SL-Class (R230) 2003 -- 2012: Discussion on the SL500, SL550, SL600

SL/R230: Brake pad replacement? + brake pad sensor?

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Old Nov 21, 2008 | 01:54 PM
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Brake pad replacement? + brake pad sensor?

Hey guys,

I'll be replacing the brake pads on my 03 SL500 soon. I've done several brake jobs, but never on a Benz.

I've done research and know about disconnecting the rear battery, as well as pressing the brake pedal a few times and turning the sterring wheel lock to lock to get rid of the warnings in the dash. However what I am cnfused about is, do I have to replace the break pad sensor every time I change brakepads?

I notice that the bolts on the back of the calipers are like allen keys, I've never seen that before, usually they are 10mm..or so bolts. How about the front calipers? Are those "allen" key bolts as well?

Are there any other tricks I should know about?

Thanks
Nick
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Old Nov 21, 2008 | 05:13 PM
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BMW F02 (750Li) F10 (550i)
Originally Posted by mtlbenz
Hey guys,

I'll be replacing the brake pads on my 03 SL500 soon. I've done several brake jobs, but never on a Benz.

I've done research and know about disconnecting the rear battery, as well as pressing the brake pedal a few times and turning the sterring wheel lock to lock to get rid of the warnings in the dash. However what I am cnfused about is, do I have to replace the break pad sensor every time I change brakepads?

I notice that the bolts on the back of the calipers are like allen keys, I've never seen that before, usually they are 10mm..or so bolts. How about the front calipers? Are those "allen" key bolts as well?

Are there any other tricks I should know about?

Thanks
Nick
There you go man this is how i did mine. easy task !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.petefagerlin.com/ML/brakes.htm
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Old Nov 21, 2008 | 05:29 PM
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Originally Posted by m4xm1l10n
There you go man this is how i did mine. easy task !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.petefagerlin.com/ML/brakes.htm
That's a great DIY, thanks!! But I noticed its for an ML, my car is an 03 SL500(R230). Is it the same procedure? Did you still have to disconnect the battery for the SBC?
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Old Nov 22, 2008 | 10:40 PM
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Originally Posted by mtlbenz
That's a great DIY, thanks!! But I noticed its for an ML, my car is an 03 SL500(R230). Is it the same procedure? Did you still have to disconnect the battery for the SBC?
Same idea bro ML SL S SAME **** I didn't disconnect anything . just go for it
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Old Nov 23, 2008 | 07:42 AM
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If you are going to do it with the battery connected, keep the keys well away and do not open a door, or the system will charge up
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Old Nov 23, 2008 | 09:57 AM
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Originally Posted by Television
If you are going to do it with the battery connected, keep the keys well away and do not open a door, or the system will charge up

Even if I dont have "keyless go"?
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Old Nov 23, 2008 | 11:32 AM
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Originally Posted by mtlbenz
Even if I dont have "keyless go"?
Makes no difference,, there is a wake up circuit on the doors and locking,,so just make sure that no one can press a key or open a door
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Old Feb 5, 2009 | 12:50 PM
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One more question,

Do I need to buy new pad wear sensors too? Or do I just but new Pads and Rotors?
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Old Feb 5, 2009 | 01:34 PM
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Originally Posted by mtlbenz
One more question,

Do I need to buy new pad wear sensors too? Or do I just but new Pads and Rotors?
That is up to you , the sensors are so cheap like $4 bucks or less why not replace them , you only need two!!!!
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Old Feb 5, 2009 | 02:32 PM
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Originally Posted by m4xm1l10n
That is up to you , the sensors are so cheap like $4 bucks or less why not replace them , you only need two!!!!
I thought we need 3 ...Front: left + right, Rear: right
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Old Feb 5, 2009 | 02:49 PM
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Originally Posted by M-bENZ
I thought we need 3 ...Front: left + right, Rear: right
The front sensors are located at L front , don't remember the rear , and yes is only one in the front and one in the rear .
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Old Feb 5, 2009 | 03:15 PM
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Originally Posted by m4xm1l10n
That is up to you , the sensors are so cheap like $4 bucks or less why not replace them , you only need two!!!!
Good point!!

Can you suggest any particular brand of pads + rotors?

Also, does anybody know of a canadian on-line dealer for parts?
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Old Feb 5, 2009 | 03:15 PM
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Anyone have any good recommendations for ceramic pads to reduce dust?

As soon as the rear rubber on my Pilots gets low I'm going to put on the new wheel/tire combo I bought off another user. I figure that'll be a good time to put some low-dusting pads on too.
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Old Feb 5, 2009 | 03:20 PM
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Originally Posted by mikeinsf
Anyone have any good recommendations for ceramic pads to reduce dust?

As soon as the rear rubber on my Pilots gets low I'm going to put on the new wheel/tire combo I bought off another user. I figure that'll be a good time to put some low-dusting pads on too.
AKEBONO PADS , you will simply love it , and seriously 0 brake dust i mean 000!!! I have it all around on my SL500 Keeps my black wheels clean at all times
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Old Feb 5, 2009 | 03:31 PM
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Originally Posted by m4xm1l10n
AKEBONO PADS , you will simply love it , and seriously 0 brake dust i mean 000!!! I have it all around on my SL500 Keeps my black wheels clean at all times
Where can I get these AKEBOND pads? Also, what discs do you suggest?
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Old Feb 5, 2009 | 03:51 PM
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Thanks for the recommendation!

Originally Posted by mtlbenz
Where can I get these AKEBOND pads? Also, what discs do you suggest?
http://www.google.com/search?q=akebo...I7DKUS_enUS289

A little deeper clicking yields this URL:
http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exe...W209+CLK+Class+

Last edited by mikeinsf; Feb 5, 2009 at 04:20 PM.
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Old Feb 5, 2009 | 04:18 PM
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Originally Posted by mtlbenz
Where can I get these AKEBOND pads? Also, what discs do you suggest?
I don't remember the site but the part number is

2003 SL500
EUR986 REAR PADS
EUR847 FRONT PADS
SENSORS INCLUDED

Just Google AKEBONO BRAKE PADS it should give you a bunch of websites , as far as rotors OEM is just fine .
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Old Feb 5, 2009 | 04:58 PM
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Originally Posted by m4xm1l10n
I don't remember the site but the part number is

2003 SL500
EUR986 REAR PADS
EUR847 FRONT PADS
SENSORS INCLUDED

Just Google AKEBONO BRAKE PADS it should give you a bunch of websites , as far as rotors OEM is just fine .
Great thanks!!
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Old Feb 5, 2009 | 06:50 PM
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Originally Posted by m4xm1l10n
AKEBONO PADS , you will simply love it , and seriously 0 brake dust i mean 000!!! I have it all around on my SL500 Keeps my black wheels clean at all times
I have to agree with you. My Daughter's BMW had brake dust that was 5 times worse than an MB. After 50 miles they would look bad and after 100 miles the fronts would be black. I had the Akebonos put on and I cannot believe how clean they stay---almost zero dusting.
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Old Feb 5, 2009 | 08:30 PM
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I also have the Akebono, search at ebay, it got if from this seller at ebay, BTW great service. RWIAMERICA

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/AKEBO...mZ330150273850
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Old Feb 5, 2009 | 09:48 PM
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Seems like the prices at FCP Groton are about the best online right now.
$160 for front and rear pads, free shipping. No tax for anyone but CT residents.
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Old Feb 5, 2009 | 10:05 PM
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Originally Posted by mikeinsf
Seems like the prices at FCP Groton are about the best online right now.
$160 for front and rear pads, free shipping. No tax for anyone but CT residents.
Good price !!!!
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Old Feb 6, 2009 | 06:53 AM
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Originally Posted by m4xm1l10n
Good price !!!!
Wow that is a good price!!

Now I'm thinking maybe I should just change the pads. How do I know if the rotors need to be changed as well?
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Old Feb 6, 2009 | 11:46 AM
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03 SL500
Ridges on the rotor or being too glazed will need turning/replacement

I am going to be doing a C350 and SL500 this weekend.
I am going to be brave and not disconnect the battery or deactivate the SBC.
Will tell you how it worked out.
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Old Feb 6, 2009 | 12:12 PM
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Originally Posted by daltex
Ridges on the rotor or being too glazed will need turning/replacement

I am going to be doing a C350 and SL500 this weekend.
I am going to be brave and not disconnect the battery or deactivate the SBC.
Will tell you how it worked out.
that would be great! thanks very much.

If possible try to take some pics too!

thanks !
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