Hi all,

I have a 30k mileage (85% city miles) 2004 ML350. I already had front pads replaced. Sensor light is on and dealer is saying to replace all pads and rotors now.

Is this typical for these vehicles?

 

It could be your driving style. I try to anticipate traffic in front & coast as long as I can before stopping. Now If I could work on my compulsion to be the first to the speed limit from every stop.

Our 98 ML320gets 100% city use & we get much better time than that on the brakes. We had a ford explorer that we got more than twice the brake life than other explorer owners.

I ALWAYS use the factory supplied soft brake pads. I usually replace the rotors with every third set of pads.

If the pedal is pulsing, I replace the rotors on the offending axle as a pair.

I NEVER turn rotors as there is not usually enough metal to maintain minimum thickness.

Your mileage may vary,
kyle4501

 

Thanks for that response.

I am just trying to determine if my mercedes shop is screwing me over. I am not a DIY-er

 

if the brake wear light came on it needs pads, the sensor is part of the front pads on this vehicle and if it was left unpluged or something hit it it would not come on at all. it is a sigle wire sensor, when the plastic on the sensor wears away there is a metal piece that comes in contact with the rotor when u press the brake pedal completing the circuit and causing the light to come on. thats why the light usually only comes on when u press the pedal. if its the front. so rest assured they arent screwing you. now if they say you need rotors. i would ask how close to the minimal spec are they. if they say 1mm or more, thats not close. or .9.

 

Yeah the rotors were less, so have to replace them too. A lot of money for these parts, eek!

 

You get what you pay for.. If you want Cheap Brakes buy a Chevy Impala. If you want to drive an MBZ ML350 APC, get ready to pony up the $450+ for a Brake and Rotor replacement.
I own 3 MBZ's and have been the previous owner of 5 others in my lifetime. I walked away from an Accident between My C280 and a Full size (7700lb) Ridgeline. The Benz and the Pickup were both totaled (he hit me Broadside at 60mph). No Compression of the passenger compartment in the benz. His Motor was on the pavement. Why would I trust my Family to anything less than "A True Mercedes Benz"?