Mike450

2015 GL 450, nearing 27k miles and the need for pads and rotors has come.

Being that this is a lease with ~8-9 months remaining, I'd like to explore some less expensive non-oem options. (oem is going to be ~$1400+/parts)

I'll also add, I am looking to avoid cheap, noisy, problematic non-oem brakes.


If anyone has experience, I'd like to hear your opinion.


Thanks for the input.

dasrajib

I have good experience so far installing the non OEM brakes from Firestone Complete Autocare. I have replaced both the rear and front (brakes+rotor) couple of months back and have no issues so far. Moreover they also have a 12 months warranty.

Streetdaddy

Funny you should ask. I just bought my 2014 gl 550 a few moths ago. Bought from non mb dealer. He put oem rotors/ pads on it. Squeaked and put off crazy amounts of brake dust. We complained and he replaced them with Zimmerman products. No squeak and we just drove it from Nashville to Chicago and wheels look like i just washed them. With old brakes if i went to the store they were dirty.

Mike450

Ending up ordering Oem, with a healthy discount, thanks to a buddy.

Streetdaddy

Prepare to clean your wheels daily!

Streetdaddy

[QUOTE=Streetdaddy;7138006]Prepare to clean your wheels daily! I tried to tell you!

Mike450

Yes, I lived with it once, I'll deal with it again. The current wheels on there hide dirt/grime/dust rather well anyway.

And it's 8 months

Jpkcpa

After reading through this forum, I went went the duralast max pads. Very happy with them and no brake dust. BTW, I opted not to do rotors, and have no regrets.

4everalone

That's the brand of rotors, alongside Pagid pads, that I get/recommend for German vehicles in my family. I use them on both of our DD vehicles and my parents' Touareg.

DC-BENZ

Zimmerman rotors.

jet_fl

Zimmerman is OE on BMW, so they likely are on MB also.

450Boss

Idk stoptech?

NolaGL550

I'm looking at a set of StopTech rear ceramic pads and cross-drilled rotors on carparts.com at $188.48 for both sets of pads and both rotors: http://www.carparts.com/details/Merc...193935528.html for my 2013 GL550. Anyone have any luck with these? Are they very dusty or do they squeak much?

black06c230

Akebono pads. Good quality and super low dust. Used on my E55 no #keishaproblems ever.

Stick to stock rotors.

NolaGL550

Disregard this post. I ordered this StopTech "Axle Pack" set for my rear brakes, and it's not for the 166.873 body style GL. Their website says it fits a 2013 GL550, but it's actually for the 164.866 body style GL (2006-2012). Just goes to show you can't trust what the website compatibility listing shows. I went to the CarID website and bought a set of Centric Posi-Quiet rear pads and Zimmerman anti-corrosion coated non-cross-drilled and non-slotted rear rotors specifically listed as compatible with the 166.873 style GL.

wilburh1

I installed the Duralast Max ceramic pads 12k ago and have been extremely happy with performance. They were not only $137 for front, rear pads along with sensors but they produce zero dust even during break in and so far have performed better than any previous OEM brake pad job I have donr previously on my S350; GL320 & C300 w/OEM pads. Highly reccomend these pads as a replacement not only due to cost savings but performance and cleaning.


QUOTE=Jpkcpa;7138474]After reading through this forum, I went went the duralast max pads. Very happy with them and no brake dust. BTW, I opted not to do rotors, and have no regrets.[/QUOTE]

NolaGL550

Installed these three days ago and they are fantastic. No dust whatsoever, and no squeaking so far. I did rub brake grease conservatively on the rear of the pads and on the supplied replacement metal retaining clips for the pad tabs. The rear brake pads and rotors on the X166 GLs are relatively easy to disassemble and re-install. Just make sure you know how to use the steering wheel buttons to reset the electronic parking brake for pushing the caliper piston back to the full open setting. Otherwise, you'll find it impossible to push the piston back to clear for the new pads.

fabbrisd1

You made a "correct" choice in Parts - Posi-Quiet Semi Metallic are well-made China OE equivalent with a bit less dust than OE - again a well made pad... Zimmerman "E-Coat" rotors are Mercedes OEM - good work using "brake goo" and solid followup post. Good work.

Keep the beat !