Hi all,

Just paid $600 at my local dealer for new front brake pads and I've noticed that they have less "bite" than the ones that were almost worn on it previously. As this car has had nothing but dealer service, I assume these are all MB OEM pads... They quoted me $1200 per wheel to put on new pads/rotors = so all four wheels new pads/rotors would be damn near $5,000!! Looking online, I see kits at FCPEuro and PartsDirect and other sites in the region of $500 per axle (so 2 rotors + 4 pads per).

I'm happy to do this work myself (as there's a lot of great videos online for how to do it) BUT I CANNOT FIND ANY INFO definitively saying which brand of rotor or pad is best. Yes I've read many many previous discussions on here and other spots on the internet before asking. What is y'all's experience?? I would like to have a good initial "bite" and good stopping power. Right now, the new pads just seem to require far more pedal input to get the car to actually stop... this causes the car to dip like crazy in the front end (instead of actually slowing to a stop) and then it just keep scooting forward until I really mash it and cause passengers to think I'm panic braking... this is not "the best or nothing" performance. I will be replacing the shocks all around as well... but focus with me on the pads/rotors please...

What are your preferred brands? Have you tried multiple types and can you give us some perspective on how they compare to one another...? Akebono, Brembo, EPC, Zimmerman, Textro, or whatever... How do they compare to OEM (bought from dealer directly)? What do you like and what is your experience compared to others that might help someone decide? Where can I buy your favorite option?

Thank you!
Joel

 

$5,000 for pads and rotors all around on a ML350 is pure insanity! I know we have inflation but jeepers! Find a independent MB shop to do them 1/4 of the price. Autohaus AZ and FCP Euro has all the parts.

I always go OEM.

 

Did you bed in your new pads?

 

Follow up: the pads seem to be getting more bite the longer I drive them, so I guess the idea of a "seating period" is what I was missing.

But, I've since discovered that the feeling of "not stopping" is also caused by 1. my cars dive in the front when I apply the brakes (worn out shocks) and 2. my transmission gearing down from 3 to 2 somewhat rough... as though it's thinking about changing down sooner but kind of last-minute changes and causes the car to jerk forward instead of slowing linearly/smoothly.

Guess I'll get a quote for some strut/shock replacements as well as setup some time to flush the transmission fluid. Praying that's all that's needed.

Thanks,
Joel

 

You can try resetting the transmission adaptation. You can either follow one of the youtube videos, or plainly disconnect the battery for 10min, and reboot your MB laptop on wheels

 

OEM pads, OEM rotors. I ordered from mbparts.mbusa.com and did the rears DIY. I will do the fronts in 6-12 months when needed.

 

Yes, except you're paying MSRP (plus tax I assume) for everything. However, if you buy directly from Authorized MB dealers online - parts.mbobr.com or mercedesbenz.parts (no tax unless you're in their state) to name just a couple I've used - most parts (specifically everything brakes related) are as much as 30% off MSRP.