2k2s430

Went to the dealer today for an oil change. The SA tellsme they noticed brakes only had 20% or less left. He quoted me $648.42 for front pads and rotors. I was told that the rotors can't be turned and have to be replaced. My car has 30,922 miles on it. I was also told my rear rotors in pads were good. I am thinking of calling around to some independent shops to compare the pricing. Is it normal for the rotors on these cars to only last approx 30,000 miles?

newton22

Pads last about 30,000 miles on these cars. Rotors last about 50,000 miles. They are correct, rotors cannot be turned, they have to be replaced. At 30k, you will need to have your pads replaced (rotors too, if you don't mind shelling out the extra cash. New pads and rotors work better than new pads on old rotors. If not, new pads and old rotors will work fine for daily driving).

I spent about $170 for all four pads. Then I just replaced them myself as they were easy.

whoover

They mike the rotors and replace them if they're past the wear limit. The SA is assuming they'll need replacing. It's always best to follow factory recommendations. If you trust the dealer, you should let them replace the rotors if they say they're past the limit. The cost isn't out of line.

JAYCL600

www.oempartsdirect.com save yourself a bunch

2k2s430

It is a dealer that opened less than a year ago. Today was my first visit. Really it is to early to say that I trust them just yet. Should I even bother with an independent shop? I found it odd that my parents had two S430's and both had over 36,000 miles in three years and mine has 30,000 miles in 5 years and the brakes are near done, and I don't abuse it at all . I kind of figured for dealer price that was about right.

newton22

You don't have to abuse it wear down the pads in just 30,000 miles. Living on a hill can simply shorten pad life.

Try to find an independent shop. Let them show you the brake pads in their original packaging and the rotors too. If its OEM stuff, then its good. I usually like to watch the mechanics as they work if its my first time visiting.

Note, Mercedes uses Pagid/Jurid and some other brand pads as OEM parts. I don't know if Mercedes makes their own rotors though.

kenstudios

In an effort to save money you might end up getting burnt. If you are not mechanicly inclined just go to the dealer and get this done. If you go to someone who doesn't regularly service these car and the mess up, you'll be stuck with the bill. Two rotors may run you around $220 and pads around $90 It's easy to install these if you are a DIY person.

2k2s430

I have never played with brakes on a car before so I am a little intimidated. I am leaning toward the dealer anyway.

hadam

You can find local shop who can only charge you for labor.

I was buying parts from Online, but I got burn with bad parts.

Now I buy parts from my local dealer, but I take them to local shop to install it.

Local shop charge me 2 hours ($65 per hour) to replace front rotors and brake pads.

Stealer also ask for $$$ lot more then what you can do by your self or with local shop.

2k2s430

Sorry about revisiting an old topic. I was wondering how much trouble I could cause doing my own front brake job? I am pretty handy. One thing I thought was odd that when I was at the dealer I was there for an oil change that is when they recommended a brake job. Can the rotors and pads be inspected and or Mic'd without removing the wheels? How much of a risk would I be taking on just doing the pads? Before everyone starts jumpin on me about being a cheap as*. I was considering doing pads and maybe upgrading the entire system with a Brembo big brake kit or something comprable, so the pads would be to keep me on the road safely until the upgrade. Anyone have instructions with some visual aids?

newton22

Working on the brakes on the S430 was my first time working on brakes. I'm a 17 year old and everything I know about automobiles is self-taught.

Oh, and here are step-by-step instructions: https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w220/169374-brake-job-instructions.html

Do you feel confident now?

fkong777

$100 and 1 hour time to do all 4 corner. +.5 hour to take pictures for you guys to reference to.

02S430

yes your pictures for reference help make it very easy!

2k2s430

Any type of special tools needed?

kenstudios

Hammer and an old screw driver. These are some of the easiest brakes to do.

2k2s430

I was looking on the site oempartsdirect.com and they have a few options for pads for an 02 s430. Does anyone possibly have a part number I can look up the pads with to be sure I get the right ones. I appreciate everyones help.