Zavato

I e got a 2012 E350, about 92k miles. 2 weeks ago I had the car fully serviced at a well regarded independent shop in NJ (Bells). Only thing they found was a bad rear subframe- and recommended I bring the car to my local dealer. I did that and of course the dealer recommended additional services of- 1- front pads ($1200) and 2 - rear brake lines ($3500 if done at the time of the subframe).

The video I was provided shows the rear subframe’s rust hole, so fair enough. Rear brake lines show white gunk, reminiscent of battery corrosion. I trust Bell’s enough that if there was a brake line issue they would have advised so.

I would appreciate to hear your thoughts

Raj1471

I had my rear subframe replaced last year due to the MB extended warranty. While the vehicle was being worked on, the service advisor stated the tech noticed corrosion on the rear brake lines...I think the quote for replacing the rear brake lines were in the ball park of your $3500 quote. Imo I think this was a money grab ploy by the dealer along the lines of "while you're in here...". I declined the work. I had previously replaced myself an 18 inch section of my 2011 S212 brake line that was underneath the front drivers seat area by flaring in replacement cupronickel brake line. If you are not mechanically inclined I would think an independent shop like Bells might be able to do the repair for less than the dealer. In the future when and if I have problems with the rear brake lines, I'll tackle that project. I've been told it is not necessary to drop the subframe to flare in replacement cupronickel brake lines for the rears.

Apexlate

I did the rear brake lines on my wagon in December. I don't recommend replacing pieces and parts. These are your brakes so don't mess around with them. The job would be easier with the subframe out of the way but I was able to feed the copper nickel tubing over it and run them to the front of the car. If your willing to fix it yourself you can do it for under $500.

pierrejoliat

Might want to check the dust shields also, mine were completely rusted out when I did the brake lines, for some reason, my subframe is still fine, rusty but no holes yet

Apexlate

$3500 seems steep considering they would already be pulling the subframe.

Adi-Benz

They do rust, here's my w204

kajtek1

So you guys don't stick your head under your car?
For years, whenever I take my MB to dealer or small issue, they always do "courtesy inspection" what comes with recommended jobs, what never comes lower than $5000.
In this respect I would say $3500 estimate is more honest
3 years ago I had my car for recall and the inspection stated 3mm brake pads, with following $$$$ figure.
Last year, another recall and inspection shows 6 mm pads. Those are the same pads and when I pointed it to SA, he had no comment.
If you are not able to make your own inspection, get the 3rd opinion. Getting good pictures and posting them here might help as well.

Quint22

What do the brake lines cost? $3500 to do brake lines when the subframe is out is totally ridiculous. That may be on par when you have to remove subframe to do the job. Brake lines pre fabricated is a simple swap item. Once all the stuff is out probably what hour job tops including bleeding the brake lines.

Ahh well.

Gotgolfmd

I had the rear brake lines replaced on my 2011 s212. Prior to my ownership the card spent 10+ years in Ohio and NY, which meant loads of road salt.
When I purchased my wagon, my Indy shop flagged the above average rust and I budgeted for an eventual replacement of the lines.
When they were replaced I was told they ship as straight pieces of tubing and they need to be bent as they are installed. Because of the routing, the body needs to be lifted off the subframe.
My car was in the shop for several weeks for the repair. While I am comfortable handling much of my own maintenance, I would want someone with experience to replace the brake lines.
I recall my repair was under $4000. A quote for $3500 seems reasonable.

OldManAndHisCar

I also did my own rear brake lines....on my 2004 C240 (wagon) and on my 2011 E (Wagon). The 2011 had the rear subframe replaced, not at the same time. It seriously was not that hard to replace the lines fishing them to where they needed to be. Sure, it does not look "factory" but it does look satisfactory (to me). The C had a hole in a line...the E I could not perceive it has been done as they worked before and have worked since I replaced the line. All in all I think it took about four hours to figure out run and bleed the lines....