Hello,

I am new to this forum.

What a fantastic site with a wealth of info.

I am putting brakes on my ML320, which seems to be a very
routine maintenance on these things.

I did a search and I believe I will try the Mintex pads.

What about rotors? I plan on replacing all 4 rotors as this is
the second set of pads.(first brake job done at 25k mi.by dlr.)
Is there a manufacturer such as Brembo that has rotors avail.?

I appreciate any help.

Thanks, Chuck

Hey, I just did a brake job and I used the Mintex pads. I bought the pads and rotors from www.*************** . Check around, there are several OE makers that will work. The pads are very easy. Getting the rotors off is not. I went thru just one set of pads on my rotors, so I didn't change them out. I'd like to hear from others on how they got the rotors to come off.

Pete's writeup is here:

http://www.petefagerlin.com/ML/brakes.htm

I just installed ThermoQuiet pads, and they work well. Federal Mogul Friction just told me they will come out in 2004 with an even better product made especially for European and Asian vehicles.

http://www.whnet.com/4x4/brakepads.html

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W163.154, M112.942, 722.662, ZF.970.402

Thanks you guys,

This info. has been extremely helpful.

Wolfgang,

Is there any reason to get non- OEM brake pads or rotors other than they cost less?

I too will need new front pads and rotors very soon. I've been very satisfied with the the OEM pads. My first set on the front lasted 49K miles and my second set will go about 40K, they were either Textar or Jurid.

I'm very much of an OEM when it comes to replacing parts, but if the aftermarket parts are in certain specific ways better I'd sure consider that.

I've found at least on one occassion that aftermarket parts make by an OEM manufacturer may not be the same. An example of this is Zimmerman is an OEM manufacturer for MB and Porsche. On the Zimmerman aftermarket rotor for my Porsche the holes are drilled, whereas on the Porsche Zimmerman rotors they are cast into the rotor when its made. Also some people have had problems with the hat on the Zimmerman aftermarket rotor rusting.

Hello Ron,

Wow you did well as far as brakes are concerned.

I have a 2000 ML with 38k miles on it.
The front pads needed to be replaced at 25k (done by dlr.)
Now at 38k they tell me I need brakes at all 4 corners and rotors.

So since this seems to be a fairly often item I am going to
do it myself.

I usually don't like to do anything myself to a car until it
is out of warranty, but brakes are'nt warranteed anyway.

I understand what you are saying about OEM, I will try the
zimmerman rotors and Mintex pads since the consensus is they
cut down on the dust.

Chuck

Inspect the pads for yourself before you take anyone's advice.

I had my fronts replaced at an early mileage (probably 25K) and was told recently that the rears were severely in need of replacement.

A few months later, I did the rears myself and found that they STILL had over 50% of the pad material left.

Btw, the replacements were Pagids which I believe are OEM, and got them cheap at FastLane.

__________________
2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car
2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver
2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car

Ron,

Chuck and G-Benz have answered it well. If you prefer OEM, just stick with that. Most owners who switch probably are looking for less dust (Mintex, Porterfield), or maybe less noise (newer MB pads, GALFER USA) or both (Wagner Thermoquiet). I believe the OEM rotors are Brembos and they are also available in the aftermarket, but I'm not 100% certain they are made to the same specs - so there may be good reasons to stick with OEM!

__________________
W163.154, M112.942, 722.662, ZF.970.402

Textar Pads are OEM, stop well, last a long time, and have less dust. The Pagids and Jurids are OEM, last a long time, but, have more dust.

__________________
Paul 1987 300 SDL; 2000 ML; '69 MGB; '68 VW Fastback

performed recently, and my front pads and rotor need replacement, I got Mintex this time and an ATE brand for the rotor, but the warning light hasn't lit up yet so the parts are still in my garage :p

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00 Ml320 Blk Opal
03 320 CKlasse Sprt Sedan

Great photo, Jim! Thanks.

__________________
W163.154, M112.942, 722.662, ZF.970.402

Bought Brembo rotors for both axles ~ 5000 miles ago and replaced the pads with a second set of Mintex pads as well as the parking brake assembly. The brake pads looked fine but since it was apart, might as well. The parking brake shoes were GONE. Glad I don't live in an area where the e-brake is used much.

Front rotors from Tire Rack, Pads, Rear Rotors, and shoes from Fastlane. Both vendors provided OUTSTANDING service.

Our ML is driven with enthusiasm more than it is babied. No troubles thus far.


FR