.
https://mbworld.org/forums/search.php?searchid=9390858
I personally get vibration every time I take my car to the dealer because, I think, they wash it and let it sit. Some kind of buildup on the rotors and/or pads. Some good hard braking has cured it every time. It'll [the vibration] stay for a very long time if I don't do the hard braking routine. I find the brakes quite tolerable.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 302
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From: Sarasota, Florida
2011 E350, 2004 911
Just a thought:
I've noticed that dealers over tighten the wheels on the cars. I usually loosen the lugs and re-torgue the lug nuts using the proper star pattern.
If the the wheel lug nuts are not properly torqued and tightened down unevenly the will cause the rotors to warp and cause vibration while braking.
** especially with alloy wheels*** they must be tightened properly
Using this method I never have vibration issues.
This maybe an issue that you are having.
Again just a thought.......
I've noticed that dealers over tighten the wheels on the cars. I usually loosen the lugs and re-torgue the lug nuts using the proper star pattern.
If the the wheel lug nuts are not properly torqued and tightened down unevenly the will cause the rotors to warp and cause vibration while braking.
** especially with alloy wheels*** they must be tightened properly
Using this method I never have vibration issues.
This maybe an issue that you are having.
Again just a thought.......
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
There is something VERY wrong with the W212 V8 models brakes. So many Threads about brake related issues via those cars, while the V6 E's have no brake problems whatsoever.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 422
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From: Lafayette, LA
2011 E550
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 576
Likes: 8
From: Placitas, NM
E550
All four rotors did that on my 2011 E550 at 9,000 miles. The rotors failed runout tests badly, and all rotors and pads were replaced under warranty. Now at 23,000 miles and still OK.
(FYI, the car had NEVER had hard braking or brake riding. No excuses -- the rotors were bad.)
"The car is almost uncomfortable to brake" Forget that, this is a huge safety issue!
(FYI, the car had NEVER had hard braking or brake riding. No excuses -- the rotors were bad.)
"The car is almost uncomfortable to brake" Forget that, this is a huge safety issue!
Last edited by Live Oak; Jun 19, 2012 at 02:53 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 967
Likes: 39
From: PA
18'Porsche GT3, 16' Ram 3500 mega diesel,30' Model A Ratrod, 17' E43
Mine is so annoying also, My dealer told me that the rotors were within tolerence and that it stops normal??? Ridiculous, my passengers always ask me whats wrong with my brakes when their in my car. I guess thats why they upgraded them for 2012.
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Super Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 576
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From: Placitas, NM
E550
If you have no access to another dealer, take it to an indie with a good rep and have the runout tested and documented. Do NOT let them repair anything . . . you are still under warranty.
Then, ask the dealer what the allowed runout is. If he refuses, hire a lawyer to ask the same question. If your runout exceeds that spec, ask for a repair. If it's refused, get a lawyer to ask for a repair.
"Discovery" will reveal that there are serious 212 rotor problems . . . the input here confirms that.
(I might add, if you have wheels, suspension, etc., not factory, you may have a problem proving your case.)
Last edited by Live Oak; Jun 19, 2012 at 07:04 PM.
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Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 422
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From: Lafayette, LA
2011 E550
but who wants to deal with the constant vibration right? 
(should have told them that Rob)
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 967
Likes: 39
From: PA
18'Porsche GT3, 16' Ram 3500 mega diesel,30' Model A Ratrod, 17' E43
Oh I told them something alright, but it wasn't that...lol. I emailed the service rep and He wants me to bring the car back in so they can take care of it. He said that after 5 cars purchased there, that He wants to make sure that I am happy. The tech told him that my aftermarket wheels are causing any vibration...Yeah, thats the problem?? Yoshhego, you'll get a kick out of this. My car was also in the shop to figure out why it was sitting lower on the right side. When I went to pick the car up and after I was told about them not doing anything with the brakes, the rep told me, that the tech told him," the rear right wheel sits further forward then the left side, due to making the car handle correctly, and that is why the car appears to be lower on the right side"..... I blew a head gasket. My email went to the tech and to all others in service and to MB feedback. Thats why they want me to be happy now... Dumba**es. Princeton Mercedes in NJ,,,,, great service department.
Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 101
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
S212 2011 Wagon and Wife's 2014 C350 sedan.
E350 Wagon Brake Vibration
My 2011 E350 had the front brakes replaced at 11,800 miles and now, at 30,300 miles they are vibrating again. My dealer said the brake warranty is only 12,000 miles so I will have to pay for any replacement.
Any of you have similar problem and been told the warranty is 12,000 miles?
Any of you have similar problem and been told the warranty is 12,000 miles?
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 576
Likes: 8
From: Placitas, NM
E550
It seems, from what has appeared here, that there is a general quality problem, and safety issue, with E class brakes. ("Pulsing" brakes are a hell of a lot less effective at stopping a car, and seriously interfere with ABS function.)
I wonder, under pressure of a suit with discovery, if MBZ wouldn't suddenly find a safety problem they should take care of after the warranty period.
An owner who can't afford the thousands to replace all four rotors, at 13,000 miles, for example, and then has an acccident because of diminished brake performance, might have a good case, especially with injuries or worse. If I were MBZ, I'd be more than a little worried about this issue.
Over the last 47 years, I've purchased 14 new cars, driven up to 100,000 miles, and NEVER had pulsing brakes except one case after a dealer ground the rotors on a brake service. Now suddenly it seems to be "normal wear" per MBZ???
I wonder, under pressure of a suit with discovery, if MBZ wouldn't suddenly find a safety problem they should take care of after the warranty period.
An owner who can't afford the thousands to replace all four rotors, at 13,000 miles, for example, and then has an acccident because of diminished brake performance, might have a good case, especially with injuries or worse. If I were MBZ, I'd be more than a little worried about this issue.
Over the last 47 years, I've purchased 14 new cars, driven up to 100,000 miles, and NEVER had pulsing brakes except one case after a dealer ground the rotors on a brake service. Now suddenly it seems to be "normal wear" per MBZ???
Last edited by Live Oak; Sep 6, 2012 at 01:50 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 640
Likes: 6
2015 GL450
Just a question: How many of you that have the pulsing brakes
(1) drive your car around after washing it and aggressively apply the brakes to dry them?
and
(2) when experiencing brake pulsing, find a spot to aggressively apply the brakes (60-6 mph hard) several times?
I get the same pulsing everybody does - occasionally - if I don't do (1) or if someone else cleans my car, and doing (2) fixes it right away until someone else washes my car. I don't know enough about brakes to explain why this works every time for me, but it does. Maybe if one lets it go for a long time, my method won't help anymore.
(1) drive your car around after washing it and aggressively apply the brakes to dry them?
and
(2) when experiencing brake pulsing, find a spot to aggressively apply the brakes (60-6 mph hard) several times?
I get the same pulsing everybody does - occasionally - if I don't do (1) or if someone else cleans my car, and doing (2) fixes it right away until someone else washes my car. I don't know enough about brakes to explain why this works every time for me, but it does. Maybe if one lets it go for a long time, my method won't help anymore.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 422
Likes: 1
From: Lafayette, LA
2011 E550
Oh I told them something alright, but it wasn't that...lol. I emailed the service rep and He wants me to bring the car back in so they can take care of it. He said that after 5 cars purchased there, that He wants to make sure that I am happy. The tech told him that my aftermarket wheels are causing any vibration...Yeah, thats the problem?? Yosheego, you'll get a kick out of this. My car was also in the shop to figure out why it was sitting lower on the right side. When I went to pick the car up and after I was told about them not doing anything with the brakes, the rep told me, that the tech told him," the rear right wheel sits further forward then the left side, due to making the car handle correctly, and that is why the car appears to be lower on the right side"..... I blew a head gasket. My email went to the tech and to all others in service and to MB feedback. That's why they want me to be happy now... Dumba**es. Princeton Mercedes in NJ,,,,, great service department.
so...the rear right wheel is slightly further forward, therefore causing THE WHOLE RIGHT SIDE TO "APPEAR" lower? but really its not...Maybe i shouldn't be laughing. Maybe it is true. We all might not be a MB tech, but I think we each have some really good tech common sense...Maybe our tech friends on this forum can help verify this? 
(I don't even want to measure the right rear and left rear, because I will go kookoo) Just a question: How many of you that have the pulsing brakes
(1) drive your car around after washing it and aggressively apply the brakes to dry them?
and
(2) when experiencing brake pulsing, find a spot to aggressively apply the brakes (60-6 mph hard) several times?
I get the same pulsing everybody does - occasionally - if I don't do (1) or if someone else cleans my car, and doing (2) fixes it right away until someone else washes my car. I don't know enough about brakes to explain why this works every time for me, but it does. Maybe if one lets it go for a long time, my method won't help anymore.
(1) drive your car around after washing it and aggressively apply the brakes to dry them?
and
(2) when experiencing brake pulsing, find a spot to aggressively apply the brakes (60-6 mph hard) several times?
I get the same pulsing everybody does - occasionally - if I don't do (1) or if someone else cleans my car, and doing (2) fixes it right away until someone else washes my car. I don't know enough about brakes to explain why this works every time for me, but it does. Maybe if one lets it go for a long time, my method won't help anymore.
2)not yet
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 40
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From: Greenwich, CT
2014 E350 4Matic; 2016 GL350 Bluetec; 2005 F430 Spider
The brakes are horrible. I cannot wait to get rid of this car. Dealer won't replace for free again. I'm very close to the time when I can do a penalty free pull ahead lease. I want the V8 motor but I want different brakes and 17 inch wheels. These 18 inch AMG wheels are terrible too. All 4 of mine are bent. So the car is just no fun to drive anymore. We drove the 2013 E350 4Matic with the new direct injected motor. The problem is that we want the 17's and the natural interior and the dealer is having trouble configuring it that way. Any suggestions? Also does anyone know how I can get MB to build me a E550 with 17 inch wheels if I'm willing to order from scratch?
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Tesla Model S P100D
The brakes are horrible. I cannot wait to get rid of this car. Dealer won't replace for free again. I'm very close to the time when I can do a penalty free pull ahead lease. I want the V8 motor but I want different brakes and 17 inch wheels. These 18 inch AMG wheels are terrible too. All 4 of mine are bent. So the car is just no fun to drive anymore. We drove the 2013 E350 4Matic with the new direct injected motor. The problem is that we want the 17's and the natural interior and the dealer is having trouble configuring it that way. Any suggestions? Also does anyone know how I can get MB to build me a E550 with 17 inch wheels if I'm willing to order from scratch?
I agree with you about the 18" AMG wheels being terrible for everyday driving as they are so fragile. I think someone pointed out recently they had to go 18" to fit the new larger rotors of the 2012 E550... With all the technology we have available, why can't they make the 18" wheels as durable as the 17" wheels?
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Chicago, IL
2011 E550 4Matic, 2002 M3 Vert
The steering wheel in my E550 vibrates when braking at 65mph down to around 40mph. Dealer is replacing my front rotors under warranty. Does anyone know if they replace the rotors with the same part number or did Mercedes make an improvement on the replacement rotors?
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 422
Likes: 1
From: Lafayette, LA
2011 E550
Mine looked the same, but I'm not sure if it's new parts/improved. Sucks, cuz it's starting to vibrate/shake again and I have 26k miles on it right now. It was replaced right before 11k miles. How many miles is yours SolidGranite?
Last edited by Yosheego; Sep 4, 2012 at 06:35 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 1
From: Chicago, IL
2011 E550 4Matic, 2002 M3 Vert
So far I've had serious airmatic issues and now this. Not good MB. Not good at all. The brakes in my 2009 E550 were way stronger than what I have in the W212. Just another example of Mercedes cutting back on cost in the W212 in my opinion. Before the vibration started I brought it to the dealer complaining that my brakes were not strong enough but of course they said they are fine. Doubt the new front rotors will make much difference but hopefully the vibrations in the steering wheel will go away.
Last edited by SolidGranite; Sep 4, 2012 at 06:49 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 422
Likes: 1
From: Lafayette, LA
2011 E550
oh yeh, i know what you mean. I had some issues with my airbags system, they fixed it I guess. The rotors/brakes and of course, the
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ngine-hot.html
thread. The other day I was seriously debating to trade in for a 2012-13 .
Maybe if I can get a good deal, mine as well eh?
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...ngine-hot.html
thread. The other day I was seriously debating to trade in for a 2012-13 .
Maybe if I can get a good deal, mine as well eh?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,046
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From: Chicago, IL
2011 E550 4Matic, 2002 M3 Vert
New rotors installed up front. Vibration is gone but my overall brake strength seems to be diminished even more...
Does anyone else with a 2010 or 11 E550 feel the same about their brakes? I have no confidence in my ability to stop quickly. That soft pedal feel I had in the W211 is totally gone now and the amount of force I have to give to stop the car just isn't right. The GLK350 I had as a loaner had better braking ability than my 550 with larger brakes...
Does anyone else with a 2010 or 11 E550 feel the same about their brakes? I have no confidence in my ability to stop quickly. That soft pedal feel I had in the W211 is totally gone now and the amount of force I have to give to stop the car just isn't right. The GLK350 I had as a loaner had better braking ability than my 550 with larger brakes...
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 333
Likes: 1
From: Sacramento, CA
E350 BT
New rotors installed up front. Vibration is gone but my overall brake strength seems to be diminished even more...
Does anyone else with a 2010 or 11 E550 feel the same about their brakes? I have no confidence in my ability to stop quickly. That soft pedal feel I had in the W211 is totally gone now and the amount of force I have to give to stop the car just isn't right. The GLK350 I had as a loaner had better braking ability than my 550 with larger brakes...
Does anyone else with a 2010 or 11 E550 feel the same about their brakes? I have no confidence in my ability to stop quickly. That soft pedal feel I had in the W211 is totally gone now and the amount of force I have to give to stop the car just isn't right. The GLK350 I had as a loaner had better braking ability than my 550 with larger brakes...
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,046
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From: Chicago, IL
2011 E550 4Matic, 2002 M3 Vert
