Recommended brake pads?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 326
Likes: 3
2011 E550
Recommended brake pads?
I have a 2011 E550 and need to change front and rear pads. I see OEM pads online around $100 and cheaper options from AutoZone etc for $60-80.
Whats the difference, what does everyone recommend, and where to buy them? I searched but most threads were about rotors.
Thanks!
Whats the difference, what does everyone recommend, and where to buy them? I searched but most threads were about rotors.
Thanks!
Banned
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 4,957
Likes: 1,640
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.
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 255
Likes: 36
From: Las Vegas
2012 E350 sedan
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.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 992
Likes: 245
From: Tucson, AZ
'20 X5 M50i; '17 Ram 3500; Golf Cart; Bikes; Scooters
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.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,694
Likes: 1,829
From: Dallas-Ft.Worth,TX
2016 E350 Sport
https://www.autohausaz.com/catalog/c/mercedes/2011/1447594-e550_sedan_212072/14-brake_wheel_hub/1684-brake_pad_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.
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.
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.
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.
Last edited by DFWdude; Dec 13, 2018 at 02:02 PM.
Banned
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 4,957
Likes: 1,640
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.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,550
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
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.
The ceramic pads tend to have less dust that OEM brake pads.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 127
Likes: 13
From: GA
2018 S560
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?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 347
2011 E-350 4Matic Sport
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 293
Likes: 53
From: Hollywood, CA
Tectitgrau S210
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
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
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 518
Likes: 76
From: Mountaintop, PA
'14 W212 Sport, '52 MG TD, '21 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,071
Likes: 349
From: Fredonia, WI
2012 E550 v8-Biturbo
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
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
Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 153
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, CA
2013 Altima, 2011 E550
I have a 2011 E550 and need to change front and rear pads. I see OEM pads online around $100 and cheaper options from AutoZone etc for $60-80.
Whats the difference, what does everyone recommend, and where to buy them? I searched but most threads were about rotors.
Thanks!
Whats the difference, what does everyone recommend, and where to buy them? I searched but most threads were about rotors.
Thanks!
Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 153
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, CA
2013 Altima, 2011 E550
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?
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 293
Likes: 53
From: Hollywood, CA
Tectitgrau S210
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
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
Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 153
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, CA
2013 Altima, 2011 E550
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
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
Going to order now. The vibration is super annoying.
Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 153
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, CA
2013 Altima, 2011 E550
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,496
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 153
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, CA
2013 Altima, 2011 E550
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.
Last edited by mgiara; Feb 16, 2024 at 07:04 PM.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,496
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
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 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.
