We got our GLE350 a few weeks ago. I noticed within a week that both front tires are covered in a fine film of black something. I read about brake dust but not sure if it's it. The rear tires don't show this.

If it is brake dust... is it something to worry about? I read elsewhere online that's just cosmetic but it seems odd to think it's "normal". And if it is normal, why only the front tires?

 

Yes, it's brake dust, and very prevalent on most German cars especially, that use no-squeak pads. Actually, it's been shown most of the dust is from the rotors wearing. The fronts are worse because that's where most the braking is done due to the weight shift when stopping. Nothing to worry about, except cosmetically. Everyone has their favorite wheel cleaning technique. I spray on some wheel cleaner then hit them with sudsy brushes as I'm finishing my regular wash, followed by microfiber towel. Waxing the wheels can make cleanup a little easier.

 

Oh boy! Prepare yourself for an eternity of dirty wheels. There are ways to avoid it Gets all over the sides too Good luck to ya and welcome!

 

I have the AMG exterior line and 21-in spoked rims, and I don't get nearly as much brake dust as I would have expected. Thinking it might be a combination of the vents in the front and the wheel design. Anyone else with the same combination feel that way?

 

Uh, no. Lots of dust on mine, on par with my last ML.

 

Interesting, I was comparing to my prior car, a 2016 S550. I must have lower standards for cleanliness... Or you guys haven't tried saying "Hey Mercedes, clean brake dust"

 

I'll try this next time my wheels are dirty! LOL

If it navigates me to the nearest car wash, I would be impressed. haha

If it navigates me to the nearest self serve car wash and asks me to get out of the car and clean them, I would be even more impressed.

 

My 20’s have a large lip that apparently helps keep brake dust at bay. Our Audi is much worse but it has Chrome wheels and I might drive it more aggressively.

 

Mercedes should offer a satin black wheel or satin black background versus gloss black or grey. I repainted the grey on my ML 20's satin black and the wheels look cleaner longer because the brake dust is flat black. The machine face on the wheel shows little dust.

ML with Satin black wheels

 

I have a new 2022 GLE 350, The front wheels have been covered all black dust. I called dealer and was told this is normal and this is coming from manufacture (not sure what does this mean). Also, I could hear squeaky brake sound during stop and start. Dealer said this is also normal and told me to use ceramic cleaner to reduce the dust. I really disagree this is normal. I did research, and concluded the manufacture used cheap brake pad that we should replace it. I called headquarter and opened a case. Hopefully, I could get it updated soon

 

See post 2 above. It’s normal but some wheel colors can hide it more and one’s tolerance for it can vary. The brake rotors can get rusty and grab or squeal. The trade off are some of the most effective brakes. There are quasi ceramic brakes that will have less dust but won’t stop as well. Mercedes won’t do anything for you but refer you back to the Dealer. Get some Sonax wheel cleaner and a few quarters for a wand type wash…not a big deal.

 

As Ron.S says, it is normal for many cars, especially German (same on my BMW). Most of the brake “dust” is iron from the rotors, not pad material.

 

Fully agree. Replacing OEM rotors by equivalent Brembo aftermarket rotors (whenever they will become available), while retaining traditionally excellent performing OEM Mercedes pads, will reduce brake dust by at least 50%. There is absolutely no need to go to aftermarket Ceramic pads, which while offering significantly less brake dust but at a cost of compromised braking, specifically the initial byte (which is far worse than immediately grabbing OEM pads).

 

I love wiping down my HRE's every three days

 

The stock multispoke 21s are pretty easy to clean (just a lot of spokes); cross-spokes like on my M4 are a bit of a pain.

 

I honestly don't mind, I have it wired because I have done it for so many years As others have mentioned, it's really only the front wheels