Recommended brake pads?
 

https://www.autohausaz.com/catalog/c...set?s=d&page=1
I have always had great service from these guys. 10% discount running as well.
Wide selection from OEM to alternatives. I usually just stick to OEM.

There are a lot of differences between pad manufacturers' perfromance. Issues to consider include initial bite, fade during heavy use, squeal, and dust production. Can't go wrong with OEM if you like its performance. I have not had to replace the brakes on my E350 yet but on my Audi TT I went with EBC red pads. Much better initial bite, no fade, no squeal, and a lot less dust. Best prices can be found on Amazon and then call EBC and they will match the Amazon price so you are certain you are not getting knock-off parts. I've tried several other performance pads over the years but EBC is the best by far for me.

If you hate brake dust, use Akebono. I have them on my SL55 and have run track days on them, so they will take abuse. Dust is light tan color and basically invisible.
Have not had to replace them on my E350, as the diesel has so much engine braking the stock pads will last forever. They are dusty though.

When I had my 2010 E550 and changed out front pads, I purchased the OEM from Autohausaz. They came in an MB box and carried all of the star serial numbers and were marked "AKEBONO".
Akebono is the OEM pad.

Buying OEM is a misnomer in this case, since Mercedes-Benz does not make brake pads, and buys from the same brands you can buy independently.

On my older MB, I have used EBC, Pagid, and several sets of Akebono.

I LOVE the Akebonos, for all the reasons kbob999 notes. They brake well, but don't leave clouds of dust, if any dust at all. Also, I understand that MB buys Akebono pads by the train car load (now used as OEM). You can't go wrong with Akebono.:y

You can find Akebono front pads for $85, rears for around $65 at any auto parts store. Quite reasonable. I would not remotely consider paying the dealership $400 for the same pads.

Dude, OEM is OEM. It is the equipment that originally arrived on the car. I don't know one manufacturer that makes it's own brake pads.

Unfortunately the E550 uses different pads than the E350. Akebono doesn't actually list a pad that would fit the E550. Mercedes tends to take a step up with each higher end trim level. You should see the prices for AMG brakes.

The ceramic pads tend to have less dust that OEM brake pads.

I have a 2014 e550 w/50,000. Going through the rotor pad thing as we write. Dealer installed pads 7k miles ago along with rotors. Doing a few 100+ hard braking last week now I've noticed the shimmys. Looking at getting rid of the rotors with all the holes, going to solid with slotted slotted only and Hawk performance 5 pads. An ebay seller "brakeperformance.com" sells the rotors w/o pads or with check em out. Only way to know is to try em, right?

I prefer the solid rotors as well.

My E350 Brake Work

Go OEM. You can get them cheaper than VatoZone ones.
https://www.oembenzparts.com/oem-par...pad-0074206420
They are made by Akebono, and are very low dust. MB originally used Brembo, but they were horribly dusty. This latest revision of the OEM pads is amazing.

You can also get a pair of OEM rotors for around $200
https://www.oembenzparts.com/oem-par...d-000421151207

I put OEM pads on my car about 8 months ago, but in the meantime I tried the Akebono ceramics mentioned above on my Audi. There is ZERO squeal or noise and ZERO brake dust. None whatsoever. This is on slotted rotors. I'm going to be putting new rotors on the W212 next year and can't wait to put the Akebono pads on at that time. They are truly remarkable.

As mentioned, the brakes are different between the E350 and the E550.

On my 2012 E550, the Akebonos sequeeled. I put these on, and they are quiet
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...searchTerm=pad
I don't know who manufactures these, but at 1/2 the price of OEM pads, I'm happy.

YMMV

Thanks for the suggestion. Did you keep the MB holy rotors or change to something else?

Yes, I have the OEM drilled (holey) rotors.

Did you notice any consensus regarding the rotors?

How’d they work out for you? Are you happy with what you ended up with, and if so what was that?

The original rotors on my 2011 were perfect until 75k miles, I then replaced them with OEM mercedes rotors and pads from the dealer (as preventative maintenance, even though I probably have left the rotors), and the replacements rotors from the dealer literally lasted 5k miles before they warped. Swapped them out early cuz the vibration would drive me nuts. For the replacements I went with Brembo rotors and Brembo red pads. I now have 20k miles on the Brembo's and zero isses other than crazy brake dust. The sweetspot I think is Brembo rotors and OEM dealer pads.

The Brembo rotors (part number 09.B746.51) were $114 each, but well worth it. I wouldn't recommend the pads (part number P50087N) unless you're OK with lots of brown dust. They do stop phenomenal tho... For me thats not worth the cleaning hassle, I'm going back to OEM dealer pads

Thank you so much for the thorough reply!!
Going to order now. The vibration is super annoying.

I've enjoyed Dynamic Friction 5000 Euro Ceramic pads from RockAuto.

It’s too bad RockAuto sold out and turned to the same trash they were trying to compete against.

They used to be so great.

Apparently, you can get the Dynamic Friction pads on Amazon, maybe cheaper.

I’ve been thinking about the cost savings options for this car a lot lately.

For my Altima, the parts are so dirt cheap it makes trying new brands easy. If the part fails prematurely I can just buy a new one.

But with the E550, every part costs SO darn much, buying anything except what is well established and known to work reliably and consistently for the long run feels like a waste.

I bought garbage-tier coil overs and deeply regret it. Wish I would have just bought the good stuff the first time, rather than buying cheap garbage to “hold me over”

Based on my reading, Brembo rotors seem to have a really good rep for this car in this forum, along with Akebono pads, so until someone convinces me otherwise, that’s what I’m probably going to buy next.

I just don’t have the time and energy anymore to risk not doing it right on the first try.

Amazon is also one of the least trustworthy retailers you can buy from, and their customer service is absolute horse dung, so if I can avoid giving them business, I’ll do everything in my power to.

For this car I’m spending as much on FCP Euro as I can, and occasionally ECS Tuning, though they don’t seem nearly as phenomenal as FCP.

As I said, I've had good luck with Dynamic Friction ceramic pads. Whether I get them from Rock Auto or Amazon doesn't really matter to me. I've only had a problem with Amazon when I buy something NOT fulfilled by Amazon.

I get my rotors from FCP, but I got the pads from Rock Auto. However, Akebono pads were highly recommended by the FCP staff when I got them previously for my SL500. I want pads that stop well, wear well, and are clean.

I use Hawk on my E350 for the last 75k miles. Replaced the pads around 10k ago. Low dust, great stopping power.