I want to try and do my own brake job--I have a buddy who's done brakes on BMW's. Is it safe to do this? Do I need any expensive diagnostic equipment to really do it right? Why is it so difficult to find rotors for my mercedes. What are brake discs? If anyone out there is less ignorant than me and could provide any helpful advice I would appreciate it.

Its pretty easy. Here is DIY article from the DIY section above.

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W124BrakePads

It is a little similar to your car except you have the floating front caliper which has to come off (two bolts) before you can access the pads. And you also have only one sensor per side in the front.

Also you can find rotors for you car in the fastlane section above.

First, Discs are rotors.

Secon, brake jobs are one the easiest (in my book) for DIY'ers and a good way to same some coin by doing it oneself.

Iggy

__________________
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

2006 - Suzuki Gran Vitara (2.0 L fully equipped) Like this car so far except for trying to put on the seatbelt.
1988 - 190e - 2.3L - 172K miles (It now belongs to the exwife)
1999 - Chevy Blazer LS Fully Equiped - killed it June 2006
2001 - Honda Civic EX - 68K miles (sold June 2004)
1963 - 220S - Dual Carb 6 cyl. (sold)
1994 - Yamaha WaveRaider (fun to ride)

It is not difficult to find any brake parts. They are available throught the Fastlane link at the top of the page.

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Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record