Bill:

Change brake fluid every two years. Use only good pads, and never let the rotors run too thin (usually get two sets of brake pads per set of rotors, roughly 60,000 miles).

Comletely clean all the brake dust, rust, and corrosion out of the pad slot on the calipers each brake pad change (and major service, 30,000 mile interval) and lubricate the pads, this prevents them getting stuck and dragging.

You will need to rebuild the calipers (actually just change the piston seal and dust boot/heat shield) about every 15-20 years, depending on milage.

The very worst thing you can do is let the rotors get too thin -- on the dual piston ATE calipers, this cuases the backing plate on the pad to hit the antirattle spring, both greatly reducing braking power and forcing the pad and piston to cock upwards in the bore of the caliper. Since the piston is then stuck and won't move, it overheats, cooks the dust boot and lets in water and dirt, and usually also hardens the psiton seal, so if you do manage to get the piston moving again, it won't retract properly, more drag and heat.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!