Check Brake Pad Wear - Message
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 20
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ML350
Check Brake Pad Wear - Message
Got this message today on my 2012. Car has 34K and all 4 brake pads are way thicker than the backing plate. In fact the pads are thicker than on my wife's 2010 with 50K.
Bad sensor maybe, or is the message based on something else?
Thanks... Rico...
Bad sensor maybe, or is the message based on something else?
Thanks... Rico...
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 60
Likes: 2
From: Calgary AB
2012 ML350 BT, 1998 BMW 540i/6
I'm still learning about the ml350, but the wear sensors on my bmw have broken at least once when the pads were still fine.
I assume MB uses a similar system as bmw. Look for a single small gauge wire clipped onto the caliper. There may be only two sensors for the car: one on one wheel in the front, and one on the opposite wheel in the back. When the clip wears down (as the brakes wear), the wire touches the metal, and you get the warning message.
If it gets knocked loose by a rock or perhaps dislodged when you changed tires, then you'll get the warning. Simply plug it back in and it should be fine if the pad thickness is fine. The warning light should reset itself after a few drive cycles after plugging it back in if the sensor is not broken.
I assume MB uses a similar system as bmw. Look for a single small gauge wire clipped onto the caliper. There may be only two sensors for the car: one on one wheel in the front, and one on the opposite wheel in the back. When the clip wears down (as the brakes wear), the wire touches the metal, and you get the warning message.
If it gets knocked loose by a rock or perhaps dislodged when you changed tires, then you'll get the warning. Simply plug it back in and it should be fine if the pad thickness is fine. The warning light should reset itself after a few drive cycles after plugging it back in if the sensor is not broken.
Last edited by rtw_travel; Jul 1, 2015 at 09:30 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
ML350
I'm still learning about the ml350, but the wear sensors on my bmw have broken at least once when the pads were still fine.
I assume MB uses a similar system as bmw. Look for a single small gauge wire clipped onto the caliper. There may be only two sensors for the car: one on one wheel in the front, and one on the opposite wheel in the back. When the clip wears down (as the brakes wear), the wire touches the metal, and you get the warning message.
If it gets knocked loose by a rock or perhaps dislodged when you changed tires, then you'll get the warning. Simply plug it back in and it should be fine if the pad thickness is fine. The warning light should reset itself after a few drive cycles after plugging it back in if the sensor is not broken.
I assume MB uses a similar system as bmw. Look for a single small gauge wire clipped onto the caliper. There may be only two sensors for the car: one on one wheel in the front, and one on the opposite wheel in the back. When the clip wears down (as the brakes wear), the wire touches the metal, and you get the warning message.
If it gets knocked loose by a rock or perhaps dislodged when you changed tires, then you'll get the warning. Simply plug it back in and it should be fine if the pad thickness is fine. The warning light should reset itself after a few drive cycles after plugging it back in if the sensor is not broken.
The light has gone out and I changed nothing. I knew it was an error as the pads have loads of life left.
Thanks for your input.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 28
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From: Frisco, TX
2014 E350 Sport
On my 2012 ML350, which I've had since new, I need new pads every 35k miles. I currently have 75k. I've learned that the sensors measure the inner pad. Can you see the thickness on your inner pads? On my 2nd set of rear pads, the dealership must have done a poor job cause the sensor came on after 20k miles even though the outer pads had like 7mm, the inner were down to 2mm. I've had my breaks worked on by an independent and now use ceramic pads and I have even brake wear and no dust with great stopping power.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 20
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ML350
It was the inner pads. Just replaced with ceramic pads and new rotors all around for $435. Indy price obviously.
Rico...
Rico...
On my 2012 ML350, which I've had since new, I need new pads every 35k miles. I currently have 75k. I've learned that the sensors measure the inner pad. Can you see the thickness on your inner pads? On my 2nd set of rear pads, the dealership must have done a poor job cause the sensor came on after 20k miles even though the outer pads had like 7mm, the inner were down to 2mm. I've had my breaks worked on by an independent and now use ceramic pads and I have even brake wear and no dust with great stopping power.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,947
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From: Oklahoma City
2015 AMG C63 S
thanks for your input, the dealer should reset your service message especially when replacing all pads. I have same issue with the light coming on when pads shouldn't be worn much at all.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 15
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GLK250 2015
You still have at least 10 to 15K more to get replaced.
Here's the link on which brake pad to choose from;
https://www.bridgestonetire.com/trea...lic-brake-pads
Here's the link on which brake pad to choose from;
https://www.bridgestonetire.com/trea...lic-brake-pads
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From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
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From: NW
2018 GLC 4MATIC
Originally Posted by gkgeiger
I just had my 40k "B" service done and I was told my pads are only 30% worn.
I had to replace my rears at 37K, front are still original. Car has 73K now and rears still good.
