syswei

Dealer tells me that my front pads are very worn, and the rears not as much but fairly well worn. The light did not come on so none are all the way gone, though. All pads are original, never replaced before. My question is: the dealer says I need need rotors too, that they are under spec; is this believable, that I would be replacing my FIRST set of pads, but the rotors are so worn that they need replacing too?

kgodfrey

You didn't mention mileage but my 07 goes through them much faster then I think it should, I've put two sets on in 60K miles.

irieblue

It really does depend on the mileage and the type of driving you are doing. I think the S550 is under braked , which is why I upgraded mine. How many miles do you have on them. Do you have upgraded Rims?

marthyh

Yes,depends on the type of driving and mileage:

if your disks have deep grooves then have them replaced anyway.

If this is not the case and they look like 'a mirror' then have a look at the outer-edges of the disks, if you can see a ledge on the side of more then 1mm (its proof metal has worn off) replace the disks.

You need not have that done by dealer as its a relatively simple task on this vehicule.

Use proper parts (not the cheapest disks) and if you are tired of brake-dust replace the pads with ceramic ones (no dealer does this).

Also replace disks if there is shimmy or vibrations when braking ,but that could be caused by different suspension issues as well.

I agree that the car feels under-braked alltought the tank comes to a very good stop from all speeds without any issues,I think..

Also something to note: there are different diameters disks for the V6(S320,S350) V8(S550,S500) and V12(S600) enigines.
(S63,S65 AMG has a whole different setup of calipers,disks etc).

syswei

50k miles but as I put in the OP, that is on the original set of pads, which tells you about my driving. I am just skeptical that I could go though one set of pads and need new rotors already. Dealer wants about $1500 to do pads + rotors for all wheels.

syswei

OK thanks, I told the dealer not to do the brakes for now, I'll get the car back and check the disks for wear as you suggest, and after I get the brake light have either just the pads, or pads + rotors done.