Brake Pad Sensor Light-30 C230
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2003 C230K
Brake Pad Sensor Light-30 C230
I have the brake pad sensor light displayed on my 03 C230. I ONLY have 27K on it and find it interestig that the brakes are already gone. From the different shops I have talked to, I hear I HAVE to change the rotor as well as the pads! Rotors already...thats crazy. Is this true or another money making scheme, because I have quotes starting at $400!!
When I tell a shop I ONLY want pads, they say they wont work on it!
Please advise!!!!
Also, I di not hear nay sqweaks or anything of the sort from the brakes so am baffled as to why this light came on. Can I turn it off myself because it is always on?
When I tell a shop I ONLY want pads, they say they wont work on it!
Please advise!!!!
Also, I di not hear nay sqweaks or anything of the sort from the brakes so am baffled as to why this light came on. Can I turn it off myself because it is always on?
Last edited by benzojatt; Apr 4, 2008 at 07:12 PM. Reason: more info.
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I have the brake pad sensor light displayed on my 03 C230. I ONLY have 27K on it and find it interestig that the brakes are already gone. From the different shops I have talked to, I hear I HAVE to change the rotor as well as the pads! Rotors already...thats crazy. Is this true or another money making scheme?
When I tell a shop I ONLY want pads, they say they wont work on it!
Please advise!!!!
When I tell a shop I ONLY want pads, they say they wont work on it!
Please advise!!!!
BTW
Welcome to the forum
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
25 K is a very reasonable figure for brake pads.
Today's rotors are thinner for lots of good technical reasons and 25K may indeed be their lifetime.
You can "search."
Today's rotors are thinner for lots of good technical reasons and 25K may indeed be their lifetime.
You can "search."
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 323
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From: Marina Del Rey,Ca.
06' BMW M3
I have the brake pad sensor light displayed on my 03 C230. I ONLY have 27K on it and find it interestig that the brakes are already gone. From the different shops I have talked to, I hear I HAVE to change the rotor as well as the pads! Rotors already...thats crazy. Is this true or another money making scheme, because I have quotes starting at $400!!
When I tell a shop I ONLY want pads, they say they wont work on it!
Please advise!!!!
Also, I di not hear nay sqweaks or anything of the sort from the brakes so am baffled as to why this light came on. Can I turn it off myself because it is always on?
When I tell a shop I ONLY want pads, they say they wont work on it!
Please advise!!!!
Also, I di not hear nay sqweaks or anything of the sort from the brakes so am baffled as to why this light came on. Can I turn it off myself because it is always on?
STFF = use the search feature.... to be nice
That's pretty good mileage for needing brakes imo.I changed my fronts at around 16k the first time and I'm about ready for fronts again at 34k.I do like spirited driving.
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From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
So next time ask someone to measure the current thickness of the rotor, then look at the minimum allowed to determine replacement,, not just <we always do it this way>. Best of luck,, my guess is you have another 20,000 safe miles in the pads and at least 50,000 more on the rotors, but your measurements will give you the best data.
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2003 C230K
Thank you very much for the info vettdvr! Another question: Shops have also told me that if I do NOT change the rotors, I am GUARNTEED to have vibrations when I brake if I oNLY get pads. Any vaildity to this?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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No. Pads are rotors are seperate components meant to be replaced as they are needed. If your rotors are in good condition, there is no reason to change them, and there will not be vibration if the brakes are replaced correctly with OEM parts.
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From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
This is correct! 
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From: San Jose area
'19 E63S sedan
I've never gotten more than 30,000 miles from front rotors on an S-class. They're heavier of course, but 75,000 miles for front rotors on any Mercedes would be very unusual. Of course, driving style will make a big difference but MB rotors do tend to wear fairly quickly. If you trust your mechanic and he tells you the rotors mike out of spec you should let him replace them. Never machine a Mercedes rotor.
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From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
I currently have 75000 miles on the front E500 rotors with 50 % of the wear limit left at 70,000 mile pad installation. My guess is next pad change will be 25% remaining and I already have 2 new front MB rotors in the box ready to install.
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From: San Jose area
'19 E63S sedan
Yes, that's what I was responding to. It's very different than my 25 years' experience with 7 MBs. I'm not doubting your experience, but giving another data point. Driving style and model will have a big effect.
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From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
I agree style does. I drive my corvette on the track and went 75,000 miles before changing pads. Just have to learn how to drive the car,, not the brakes to make them last. My wife drives the 500. nuff said.
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Canada
05 CLK 500 cab
I've routinely changed pads without touching the rotors with no ill effects but these days you HAVE to check the rotor thickness to see if it's still within the wear limit.
Last edited by lars; Apr 15, 2008 at 07:56 PM.
