Originally Posted by gpicou

I have a 2000 S500 with 79k miles.

I'm going to attempt my first brake job. I have new Zimmermann disks cross drilled type. Can anyone suggest what would be a good brake pad? Most of my driving is light city traffic.

Note if your car has the AMG package your brakes will likely be different and some or most of the advice below won't apply.

If you want factory performance get a set of pads such as Pagid from Fastlane (this site) or ********az. OEM compound. If you are trying to minimize brake dust, there are harder pads but braking performance is poorer until they get hot.

Will there be any special tools required?

Not sure. If you have floating calipers you may need special torx bit to loosen the guide bolts. You'll also need the correct box end wrench for the bleed valve.

Will I need to bleed the brakes after changing disks and pads?

Maybe/maybe not. If you open the bleed valve when you retract the pistons and don't get any air in you should still have a hard pedal. If it's soft you'll have to bleed the system. How long has it been since you flushed (replaced) all the brake fluid. It should be done every two years so if it's needed now is a good time to do it. There are DIY's on that too.

Should I use the anti squeek stuff?

Yes unless you prefer squeeks. Also if the Brake Pad Warning is on you'll want to replace the wear sensors. They're cheap.

Do you know of any sites or threads with step by step directions on how to do this?

This site has an excellent DIY section. Check there first. You may have to use a procedure for a slightly different model and adapt. Another site with excellent DIY is benzworld dot org.

Thanks in advance
Gary