mmehtas

Hi guys,

A quick question - I dropped my 2007 S550 off to change the snow tires and to have the annual emission done. Got a call back from the dealer that (a) the front brake pads are worn down and that the warning light would come on any day and (b) they found a nail in the sidewall of one of my summer tires and they have to replace the tire.

I have never owned an MB before, and I have never needed to replace front brake pads before 40K before. I have this constant argument with my wife about her driving habits because she wears out the brakes at 25K on every car she has owned. Now mine needs it 16,950 miles!
Is this normal?

As far as the tire is concerned, I am a little surprised that they missed the nail when they took the tire off to put on the snow tires, and that I did not notice that one of the tires had no air (as I would expect with a nail in the sidewall), but at least I bought a tire warranty with the car.

Appreciate any thoughts. The dealer has generally been very fair with me so there is no reason for me to doubt him.

Thanks

Quadcammer

Thats a bit (ok a lot) early, but if your wife is an habitual brake rider, its not surprising given how hard brakes work to get a 4400lb car to a halt.

For just pads it shouldn't be too pricey (and an easy DIY), but regardless, I would have the service advisor/tech show you the old pads if you think they are bs'ing you. Pretty easy to tell how much life is left.

That said, the cheapest thing in the long run would be to get your wife to lay off the brake pedal unless she needs it.

irieblue

Will the dealer change the pads without doing the rotors? Also do some research and get better pads that don't give off as much dust as the stock ones.

mmehtas

Thanks for the replies guys.

I should have been clearer in my first post - I was just making a point that my wife is pretty hard on her brakes whereas I have always had pretty good luck with them. My wife has never driven my S550 Hence my surprise at needing pads at under 17K.

I believe the dealer is just changing the pads; I believe he said it would be $282 so not that bad.

softgenious

From what I heard is that you can have them put on ceramic pads. I would ask your dealer what pads he is planning on installing.

jl88

My story when it comes to dealerships and brakes:

I always change my brake pads at 20k intervals and have the rotors turned at the same time. I change out rotors every other brake pad change.

So, my SL500 was due for a maintenance and I just had my brake pads changed out, front and rear. Literally two days before the Scheduled maintenance.

I took my car to the stealership. the tech wrote down my brake pads were at 50% wear.

FYI there is a brake pad sensor that will trip when the brake pads are low. If you don't know how to physically exam and determine brake pad wear, then I would wait for the sensor to trip before switching out the pads. When it trips, take it in immediately (within a week at least).

ajm0623

i've got 18,500 on my 07 s550v4 and had its annual service down a month or so ago. at that point, the benzo dealer reported that i still had 90%+ brakes left on both front and back. i don't beat on the car at all; i just drive it normally. fwiw.

mmehtas

Thanks again for all the replies.

Unfortunately I did not have a chance to choose ceramic brake pads or change my mind on getting the brake pads done and wait for the warning indicator.

On the plus side, it was $265 (could have been a lot worse), and now I know to wait until I get the indicator.

softgenious

I think $265 is a good deal considering you do not have to worry about the pads for a long time.