2012 e550 brakes
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: NJ
gone:mb c,lexus gs; owning:2012 a6 prestige
2012 e550 brakes
I saw one 100 miles away
with the following carfax
1150miles
Front brake caliper(s) replaced
Front brake rotor(s) replaced
Brakes checked
Washed/detailed
2964miles
Front brake rotor(s) replaced
Brakes checked
Wheel(s) removed and reinstalled
14007miles
Maintenance inspection completed
Front brake rotor(s) replaced
Brakes checked
Washed/detailed
Tire condition and pressure checked
Wheel(s) removed and reinstalled
now it has 17k miles
I read through the e550 brake squeal stories on the forum and was a little concerned. But I like e550 in my test drive and want to take a little calculated risk.
as I understand many e550s have brake squeal problem, but it doesn't affect stopping power. It is mostly a nuisance.
Can I assume I'll constantly have brake issues after I buy the car above? or is there a way I can check before I buy to make sure the problem is not there anymore?
This brake issue is the only concern before I purchase the car.. Much thanks!
with the following carfax
1150miles
Front brake caliper(s) replaced
Front brake rotor(s) replaced
Brakes checked
Washed/detailed
2964miles
Front brake rotor(s) replaced
Brakes checked
Wheel(s) removed and reinstalled
14007miles
Maintenance inspection completed
Front brake rotor(s) replaced
Brakes checked
Washed/detailed
Tire condition and pressure checked
Wheel(s) removed and reinstalled
now it has 17k miles
I read through the e550 brake squeal stories on the forum and was a little concerned. But I like e550 in my test drive and want to take a little calculated risk.
as I understand many e550s have brake squeal problem, but it doesn't affect stopping power. It is mostly a nuisance.
Can I assume I'll constantly have brake issues after I buy the car above? or is there a way I can check before I buy to make sure the problem is not there anymore?
This brake issue is the only concern before I purchase the car.. Much thanks!
Last edited by e350ok; Nov 26, 2013 at 08:50 PM. Reason: typo
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 967
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From: PA
18'Porsche GT3, 16' Ram 3500 mega diesel,30' Model A Ratrod, 17' E43
The Brakes just don't squeal, the rotors seem to get warped and obviously give a bad vibration during hard braking when they do warp. I just live with it because I don't have time to be sending my car back and forth to the dealer. It is a problem that MB knows about but will not post a recall on it because it is not a safety issue(only in my opinion). There is no fade and the car stops fine, like you said, just a nuisance.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 38
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From: NJ
gone:mb c,lexus gs; owning:2012 a6 prestige
I discussed the brake maintenance records with dealer on the phone. He acknowledged the defective pads, squeaking, glazing and he guaranteed it is all fixed now. I am just not sure if the latter is a true or false statement and how to tell for myself in a short test drive.
Actually I already test drove a 2011 and a 2012 e550 from another dealer. I didn't feel anything wrong with the brakes or hear anything. But it was before I read the brake problems on the forum
Actually I already test drove a 2011 and a 2012 e550 from another dealer. I didn't feel anything wrong with the brakes or hear anything. But it was before I read the brake problems on the forum
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 216
Likes: 27
From: Clear Lake Shores, Texas
2026 AMG CLE 53, 2026 BMW X5, 1972 Corvette
I may be the only person in the world to claim this but my 2012 E550 with 37,000 miles has had no brake problems whatsoever, including noise.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 38
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From: NJ
gone:mb c,lexus gs; owning:2012 a6 prestige
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,141
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From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
No, I'm the other person without brake problems (may be just us two...)
My E550 is a 2010 but it is very early production as it was first registered in Sep. 2009. When I got the car it had 14 700 miles on the clock.
Don't remember sure when it was, I guess around 30 000 miles, when I replaced the front pads with ceramic for dust control. Dusting was the only issue I had with the brakes, no noise, no warped rotors, nothing.
I now have 59 800 miles on the clock and it has been absolutely trouble free.
It almost seems like MB built the very early cars with some known good brake components and then changed something for mid 2011 thru mid 2012 models where they have had brake issues. Then went back to the good old way to do it ant the OP's car probably now has the improved new rotors after the third rotor change.
If the brake issue is the only concern for OP I would get the car. The V8 machines are hard to find and will be a "Collectors item" soon. It is an excellent car and if I had brake issues I would replace rotors and pads with after market parts and be happy with it.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2013
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From: NJ
gone:mb c,lexus gs; owning:2012 a6 prestige
Thank you Arrie:
As I understand brake is only warrantied for 1 year and 12k miles.
So the brakes of the car are out of warranty now essentially. I want to change the pads to ceramics. Since the brakes are already out of warranty, I assume my change to ceramics is ok?
As I understand brake is only warrantied for 1 year and 12k miles.
So the brakes of the car are out of warranty now essentially. I want to change the pads to ceramics. Since the brakes are already out of warranty, I assume my change to ceramics is ok?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,141
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From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
I went to AutoZone and had them order me their own brand ceramic pads, Duramax I think it was... They cost little over $100, put them on and been very happy. I changed the pads as they were close to trigger the wear indicators, which I was able to re-use with the new pads. Went with ceramic only to stop the ridiculous dusting issue that the OEM pads have.
I think the brake job on the car is still under warranty as the front rotors were changed only 3000 miles ago and I think MB on the third try installed the new rotor design (that could be the old working one?) and finally fixed the problem. Probably scared the previous owner away with the reoccurring brake problems too...
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 216
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From: Clear Lake Shores, Texas
2026 AMG CLE 53, 2026 BMW X5, 1972 Corvette
Another issue I have never had on this car is brake dust, unlike every other Benz I have owned. Someone told me they changed the pad composition in 2011 or 2012, and whatever they changed them to works.
I agree that an E550 is worth owning despite the possible brake issues. I was aware of them and was prepared to change the pads and rotors if necessary. I specifically wanted a 2012 because I wanted the TT engine and didn't want the start-stop that I was afraid was just around the corner.
I agree that an E550 is worth owning despite the possible brake issues. I was aware of them and was prepared to change the pads and rotors if necessary. I specifically wanted a 2012 because I wanted the TT engine and didn't want the start-stop that I was afraid was just around the corner.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 320
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From: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
2020 MB-AMG GLC43
I have all the above... Squealing brakes, very slight warp, LOTS of brake dust. I will probably switch to aftermarket products, as I am running out of pad life (VERY prematurely)
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 38
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From: NJ
gone:mb c,lexus gs; owning:2012 a6 prestige
if my car is still in factory warranty but brakes are out of 1year 12k miles warranty, will using nonOEM pads and rotors void factory warranty of other parts of the car(for example: calipers) somehow?
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2000 W210 E55->2003 R230 SL500->2004 W211 E55->2007 997TT+2007 E63->2010 GLK350->2012 E550 4matic
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 38
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From: NJ
gone:mb c,lexus gs; owning:2012 a6 prestige
The mb dealer is firm on listing price. So picked up a 2012 a6 prestige with cold weather/full led headlamps/drive assistance packages with 16k miles as a interim car. Next target car: e63 amg.
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 320
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From: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
2020 MB-AMG GLC43
I can't imagine it is an issue. May pads are wearing (prematurely) and the dealer suggested I need new pads. When I told them I think I will go aftermarket - he smirked and said he understood.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,141
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From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
I don't think it is legal for a car company to void warranty if you use third party parts to replace parts that are not under warranty.
I actually asked my dealer service if they would install the pads for me that I got from AutoZone and they said that they are allowed to install only MB parts so I did it myself. And it is a super easy job for the front pads.
Last edited by Arrie; Nov 30, 2013 at 10:20 AM.
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From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
I thought it was just me. I had the brake issue start on my 2011, purchased in December 2010, after about 25,000 miles. It stopped ok but the car would shudder under heavy braking from highway type speeds. Didn't get around to taking it to the dealership to get checked until about 36,000 miles and needed new front rotors. That was only 2,000 miles ago and so far it is great, we will see. The service department didn't mention any TSB or recalls. I don't think this issue is serious enough to keep me from buying one if I wanted it. Still going to be more reliable than the competition. Thanks. Regards. Ned.
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 311
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From: Richmond, Virginia USA
'12 E550, '10 ML350, '06 E350, '20 GLC300, '21 GLC300
If you change your mind, there's a CPO 2012 E550 17K Palladium Silver at Bethesda Mercedes in MD. Carfax much cleaner. Don't know what they want for it.
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From: NJ
gone:mb c,lexus gs; owning:2012 a6 prestige
