ML320 front brake pads

[herbert]

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.

[mbdoc]

Seens as though this compound is SOFT & has a life of 20k-25k miles. I belive they used this compound to improve the braking performamce. Had the brake warning lamp came on? Were you doing a "b" service or "a "? The labor for pads is .4 hour with the "b" & list for the pads is $125. If you did pads only, the labor should have been .8 hour @ axle. When the brake wear light comes on you have 2-3k miles before the pads hit rotor!
Most MB's(cars) will consume pads at 25k-35k mile range, unless it's all around town!

[Q]

Ever noticed that the Mercedes wheels always seem to be covered in brake dust? That is due to the quick wearing soft compound they use for the pads.

[elau]

Herbert,
Do not be alarmed, I replaced my pad for the ML at around 15K as well. As everybody here is saying, MB pads are alot softer but provide the best stopping power.


95 R129
98 ML320

[herbert]

To the several gentleman who replied to my inquiry:
Thank you all for your quick and courterous reply. I will accept the fact that the pads are composed of a soft compount and must be replaced at a shorter interval that I would have ever expected. I remain disappointed as this extra annual expense is not one I would have anticipated.
Another question to anyone who drives an ML320: I drive about half my time on the freeway and half in the city. I've calculated every tank of gas (for the past 17,700 miles)and I average about 16 mpg. Is this what one should expect? Thanks and best regards, H.G.

[JDUB]

For the do-it-yourselfers the brake pads can be replaced for about $40 in about 30-45 minutes per set. Every level of enthusiast should be able to examine if there needs to be brake pad replacement whether or not they do the actual labor. (for your own piece of mind) Mercedes Benz has one of the best engineered braking systems out there.

[Ockman]

I own a 98 ML320 and the mileage is about 18 in town and 21 on the highway. Brake pads were replaced at 35K miles. If you ask me, replacing pads before 20K miles is excessive. Might want to have the calipers checked...mine were replaced under warranty along with the master cylinder.
Good luck.