Mark Morrison

GL Drivers - Received a $1850 estimate for front/rear pads from the MB dealer. Considering going to an indy...however concerned about the impact on the warranty which has about 8k miles left before 50k. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Bimmer777

I hate the dealers for this reason. $1850 for just the pads??? I haven't done brakes on mine but is it some involved job? Pads alone should be no more than $300. $1500 labor??? Seriously?I would love to have a conversation with the tech who gave you that quote.

Mark - I would run away.

racebmwm3

I just paid ~$500 for OE parts online (shipped) and installed them myself:
Front & rear rotors
Front & rear pads
Sensors
Front guide pins

Install took a good deal of time since this was my first go at it, but wasn't too bad.

BlownV8

They can't deny warranty based on you going to an indy. The quote they gave you is absolutely rediculous.

MzP83

When we redid our breaks (only needed pads) we ordered akebono pads, they come with a new sensor, for front and back for less than $200 total I believe, and had our local mechanic install. For one hour of labor it was $110. We were going to install ourselves (it's pretty straight forward) but the bolt was on too tight and we needed an electric tool for it that we didn't have access to at the time.

Rocman8

you are not getting the full story. ask them again what the 1850 is including. its has to be rotors as well along with brake fluid flush and probably some other things. thats impossible even at a dealer for 1850 pads only.

islandbeef

It's a wear and tear item, not covered by warranty and stealerships always overcharge for service. Take it to a trusted Indy shop, it won't impact warranty. Dealerships only make a stink about the paperwork/service data not being input into their MB data systems BUT you can do that yourself if you have an MB ownership profile online.

Bimmer777

Overcharging for service is one thing. But if it is indeed only pads, charging over $1,500 for labor to change them should be criminal.

alx

Buy online. Rotors plus pads is about $500. Go to Indy. 2 hours of labor. Done.

Warranty is not affected.

Btw, dealer always does rotors and pads. You however at such low mileage prolly need just pads. And maybe rear rotors if the pads have carved a narrow (about 1/2 inch of shiny surface) on rotor. Common and due to plebeian design of rear calipers.

Rocman8

Dealers do not do only rotors and pads. Only if the rotors are below the service limit.

Silver0066

How do you input indy service into your profile. I looked at mine and there is no place to input that I could find.

alx

All the dealers I am intimately familiar with will refuse to do pads only regardless of rotor wear pattern, thickness or customer statements.

Rocman8

Interesting. Well I've never seen a dealer do that and I've been to quite a few of them.

islandbeef

My mistake, I was able to do this with my Lexus but can't do this with my Mercedes. What you can do is, go to the dealership and get the VMI (Vehicle Master Inquiry). I think it's free (and have the VIN available) and it contains all maintenance and heavy repair records. If there's a gap in service, it was probably done by an Independent mech, check for paperwork/receipts from the previous owner.