Brake rotors
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
2013 GL 450
Tell me about it, I think my truck was at another dealership in Florida and even though they said they had the car delivered by truck I think they drove it. The vehicle had 78 miles when I got it and when I asked of course they blamed it on the previous dealer. I've been trying to keep a good attitude but it's getting annoying.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
2013 GL 450
Well my wife just picked up the GL today, according to her everything seems fine brakes don't vibrate. She read me the parts replaced on the invoice from the dealer and seems that they've only replaced the rotors, I really hope that the problems doesn't come back like I've read from others let's see...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
2015 Ram 2500, former 2013 GL350, 2007 GL450
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
2013 GL 450
Believe me you can tell the dealer what ever you want, and they'll still do as what they see fit. The only reason he got what he wanted it's because the vehicle went twice for the same service. Every body will just get the rotors unless there's obvious damage to the pads.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 379
Likes: 1
GL550
Believe me you can tell the dealer what ever you want, and they'll still do as what they see fit. The only reason he got what he wanted it's because the vehicle went twice for the same service. Every body will just get the rotors unless there's obvious damage to the pads.
Even if it weren't a contamination issue, you would never just replace the rotors - always both.
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
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 1,117
A gaggle of MB's
For X166 - MB will approve replacement of both rotors And PADS FOR "vibration" issues at low mileage IF BOTH ARE SUBMITTED by the dealer.
However - hold over from old school - "most" dealer techs/service departments will request rotors/only - under the misconception that the pads are OK due to low mileage, so those old school tech/dept's don't request approval for pad replacement.
The facts I have seen - with backup experience of the board - is that I have not seen 2nd occurrence if both rotors/pads are replaced - and I have seen 2nd reoccurrence that has happened if only rotors are replaced.
In the event of a 2nd occurrence - then MB will approve 2nd rotor replacement AND pad replacement.
The problem to me seems to be some type of contamination of the rotors prior to assembly of the GL - "bad" rotors have been sent back to Germany for analyis but there is no solid feedback from MB yet - on frequency, I have seen a problem ratio about 20% of my units sold both 550/450, none 350 so far - and overall 0% reoccurence so far when rotors/pads are replaced 1st round and/or 2nd round (and my guys have leaned their lesson).
The pad non-replacement has nothing to do with MB - if the dealer submit's for pad replacement at the same time as rotors MB approves - no problem upstream.
Seqway, I have seen similar situation on new SL's, and on my SL's it has been like 60% hit ratio, interestingly for me I have not seen any issue on 350 ML's - I only have 550/63 ML's out this year, none on that small number yet either.
Rotors and pads are being flown in weekly as stocking item at MB specifically as a result of this issue with X166.
Keep the beat !
However - hold over from old school - "most" dealer techs/service departments will request rotors/only - under the misconception that the pads are OK due to low mileage, so those old school tech/dept's don't request approval for pad replacement.
The facts I have seen - with backup experience of the board - is that I have not seen 2nd occurrence if both rotors/pads are replaced - and I have seen 2nd reoccurrence that has happened if only rotors are replaced.
In the event of a 2nd occurrence - then MB will approve 2nd rotor replacement AND pad replacement.
The problem to me seems to be some type of contamination of the rotors prior to assembly of the GL - "bad" rotors have been sent back to Germany for analyis but there is no solid feedback from MB yet - on frequency, I have seen a problem ratio about 20% of my units sold both 550/450, none 350 so far - and overall 0% reoccurence so far when rotors/pads are replaced 1st round and/or 2nd round (and my guys have leaned their lesson).
The pad non-replacement has nothing to do with MB - if the dealer submit's for pad replacement at the same time as rotors MB approves - no problem upstream.
Seqway, I have seen similar situation on new SL's, and on my SL's it has been like 60% hit ratio, interestingly for me I have not seen any issue on 350 ML's - I only have 550/63 ML's out this year, none on that small number yet either.
Rotors and pads are being flown in weekly as stocking item at MB specifically as a result of this issue with X166.
Keep the beat !
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
2013 GL 450
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 379
Likes: 1
GL550
Believe me your preaching to the choir.... I told them that the pads should've been replaced, but according to the "master mechanic" at the dealer because the GL had less than 100 miles that wasn't necessary. Even me stating what's obvious to us here at a forum the reality is at the end of the day the dealer goes with the mechanics recommendations. I told them either way that if this were to happen again they were going to replace all four corners (rotors and pads). Anyways so far so good, I'll keep updating once miles start racking up.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Abingdon, MD
2013 GL550
The facts I have seen - with backup experience of the board - is that I have not seen 2nd occurrence if both rotors/pads are replaced - and I have seen 2nd reoccurrence that has happened if only rotors are replaced.
Not true. My first time in they replaced rotors and pads and it came back in 10,000 miles.
Not true. My first time in they replaced rotors and pads and it came back in 10,000 miles.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,268
Likes: 253
Most bent rotors are user errors. No offense.
See a pothole? Don't drive through it at splash speed and press the brakes. This simple activity will bent most rotors short of ceramic ones.
Any hot metal rotor splashed with water will bent.
See a pothole? Don't drive through it at splash speed and press the brakes. This simple activity will bent most rotors short of ceramic ones.
Any hot metal rotor splashed with water will bent.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 379
Likes: 1
GL550
I guess one should never expect to experience the two situations you describe whilst driving an SUV?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,268
Likes: 253
if you want high performance and efficient brakes, you design high rate air pumping rotors (usually vented, slotted). unfortunately the same high air pumping rate turns into high water pumping rate when flooded by a splash which results in lots of water cooling quickly the metal. depending on the material you do this once or a few times- it will warp.
on the other hand simple heavy, thick, solid core rotors will almost never bend.. but you will smoke them in short order.
pick your brakes
said that - people that tend to drive more smoothly and do not apply brakes unnecessary tend to warp rotors less just because most of the time their rotors are not very hot. those people can get north of 50k miles on the pads that wear first (rears in our case). on the other hand aggressive brake-ers are more prone to maintaining high rotor temp (rotors cool off normally very slowly) and thus are more prone to warping. those same people will eat up the rears in 15k miles.
on a related thought- there is really no excuse to eat brakes on the gl trucks equipped with the 7g tranny. the 7g is an intelligent driver-adapting transmission that will slow down and go through the gears accordingly when the accelerator is not pushed. with some planning especially around town the brakes can be seldom used. not coincidentally in town is also where most water-filled potholes are...
Last edited by alx; Jul 19, 2013 at 11:13 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
2013 GL 450
On a normal situation I would agree with this statement, but when you pickup a brand new vehicle that you haven't had in your procession for no more than 15 miles and the brakes are vibrating I think there's a bigger issue, specially if its happening to people with the same vehicle (year) left and right. It has to be a defect of manufacturing of the rotors.
Last edited by Bossnova3; Jul 19, 2013 at 01:15 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 478
Likes: 6
MBs
i agree 100%.. though theoritically it makes sense- pot hole and water... never heard of warping this early on the 1st gen or any car for that matter- that happens if its continous abuse and improper driving over a long time- for that to happen in a few miles or even a couple thousand miles is unheard of and not expected on a car costing 80-100k..
i'm Confident this will get addressed- again in addition to old stock, prior exposure etc i honestly think this rotor material/pad is just not bonding well and if the replacements are the same - unsure how long before they warp....
i'm Confident this will get addressed- again in addition to old stock, prior exposure etc i honestly think this rotor material/pad is just not bonding well and if the replacements are the same - unsure how long before they warp....
Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 212
Likes: 14
From: Chantilly, VA
20 E350 & 17 GLS450
Brakes
Having the vibration problem at 30-40 mph after i have driven about 30 minutes in typical rush hour traffic. Odd... will inquire with my SA and take in before road trip to beach next month.
only have 2k miles on it.. june delivery
only have 2k miles on it.. june delivery
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 478
Likes: 6
MBs
got them changed today- though dealer had ordered all 4 rotors and pads, only fronts were approved-- but they have all documentation that even a little vibration rears will have to be changed.. lets see how long these last..
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 478
Likes: 6
MBs
mine was ok initially but still felt slight vibration.. again, my dealer and service staff is awesome.. MBUSA called me and I told them only reason rears were not done was due to not being approved and my dealer service is by the book-- they immediately called them and gave the green to do rears.. i got it done last week.. all vibration gone..
in addition to vibration I told them how they justify changing only front on a car like this and that there will be uneven wear.. i mean if you have low miles, thats ok, but at 9-10K miles and only one side changed, it will never be appropriate wear.. MBUSA was extremely courteous and professional, i wanted to make sure my dealer didnt have issues by going ahead with a non-approved service.. in any case they did all 4..
hopefully no more warping/overheating rotors..
in addition to vibration I told them how they justify changing only front on a car like this and that there will be uneven wear.. i mean if you have low miles, thats ok, but at 9-10K miles and only one side changed, it will never be appropriate wear.. MBUSA was extremely courteous and professional, i wanted to make sure my dealer didnt have issues by going ahead with a non-approved service.. in any case they did all 4..
hopefully no more warping/overheating rotors..
Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 139
Likes: 3
GL, E63
mine was ok initially but still felt slight vibration.. again, my dealer and service staff is awesome.. MBUSA called me and I told them only reason rears were not done was due to not being approved and my dealer service is by the book-- they immediately called them and gave the green to do rears.. i got it done last week.. all vibration gone..
in addition to vibration I told them how they justify changing only front on a car like this and that there will be uneven wear.. i mean if you have low miles, thats ok, but at 9-10K miles and only one side changed, it will never be appropriate wear.. MBUSA was extremely courteous and professional, i wanted to make sure my dealer didnt have issues by going ahead with a non-approved service.. in any case they did all 4..
hopefully no more warping/overheating rotors..
in addition to vibration I told them how they justify changing only front on a car like this and that there will be uneven wear.. i mean if you have low miles, thats ok, but at 9-10K miles and only one side changed, it will never be appropriate wear.. MBUSA was extremely courteous and professional, i wanted to make sure my dealer didnt have issues by going ahead with a non-approved service.. in any case they did all 4..
hopefully no more warping/overheating rotors..
Would you mind to post the updated part number of the rear rotors and pads?
I feel there is still some vibrations at the back. I would need to continue to push them.
