I installed Akebono Euro Ceramic pads on my 2004 E320 4matic approx 25000 miles ago and am still blown away by how good they are. I used Akebono's before on Japanese cars with great success and when they made pads for the E320 I didn't hesitate to try them. The #1 reason was I was SICK of dirty wheels and how quick they got dirty after cleaning. I'm very particular about brake pads and on many different cars have use a variety of pads over the years and at times was very dissaapointed by some aftermarket pads.

I installed the Akebono's with new Mercedes OEM rotors. The only glitch was the 2 different front sensors on the 04's E320 weren't goint to work on the Aekbono's. Mercedes pads are different from front L to R and the pad sensors are also. The Akebono's are the same L to R (basically the same as the OE R pad), and I thought, well no problem I will just use 2 right side sensors. That didn't work since the connector on the car is different L to R. I modified the OE L sensor with a dremel, but would also consider just not using a L side sensor.

After the pads bedded in, I would say the performance was as good, maybe slightly better than OE. I was stunned by the fact that there was virtually NO DUST once the pads were seated in.

25,000 miles to date. I pulled the wheels off today for a regular tire rotation and am amazed at the wear properties. These pads are definitely wearing MUCH better than OE. The fronts are approximately 25% worn, the rears maybe 35%. At 25,000 miles I couldn't say the same for the OE pads. Additionally the rotors seem to be wearing less as well.

I just wanted to post this for anyone on the fence about using these pads. I saw a few negative comments by people afraid to use something else, or somehow believing Mercedes engineering is the holy grail and you should only use OE parts for these cars. Thats true for some things (notice I used OE rotors). However these pads are superior to anything MB is using. 99% less dust, better pad and rotor wear, no noise.

The minor irritation is you can't just go out and buy them in most cases but have to order them. I got mine from Rockauto (fast shpping and good prices).