To preface my question, let me state that I am a very consertive driver; I never abuse my cars. I am 58 and have driven since age 14. I have driven hundreds of thousands of miles in pickups, cars, small trucks and motorcycles. Having said that, I put 15,500 miles on my ML320, about half of it on the freeway and about half in city driving. I do not accelerate or brake vigerously. The car has never been in four-wheel drive nor has it even been off a paved road. Why then, when the Benz mechanic while rotating my tires, tell me I had to replace the front brake pads? In all my life, I cannot imagine a new car, especailly one such as a Mercedes having to replace brake pads in the first year. At a cost of $260 per year, then I'll spend $3,000 during the anticipated time I'll own the car! just on brake pads. Also, the service dealer at the Benz dealership said that even crossing the white line while changing lanes will cause slippage and the automatic brake thing will activate and cause brake wear. Is he totally crazy? Are there sources available that will tell me the average time between brake pad replacement? (I am aware all drivers are different). And finally, do all SUV's have the same trouble? Thanks and best regards, H.G.