Yeah crowfoot adapter would work but cant seem to find it in 18mm. So i used a well placed universal joint which did the trick .

 

Thank you really appreciate it.

 

could you possibly give me the part number for the front rotors on a 2008 S550 base? I've looked for this platinum rotor you use and haven't been able to nail down the part number. I did find the Akebono ceramic pads on amazon $68!

 

Here are some documents from STAR diagnostic computer, there maybe have some useful information to you.

 

Yes thank you. It says 28Nm.

I tightened it to 14Nm and put blue thread locker. ...... so should i open it again and re-tighten it to 28Nm ?

 

Im not sure, but would rather re tight it again, due to the brake is most important of safe.

 

Yeah ur right. I fixed it today. Now they are at 28Nm. Thanx for the advice.

 

My new brakes and rotors look like this :




New Front Rotors and Pads



New Rear Rotors and Pads

 

Where is the jack up point on the front?

 

I posted this elsewhere, but did not get a reply, so will try here. I changed my front rotors and pads last weekend, and found deterioration on the face of my pistons. The concentric circles are deteriorating/flaking away. Anyone else seen this? New calipers recommended? Thanks in advance.

 

looks like very minor corrosion. I would not worry about it unless the rubber boot area is compromised and/or fluid is leaking.

 

I wish we could order from fcpeuro.com as European customers, it's much cheaper then in Europe.

 

I just watch your video ,"changing the front brakes and rotors" and I was very impressed with the high level of professionalism and the manner in which you meticulously detailed all the steps. I have a 2008 S550 and my primary mechanic who does all the maintenance on this car informed me that I need both front and rear brakes and rotors. He also said that I have an engine oil filter housing seal is leaking engine oil and antifreeze. thermostat due to antifreeze leak serpentine belt, which I have noticed on the garage floor for a long time. He gave me a quote for the brakes and engine leak of $2000.

I took the car to a 2nd mechanic and he confirmed the same issues and gave me a quote of 4K for replacing brakes, rotors , engine oil as well as water pump and thermostat due to antifreeze leak plus the Serpentine belt
1. He also observed that there is a check engine light , however he said that would require a computer diagnostic to identify the cause
2. He further stated that the front side timing cover seal is starting to leak engine oil, he recommends replacing camshaft position and magnet seals.
3.He observed that the front propeller shaft universal joint is worn and causing unnecessary movement
He said that item 2 and 3 could be done at a later time for 2.5K

After watching your video I am thinking that I may do the brake and rotor job myself. I have never worked on this car, so I am a bit intimated, however my previous MB was a 1991 300 SEL, I had more confidence working on that car and did all the brake and oil changes. Since purchasing this car for some reason I never tried doing any work on it so everything was done by my Mercedes mechanic.So I am inspired by the work you did and also by KCI who did a great job changing his brakes and rotors. By doing the brake job at least I will save some money and let the mechanic do the more technical work with the engine.

Just a few questions, I notice that most of you recommend the Akebono ceramic brake pads and the Zimmerman rotors, the brakes on my car are the original metallic brakes and I would guess the original Mercedes rotors , the black dust is excessive, especially the front wheels. My mechanic advise me to replace them with the same original brakes and rotors. From what I have read on line from a comparative analysis I did, they say that the Akebono ceramic is more ideal for daily driving and the Oem Mercedes metallic brakes are best for high performance aggressive driving.

This is the analysis

1. Brake Pad Composition & Performance

Feature Akebono Ceramic Pads OEM Mercedes Metallic Pads Material Ceramic compound Semi-metallic Brake Performance Smooth, consistent stopping power Higher friction for stronger initial bite Noise Level Very quiet, minimal squealing Louder due to metal content Dust Production Low (less brake dust on wheels) High (black brake dust buildup) Heat Dissipation Good, but less aggressive under extreme braking Excellent, handles high temperatures well Lifespan Longer lifespan, less rotor wear Shorter lifespan, more rotor wear Driving Conditions Best for daily driving, city/highway use Better for high-performance, aggressive driving

2. Rotor Comparison

Feature Zimmermann Rotors OEM Mercedes Rotors Material High-carbon cast iron High-quality, high-carbon steel Durability Very durable, resistant to cracking Excellent durability, but wears faster with metallic pads Heat Resistance High (vented & drilled options available) High (designed for performance applications) Warp Resistance Resistant to warping due to heat-treated design Designed for high heat cycles but wears faster Coating Many Zimmermann rotors come with anti-corrosion coating Some models have similar protection Best Use Case Ideal for daily and spirited driving Best for OEM performance applications

3. Pros & Cons

Akebono Ceramic Pads & Zimmermann Rotors

✅ Pros:

• Low dust (keeps wheels cleaner)
• Quiet braking (less noise compared to metallic pads)
• Longer-lasting pads (less wear on rotors)
• Zimmermann rotors are durable and resist warping
• Great for daily & moderate spirited driving

❌ Cons:

• Not ideal for aggressive, high-speed braking
• Less initial bite compared to OEM Mercedes metallic pads

OEM Mercedes Metallic Pads & OEM Rotors

✅ Pros:

• Stronger initial bite (better stopping power at high speeds)
• Designed for high temperatures and heavy braking
• Best for performance driving

❌ Cons:

• High dust output (wheels get dirty quickly)
• Noisier braking compared to ceramic pads
• More wear on rotors over time

Final Recommendation

• For quiet, low-dust, and long-lasting brakes with strong daily performance →Go with Akebono Ceramic Pads + Zimmermann Rotors
• For high-performance stopping power and aggressive driving →Stick with OEM Mercedes Metallic Pads + OEM Rotors

Any suggestions or comments would be appreciated, If you could also confirm again specifically what items require torquing and their values, thanks.

 

Hi everyone I just recently realized that the Mercedes Benz W221 is all set up mechanically exactly the same way I'm a mechanic more then 12 years mostly Mercedes Benz is it any good the W221 it's must be it looks amazing in interested to work on them now that I know it's the same engine and transmission and suspension just a different chasys I'm in the new England area independently

 

Where in New England are you located? I'm in Tewksbury, MA.

 

Sounds like it could be a vast selection of things but I would have to see it in person to know more