Rotor/Pad Suggestions
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,224
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
That reminds me old story.
Back in 1980's some batteries were offered with lifetime guarantee.
In those years not too many cars would last over 100k miles, not too many people kept the cars for years, so it was good advertisement to promote more sales.
My friend at the time had classic car, who he kept for years. He was on his 5th replacement, when the battery got stolen.
Back in 1980's some batteries were offered with lifetime guarantee.
In those years not too many cars would last over 100k miles, not too many people kept the cars for years, so it was good advertisement to promote more sales.
My friend at the time had classic car, who he kept for years. He was on his 5th replacement, when the battery got stolen.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 1,482
From: 122W, 37N
2016 E350 4Matic wagon, 2019 Ford Expedition, 2019 Chevy Bolt EV
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,363
Likes: 1,012
'11 E350, '11 E550, '98 M3, '95 E320
say huh? Rotors are a wear item on brakes. I've had cars where I needed rotors with every pad replacement, but I drove those cars very hard in the mountains and a lot of miles a year. Even a mellow driver who never brakes hard will probably need rotors around 100K miles.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 1,482
From: 122W, 37N
2016 E350 4Matic wagon, 2019 Ford Expedition, 2019 Chevy Bolt EV
I think he doesn't brake, haha. He's mentioning rotor and pad life (100-400k) I've never come close to in ANY car. For the most part, rotors aren't turned as its not economical and many new designs don't allow much wear (reduction in thickness). No to mention often they go with the bath water because of grooving, rust, lip, glazing, etc... even if they might still have meat.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,550
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
I think he doesn't brake, haha. He's mentioning rotor and pad life (100-400k) I've never come close to in ANY car. For the most part, rotors aren't turned as its not economical and many new designs don't allow much wear (reduction in thickness). No to mention often they go with the bath water because of grooving, rust, lip, glazing, etc... even if they might still have meat.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 1,482
From: 122W, 37N
2016 E350 4Matic wagon, 2019 Ford Expedition, 2019 Chevy Bolt EV
Yeah, I've burned through brakes and rotors in 2-3 years on other cars. They don't last when you use them all the time in the city. Stop light racing, trying to stick close to the bumper of the guy in front of you so you don't get cut off, all that stuff wears out the brakes much faster.
/me fades out singing "Time keeps on slippin' slippin' slippin... into the future..."
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,975
Likes: 1,343
From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
I am getting check brake linings message. I think that the car had a complete brake job at the dealer about 50K miles ago.
What is the thinking regarding rotor replacement?
a) Just replace them
b) Inspect and measure them and replace if below limit.
c) Other
What is the thinking regarding rotor replacement?
a) Just replace them
b) Inspect and measure them and replace if below limit.
c) Other
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,550
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Well it's pretty standard to check the thickness of the rotors before just replacing them. The message doesn't tell you if it's the front or the backs. I would say that if it's the front, chances are that you need new rotors. I'd just get a set of the Zimmerman from FCPEuro along with the Akebono pads and then you have a lifetime warranty on the parts so they're free next time. For the rears, it's possible you might be able to get away with a pad slap, but you'd have to measure the rotors first to see how thick they are.
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: May 2021
Posts: 163
Likes: 124
560SL, 380SL, E350
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,550
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
I looked up the weight of a new rotor. About 26 pounds. On UPS, it's about $23 to ship it ground. A new rotor lists for about $110. On USPS, I think it will fit in a flat rate box and you could fit two in a box and it's $22.65 to ship both in one box. Makes it over 50 pounds for the mailman though.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 1,482
From: 122W, 37N
2016 E350 4Matic wagon, 2019 Ford Expedition, 2019 Chevy Bolt EV
I looked up the weight of a new rotor. About 26 pounds. On UPS, it's about $23 to ship it ground. A new rotor lists for about $110. On USPS, I think it will fit in a flat rate box and you could fit two in a box and it's $22.65 to ship both in one box. Makes it over 50 pounds for the mailman though.
large flat rate box is 12x12x5.5" inside. I doubt two rotors stacked would fit. I also doubt the box would survive intact.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,550
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Oh yeah, I guess 330mm is almost 13 inches so maybe the Fedex flat rate box. About $32 to ship their extra large box less than 150 miles and they're in that range for me, maybe up to $46 if it's further. Weight limit of 50 pounds so I guess it'll be interesting to see how used rotors weight if new ones are 26 pounds. Maybe knock some of the rust off it to lower the weight...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,975
Likes: 1,343
From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
Well it's pretty standard to check the thickness of the rotors before just replacing them. The message doesn't tell you if it's the front or the backs. I would say that if it's the front, chances are that you need new rotors. I'd just get a set of the Zimmerman from FCPEuro along with the Akebono pads and then you have a lifetime warranty on the parts so they're free next time. For the rears, it's possible you might be able to get away with a pad slap, but you'd have to measure the rotors first to see how thick they are.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 70
Likes: 19
S212
Recently had my indy install new brake pads/rotors all around using the FCP euro semi-metallic kit. Everything fit right up however a new rattle developed from the front drivers corner afterward. Already had front suspension and sway bar links changed recently (car has 90k miles), so the indy thinks it must be the pads rattling in the caliper. The sound does indeed go away when brakes are applied. Any ever had this happen with brake pads before?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 1,482
From: 122W, 37N
2016 E350 4Matic wagon, 2019 Ford Expedition, 2019 Chevy Bolt EV
the wear limits on rotors are pretty small, not sure you can eyeball the few 100ths of an inch from 'new' to 'worn'. They are specified conservatively, so if you put new pads on a rotor that measures 'good', it will likely stay within the safe wear range until those new pads are shot.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 594
Likes: 171
From: USA to Germany
W221/W222/W213/X290
Rotors are usually lifetime item, so why do you need them replaced and at what mileage?
For pads - Akebono are highly recommended.
Not only low dust with good braking power, but I had them for 180,000 miles and wear about 40%, so they would make 400,000 miles pads for me.
That's enough life.
For pads - Akebono are highly recommended.
Not only low dust with good braking power, but I had them for 180,000 miles and wear about 40%, so they would make 400,000 miles pads for me.
That's enough life.
my mom drives 5 mph below the speed limit and I’ve never seen her break hard enough to wear out the brakes, and she can’t even make her brakes last 150,000+ miles. Unless your math is way off (which it is because you can’t even tell what tire depth is), your 40% sounds like it’s actually 70%. Which wouldn’t make them last 200,000 miles. Relax with the constant lying.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 594
Likes: 171
From: USA to Germany
W221/W222/W213/X290
Once they “warp” again, send them back and get new ones. You can do this as many times as you want. It’s amazing.
id stay away from ceramic pads if you live in the cold. Doesn’t brake as well as the OEM non ceramic pads. Good luck!
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2010 Mercedes Benz E 550
It is only common with OEM rotors. I learned my lesson after the third set of originals in a year. Finally I put the Brembo rotors and pads I can't be happier and back in love with my w 212 sedan.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 1,482
From: 122W, 37N
2016 E350 4Matic wagon, 2019 Ford Expedition, 2019 Chevy Bolt EV
if you properly thermally cycle new rotors and pads, it greatly reduces the amount of uneven deposits they might accumulate, which is what leads to the throbbing often misnamed 'warping'.
SPONSOR
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 846
Likes: 559
From: San Jose, CA
11 E550, 16 AMG GTS, 13 S550
On particular chassis despite 10 years of experience with Porsche/Audi/MB, they wear down within 5k-8k on the E550. The pads unless I'm mistaken are probably the same semi-metallic compound they've been using with Textar/TRW/Pagid/Jurid for the last 20 years I'm familar with. Porsche 911's that I see often can go 30k on the same compounds, same discs, so it must be the average mph + curb weight of the Mercedes. On average I reckon we're stopping from higher speeds simply because of how easy it is to maintain speed with a 7spd auto and nearly 400hp/tq.
The only fix is going to a ceramic, Brembo NAO, Akebono EURO, Powerstop Z23, DFC 5000 Euro (I install a lot of these). Many E550's were doing annual brake services at the dealer, having completely cooked brakes at 10k. We can stretch the interval to 20-30k with ceramic pads, but the lack of initial bite and the potential of the "emergency SAFE braking system" not being calibrated for ceramic pad pedal effort is there. I haven't had any complaints with the ceramic from normal or spirited driver customers. There was this strange scenario where I put a fresh set of Pagid discs with Brembo Semi-metallic pads that warped in a month and I had Pagid honor their warranty quite easily. I have had my life saved on multiple occasions by Pagid/Textar/TRW so the idea that their parts were out of spec are out of the question, I will defend Zimmerman the same way. I've seen them go 50k on a set of discs pretty routinely and stay straight albeit worn, but on this particular car with the OEM semi metallic pads they might as well be paper plates.
The only fix is going to a ceramic, Brembo NAO, Akebono EURO, Powerstop Z23, DFC 5000 Euro (I install a lot of these). Many E550's were doing annual brake services at the dealer, having completely cooked brakes at 10k. We can stretch the interval to 20-30k with ceramic pads, but the lack of initial bite and the potential of the "emergency SAFE braking system" not being calibrated for ceramic pad pedal effort is there. I haven't had any complaints with the ceramic from normal or spirited driver customers. There was this strange scenario where I put a fresh set of Pagid discs with Brembo Semi-metallic pads that warped in a month and I had Pagid honor their warranty quite easily. I have had my life saved on multiple occasions by Pagid/Textar/TRW so the idea that their parts were out of spec are out of the question, I will defend Zimmerman the same way. I've seen them go 50k on a set of discs pretty routinely and stay straight albeit worn, but on this particular car with the OEM semi metallic pads they might as well be paper plates.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 1,482
From: 122W, 37N
2016 E350 4Matic wagon, 2019 Ford Expedition, 2019 Chevy Bolt EV
5000-8000 miles per brake job? wow, while I believe driving a E550 on a race track could eat up brakes that fast, I can't imagine normal street driving with an occasional bit of exuberance would eat them that fast.
and any car driven that hard will require a lot more than brakes much more often than normal.
and any car driven that hard will require a lot more than brakes much more often than normal.
Last edited by Left Coast Geek; Oct 17, 2021 at 05:47 AM.
SPONSOR
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 846
Likes: 559
From: San Jose, CA
11 E550, 16 AMG GTS, 13 S550
5000-8000 miles per brake job? wow, while I believe driving a E550 on a race track could eat up brakes that fast, I can't imagine normal street driving with an occasional bit of exuberance would eat them that fast.
and any car driven that hard will require a lot more than brakes much more often than normal.
and any car driven that hard will require a lot more than brakes much more often than normal.
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...vibration.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...e-warpage.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...bration-4.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...2011-e550.html
Super Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 505
Likes: 288
From: Sammamish, WA
2011 E350 Wagon, 2010 GL450
I've gone through 3 sets now of solid Zimmerman rotors in 3 years. I drive fairly spirited most of the time so I don't mind too much, but at this point I plan on it being a part I replace annually. I'll be trying ATE next time to see how it goes.
I've used FCP for about 10 years now and have used their lifetime warranty many, many times and never had an issue. Their customer service is top notch. That said, there still many parts I've bought from them that I never needed to exchange. The big catch is of course that you do have to mail the parts back so I don't mail things like oil, but for some expensive gear oil, maybe. I saved my rotors last time and went to mail them, but found out the shipping was going to be too steep to bother with. FWIW, I put the rotors back in their boxes, punched holes in the boxes where the lug holes are, then zip-tied the rotors together using those holes. They were pretty hefty zip ties and after doing adding five of them, it was extremely solid. I was confident the boxes would fare fine because the rotors were knocking around loose in them any more.
Even for things I don't plan on returning like rotors, I still use FCP for most purchases. They have great brands and the prices aren't typically too bad. I don't mind giving them the extra business because I appreciate the lifetime warranty and how they've treated me over the years.
I've used FCP for about 10 years now and have used their lifetime warranty many, many times and never had an issue. Their customer service is top notch. That said, there still many parts I've bought from them that I never needed to exchange. The big catch is of course that you do have to mail the parts back so I don't mail things like oil, but for some expensive gear oil, maybe. I saved my rotors last time and went to mail them, but found out the shipping was going to be too steep to bother with. FWIW, I put the rotors back in their boxes, punched holes in the boxes where the lug holes are, then zip-tied the rotors together using those holes. They were pretty hefty zip ties and after doing adding five of them, it was extremely solid. I was confident the boxes would fare fine because the rotors were knocking around loose in them any more.
Even for things I don't plan on returning like rotors, I still use FCP for most purchases. They have great brands and the prices aren't typically too bad. I don't mind giving them the extra business because I appreciate the lifetime warranty and how they've treated me over the years.
SPONSOR
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 846
Likes: 559
From: San Jose, CA
11 E550, 16 AMG GTS, 13 S550
Most people will blame ATE/Textar/Pagid for using Chinese manufacturing but they still pass ECE-90 and they're also installed on cars that stop from like 180mph all day. I also have personally used Pagid for close to 10 years now and I don't care where they are made they've been as dependable as Textar/Brembo/ATE for Audi/BMW/Porsche/MB across dozens of cars.
I install the same GEOMET coated rotors from nearly every manufacturer with the same results, I'm not sure why big MB sedans are weird. ATE/Pagid/Powerstop high carbon GEOMET are shown here and the castings and runout are all exactly the same across makes. The manufacturer decides the vane and hole pattern. The only variables were pad material selection and even then I can't really tell the difference between Akebono/DFC/Brembo/ACDelco ceramic. I just get whatever is available with the best margin depending application.
I mean you tell me an E63 wears discs annually and I believe it, but they don't..
