TintinToon

I need to get front brake pads + rotors replaced for my 2014 E350 in Dallas area. The current mileage is 42,000 miles. I am receiving estimates varying from $600 to $900 from different MB dealers (no indy shops) in DFW area. I am confused about the difference in the quotes. Any ideas on how different dealers could charge such different rates for same service. Is it common?

bumparker

What is the reason for new rotors? What is your mileage? I have a 2014 E350 Sport as well, Akebono pads (OEM) cost about $100 with a new wear sensor. I did not need to replace rotors and the Mercedes rotors are very good quality.

I would be surprised if you could get genuine mercedes rotors and pads for $600 installed at a dealer, if so that is a pretty good deal IMO.

TintinToon

Dealer mentioned a few months ago that the rotors have grooves on them and may need to be replaced. The current mileage is 42,000 miles.

cetialpha5

They're supposed to measure the rotors. I think if there's less than .5mm in rotor thickness, they recommend replacing the rotors. Some places just automatically replace them. FCPeuro has the front rotors for about $81 each for the sport package. Akebono front pads are about $85. FCPeuro has a lifetime warranty on all the parts they sell so in theory you never have to pay for another set. You can reuse the brake sensor if the light hasn't come on in your dash. Once it comes on, it means the contacts on the sensor have worn away and it must be replaced. Pretty much any shop should be able to do them, nothing fancy about it shouldn't be more than $100-$150. Should also have them flush the brake fluid too when they do it unless you're already having that done as part of the standard B service at the dealer.

You'd have to read the quote to see what the difference is between the $600 and $900 quote. Might even be the same. As you can see, it should be more like $350-$400 at an indy. Even less if you have a micrometer and can determine whether you can reuse the rotors or not. By myself with just hand tools, it takes me about an hour and a half to change out rotors and pads. I think in a shop that does them all day with a lift and air tools, probably less than an hour. A pretty simple job, only an oil change is easier.

DFWdude

There are several indy shops here in the Dallas area. I've used German Car Care, in Grapevine, 817-416-2087. 5th Gear Automotive has several locations.

Grooving where the pads run is normal. At 42000 miles, you should not need new rotors, which should be good til your second scheduled brake service (80K or so).

I doubt you need anything more than front pads, maybe a sensor. I also recommend Akebono pads. $90 or so per axle, at any car parts place that stocks them.

Changing brakes (including rotors) is not rocket science. Even for this retired person. I would never hire an MB dealer to do a brake job on either one of my two MBs. I suppose when I turn 80, I may choose to take it to an indy shop, or any garden variety car repair place, for that matter. MB brakes are no more complicated than your average Ford or Chevy. Just seach for Youtube videos on MB brake jobs to learn how easy

pb39374

Front pads and rotors on my 2010 e350 w/41k miles was just under $800 at my local MB dealer in NY.

El Cid

No wonder the service advisor recommended I get a "brake job" at next service even though I only have 30,000 miles on my 2010.

J. Gamble

My buddy just had that done on his 2013 e550 at Mercedes. It was $980 here in Ohio.

TintinToon

Update: The dealer just replaced the brake pads on front axle, they did not replace the rotors as they were still above the minimum spec needed for replacement. Paid $330 total. Thanks for all the feedback.