[oceanliner]

Hello,
I was wondering if there were any comments on using non-dealer brake parts for my 2002 S500. I have always done the work myself and the dealer parts for front discs and pads comes to 276.00, but it is possible to get non-dealer parts (Bendix, etc) for about 150.00. Not sure if this is a good idea. Thanks.

 

[tabocat]

I would never go back to OEM brake pads. They produce so much dust and its hard to clean. I have switched to aftermarket and would never go back to factory. You still have to buy the brake sensors and paste from the dealership thou...

 

[zft325]

You can try brembo pads

 

[xexpo]

That price range is absolute minimum for the OEM parts, looks like you have done research. I would stick with them, it is not worth spending $100.00 less IMO.
I'd rather scrifice some cleaning time than safety. I am sure Mercedes Benz would put the pad and rotor combination that didn't make dust if they were satisfied with their performance and safety.

 

[s5benzo]

I'm not knocking anyones ideas or opinions, but I think some mbz factory brake pads are absolutely horrible. My 02 S500 was producing a tremendous amount of brake dust, and lots of brake squeels as well. There are many aftermarket pads out there that do the same job minus the noise and horrible brake dust. My front and rears are aftermarket pads now , and I have to say virtually no brake dust and smooth / quiet stopping. I used OEM sensors and what not but nots. Hope this helps, thanks.

 

[atmsmshr]

I replaced front and rear pads with Akebono this year, and was completely satisfied. No more brake dust, the stopping power appears to be the same except that the OEM brakes 'grabbed' more. The Akebono allows for more subtle braking power which I like better.

Shop around online for the best prices. $100 for the front pair of pads, $52 for the rear pads. $7 for CRC disc brake Quiet paste. (Akebono supplies its own lubricant with the pads if you like. They also come with anti-squeal shims).

The wear lining sensors (two in front, one in back) are about twice the price at the dealership OEM as what you can get on line ($6). However, it sounds like you are getting OEM rotors at a great price - Go for it!

If you flush your brake system prior to the pad changeout, you don't have to worry about bleeding or getting contaminants up into the ABS. I alternate colors of brake fluid to help know when a line is flushed. Just keep the reservour on the low side when you are done and before changing the pads.

 

[xexpo]

I can understand people's point about the brake dust, I just don't mind cleaning the dust. All squeels and and noises from the OEM brake pads can be eliminated with proper installation and the proper use of the brake paste.

Earlier built W220's squeaked while backing up cold and MBZ part #0004210147 silicone dampers intruduced to remedy the problem. I have not installed this on my car since it is only a few times a year I hear the squeak.

I use Jurid for the rear pads and OEM (Jurid) for the fronts and they cost $53.00 and $69.00. Both front and rear rotors OEM. Mbz rotors are on the soft side and work well with the semi-metallic pads, using ceramic pads on the OEM rotors may reduce the life of the OEM rotors.
I would say, if you're buying ceramic front pads and you need to replace the rotors as well, go with something that is designed to be used with ceramic pads.