Approved Used - new disks after 3k miles?

[leef44]

The discs are worn, the pads are ok.

Just wait until the pad light comes on. Then get them replaced. MB love to do discs and pads when they are not necessary. I can give you my opinion on them all and measure them but I would have to see the car.

A few years ago I was advised to change my discs and pads by my local dealership. It was about 35000 miles and 4 or 5 years old at the time.

I replied that it still looked like it had life left and they replied, yes but it looks low so it would be a good time to change in case they wear out before the next service. I said well I only do a couple of thousand of miles a year so they said well you can get it done next time then.

It could be that they are basing the assessment on the fact that if you do 12,000 miles a year then it will be due before the next service. They don't take into account that you only do a couple of thousand miles a year.

Since then, I was out of the service contract and had the car serviced at Prestige Car Service. Not only did they take account of my actual annual mileage but they noticed I had surface rust on the discs and just needed to brake harder for longer now and then, to keep the discs in good condition.

So a few years on, I'm still on the same discs and pads due to my low mileage and my lack of braking. I tend to look ahead and slow down early so there is less need for hard braking. My Suzuki specialist said the same thing to me about my Suzuki so clearly two specialists with like-minded thinking.

Having said all that, they are probably due a change soon.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Based on current mileage, or the photos of the pads/disk?



No issues at time of purchase - otherwise I would have raised it at the time. Issues with night pack trim fading and various other small issues, other plastic painted trim (not bumperts) that is flaking for example.



Interesting points Bobby - though allow me to reply:


1 - I wouldn't necessarily have inspected the disks and pads in the dealership. As it happens, I neglected to do so.

Yes, I checked most thing as best I could, but the discs were missed and I didn't run my fingers over them in the dealership. For someone who is a car enthusiast, yes it might be more common (though I didn't do this...) - but it certainly shouldn't be expected that people do a mechanical inspection at the dealership - that is what the AUC scheme should cover...

2 - I'm not looking for them to be changed for the sake of it. Rather, if MB go 'your front discs and pads need changing' then I'm going to be more than slightly disgruntled at paying over £2k for them to be done after <3k miles.

I think you've slightly misinterpreted my query, which was
1) do the discs need changing / how soon
2) should I be able to expect any contribution given the extremely low usage of the car


The subject of changing the discs isn't a concern if they have 10k miles left in them, or even 5k. The topic is around if they require changing - as that is a different prospect having bought an AUC which has been barely used.



Of course - MB could argue the car has been tracked, I've put different discs on it and now swapping duds back on it to try it on or anything else. The same could apply if it was one month after buying it or 12.

Good luck getting sorted, and let us know how you get on

 

[tonysmb]

Unfortunately, the only real way to know if they 'need' replacing is to measure them and compare to the specification; in some cases photos can be misleading.

I'd be very surprised if the dealer will replace them f.o.c..

 

[tonysmb]

If they look like this....then get them done.....If not they will be fine!!!

What's wrong with those, lightweight and much better cooling, surely?

They certainly look really sporty

 

[BigJase88]

What trim is degrading is it the black trim around the windows?

This is usually from harsh cleaning chemicals being used. They are anodized black and any TFR eats into them.

I have just priced up my Mercedes for new ones on the drivers side. Basically talking £500 a side.

If the discs and pads passed the MOT 12 months ago then i'm afraid you have no luck in any sort of good will. I would be embarrassed to even ask to be honest.

 

[C60Free]

Thanks all for the advice...

And @BlackC55 I would certainly visit you if I was closer - I'd much rather use a good indy for most stuff as dealerships don't really fill me with much confidence.


——
@BigJase88 - trim wise predominantly some plastics bubbling near the roof, not particularly impressive on what was once a what, £70k-ish car, but then again the W205 didn’t seem to get great reviews for its build quality, particularly with squeaky interiors etc.

I can deal with the embarrassment asking for a contribution, if the dealer deems the disks in need of replacement, otherwise I’ll simply pay for them when they are due replacement, no big deal.