Akebono brake pads are the worst ones I have ever installed. Get rid of them and get some Textars. May fix 50% of your problem because they won't stop your car (and I know what a mushy brake pedal feels like)! If you do your flush and still have the same issue...I guarantee it's your pads. I have a 300E 3.0 and put in new rotors (not even cross cut like yours!) and Akebonos...felt like I was leg pressing 3000 lbs when I tried to stop and pedal felt mushy (because there was no bite). Ordered some Textars, threw them in, drove about 20 miles and bam! Barely have to step on the brakes to stop the car now. Have never bled my brake lines.