Brake parts....202.....while we are arguing "OEM vs non-OEM" - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Will_w202 · #1 01-19-2007, 12:29 PM

I need to do front rotors and pads. I have gotten 80k (that's right, EIGHTY-THOUSAND) miles on my OEM pads and 142k on the original front rotors.

Both are now very thin

With this experience, it's hard not to feel the extra few bucks for OE parts is justified. However, I know there are some OE replacements that are cheaper. For example, the ones in this link:

http://www.joetlc.com/product_info.php?products_id=6624&osCsid=3f5a900e9bb62a06fdde546d8498d215

$42 for a PAIR of "OE quality" vented rotors. He said they buy them literaly by the truckload, there are literally 30 different brands they could be, and they are all Asian.

Tell me the differences between Asian rotors and OEM/OE brands? Why would I not buy these?

If not these, what are the TOP brands of rotors and pads for OE quality?

softconsult · #2 01-19-2007, 12:36 PM

There is a reason they are cheaper, but you won't know it until they fail or prematurely warp. This is you life on the line. Even MB rotors are not that much. I have typically gone with Balo, or ATE.

I have always use Textar Yellow Box pads, but again MB pads might be a good choice. If you duplicate your initial wear-rates the cost per mile or year is minimal anyway.

You must do a bunch of interstate traveling to get pads to last that long.

Steve

mbdoc · #3 01-19-2007, 12:49 PM

That car could have come with either Pagid OR Jurid pads.

The OE Pagad pad is T 5067NA014

The OE Jurid pad is 571828J-AS (192) compound.

NO brake discs are as good as the OE ones from MB.

Closest aftermarket brake disc brands for your car are Zimmermann & Balo.

Will_w202 · #4 01-19-2007, 01:05 PM

Doc, thanks for the part numbers.

Steve, I do, or at least used to. I'm actually only a couple hours east of you now, still in NC. Mountain driving eats brakepads. Shoot me a PM sometime. I assume you are in software....I'm ex-IT