The sensor light is bugging me, maybe its time to do the brakes. It started a couple of months back, I checked the pads and they looked fine. But, even though the mileage is mostly highway, maybe its time to at least put new pads in although I've heard that the sensors go sometimes.

Twenty years ago I would've done this myself, but age and health problems would probably slow me down and make a 2-day job out of a 2 hour job... maybe worse. I'm hoping to find someone local (around Springfield, MA) that can do the job, and my main concern is whether a Mercedes-specific diagnostic tool is needed by a mechanic to reset the computer as the brake pad sensors cannot be reset with the normal dash control combinations.

I'm also wondering whether I can buy pads, sensors or whatever is needed from someplace like Rockauto and get decent quality. I know RA sells Raybestos, but are there other brake pads someone would recommend? Thinking maybe I can find someone to do the brakes if I have all the parts at hand.

 

I replaced mine on a 96 SL500 but I needed rotors as well. The light never came on but the front rotors were ruined. They had previously been turned too far by a previous owner. I ordered the pads and sensors from Performance parts but ordered the rotors from a local garage. The job was simple enough but I needed to take the calipers apart (lots of sand here in Florida), but they cleaned up nice and the brakes are better than ever, no fade. Checkout AutohausAZ.com for parts as well. I bought the rotors locally because of the shipping weight.

 

If that car has SBC, about the only place to do it is a stealer.

 

if it says "brake wear" then the pads might need replacement or the sensor is messed up. ...if it says "service brake" it could be something else. could be a SBC unit replacement under warranty or stop lamp switch fault.