wivenhoe
Active Member
Chris - just very painfully renewed the road tax on my 2018 E350e - 48 emissions but £ 440 for the year - I knew that when I bought it but still painful !!
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Deleted member 126969
Guest
That’s the “luxury car tax” element isn’t it? Ouch. Then again, I pay over £500 a year for the old Jeep. The penalty of a 5.7 V8 I suppose. I do so few miles I barely need a car at all, let alone the 3 we have plus the 4th I’m currently building, so I’m very much in favour of putting VED on the fuel! 
raspy
Active Member
My car had a visual health check at a Merc dealer today. The video they sent shows front brake pads 30% worn, but rear pads are 70% worn. They didn't tell me to change the rear pads, just advisory.
Next service is due in 3 months. I do about 1,000 miles a month urban driving.
Can I get away with changing the rear pads in 3 months at service time or would you recommend I get them done now? Thanks!
Next service is due in 3 months. I do about 1,000 miles a month urban driving.
Can I get away with changing the rear pads in 3 months at service time or would you recommend I get them done now? Thanks!
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Deleted member 126969
Guest
Without knowing some history, it's hard to comment really. How many miles have the pads lasted to date? Does seem odd that the rears are more worn than the fronts too - I'd guess it already had new front ones at some point?
It's unlikely to eat through the last 30% of the pads in 3000 miles though, what with the region helping to provide some retardation as well as the likely forward weight and braking bias.
It's unlikely to eat through the last 30% of the pads in 3000 miles though, what with the region helping to provide some retardation as well as the likely forward weight and braking bias.
raspy
Active Member
@Chris-S Thanks for the guidance. I just tried to check the digital service book online but it's not loading, so can't comment on the history of the previous pad replacement. I bought the car about 9 months ago, and it had 27k. The MB dealer gave it a service before I picked it up. I've done about 10k since then, mostly in London traffic. I use the brakes very lightly as I keep plenty of distance and try to anticipate the traffic. I've heard some main dealers (of all brands) push to replace pads when 30-40% is left, these guys didn't. Out of curiosity, I asked for a quote for rear brake pads, and they mentioned around £230. I assumed that the C350e might be like Prius hybrids as I know of owners with 100k and they are still on the original pads as the pads hardly get used. Prius is lighter and has more regen, so maybe that's why.
I wonder what the 0-60 time is of the C350e using only the electric motor? It must be at least 15 seconds...
The regen should deliver approximately this amount of retardation, so gentle braking will result in very little brake wear. Heavy braking will use very little regen, because the friction brakes can probably deliver three or more times as much braking force. I guess driving style could be the difference between almost zero brake wear and more brake wear than you’d get from a car that wasn’t lugging a heavy battery around. Maybe the previous owner stood on the brakes all the time?
The regen should deliver approximately this amount of retardation, so gentle braking will result in very little brake wear. Heavy braking will use very little regen, because the friction brakes can probably deliver three or more times as much braking force. I guess driving style could be the difference between almost zero brake wear and more brake wear than you’d get from a car that wasn’t lugging a heavy battery around. Maybe the previous owner stood on the brakes all the time?
raspy
Active Member
So the reason why my car was at the dealer today was because my engine management light came on the weekend.
I phoned MB roadside assistance, who were super friendly and gave me some brilliant advice. They said don't call the dealer (as the dealer will just book it in for a week later). They said, just drive up to your local dealer, tell them the light is on, and ask them to look at it as soon as possible. If they are super busy, they will call us and arrange a hire car to keep you mobile.
Anyway, that's what I did, and about 1 hour after leaving my car at the dealer, Europcar gave me a brand new C200 Sport (more about that in another post, as some interesting comparisons with my C350e in terms of fuel economy)
Late afternoon, I got a call from the dealer. They said the reason for the engine management light was that it needed a "software update" - no charge as it's all under warranty. You can pick up the car tomorrow.
A couple of thoughts. Since the car is connected to the internet, and knows it needs a software update, why not just display that on the main screen (and on my phone via the Mercedes Me app), in plain english. An engine management light could be anything.
Given that Tesla do over the air updates for their cars (so you don't need to visit a dealer to do it), this should become the norm for all cars, don't you think? I believe BMW are moving in this direction, but still clunky compared to Tesla, as you first download the update to your phone and then transfer the update from your phone to the car.
I am curious what the software update relates to, I will ask when I pick my car up. Overall though, quite a seamless experience today given I dealt with MB Roadside Assistance, MB dealer and Europcar.
I phoned MB roadside assistance, who were super friendly and gave me some brilliant advice. They said don't call the dealer (as the dealer will just book it in for a week later). They said, just drive up to your local dealer, tell them the light is on, and ask them to look at it as soon as possible. If they are super busy, they will call us and arrange a hire car to keep you mobile.
Anyway, that's what I did, and about 1 hour after leaving my car at the dealer, Europcar gave me a brand new C200 Sport (more about that in another post, as some interesting comparisons with my C350e in terms of fuel economy)
Late afternoon, I got a call from the dealer. They said the reason for the engine management light was that it needed a "software update" - no charge as it's all under warranty. You can pick up the car tomorrow.
A couple of thoughts. Since the car is connected to the internet, and knows it needs a software update, why not just display that on the main screen (and on my phone via the Mercedes Me app), in plain english. An engine management light could be anything.
Given that Tesla do over the air updates for their cars (so you don't need to visit a dealer to do it), this should become the norm for all cars, don't you think? I believe BMW are moving in this direction, but still clunky compared to Tesla, as you first download the update to your phone and then transfer the update from your phone to the car.
I am curious what the software update relates to, I will ask when I pick my car up. Overall though, quite a seamless experience today given I dealt with MB Roadside Assistance, MB dealer and Europcar.
raspy
Active Member
Given the replacement car was a C200 Sport with 2k miles and has a 1.5 litre turbo with mild hybrid with just 184bhp/221lb ft and a 9 speed gearbox and no heavy batteries in the boot to lug around, I thought it would use much less fuel than my C350e, I was wrong.
On a mix of 30/40 roads outside of rush hour in Eco mode, I got 38.1 mpg. With my C350e, that route would return me around 35mpg.
The return journey, where I got stuck in some traffic, I got 33mpg. The stop/start function was switched on.
In terms of driving, it reminded me of how effortless our cars are to drive. This one felt gutless by comparison. I drive my C350e in Eco virtually all the time, as even in that mode it picks up speed quite easily. Even when I put the C200 in Sport+ mode, it was changing gear at 5k revs, but not really moving down the road with any degree of speed. Maybe they have changed something with the introduction of the 9 speed box, but at roundabouts and junctions, when moving from a standstill, the C200 started in 2nd gear in Eco mode, and even in Comfort mode. It was a surprise the first few times as I tried to move across the roundabouts and I found the car was very sluggish. That's not the case with my C350e, where it starts in 1st gear, even in Eco and I don't even think twice about those situations.
Brakes: Felt so different, more initial bite, probably because no regen.
Engine noise: Louder and more noticeable than the 2 litre lump in our cars.
Ride: Standard suspension, felt lumpy but controlled and smoother over bumps in a way. Definitely not as luxurious feeling like the air suspension on our cars when on smooth highway.
Audio: I took a call over bluetooth and my friend said it sounds less echo-ey than my C350e.
Digital cockpit: Love the main screen, but having the consumption next to the radio info is pretty useless whilst driving, it's just too detailed to glance at. The steering wheel controls from the S-class/E-class are nice. Cruise control buttons are on the steering wheel, better than being at the side.
Seats: Manual seats, bizarrely enough, driver's seat went further back than electric ones in my C350e.
It made me realise how specification of cars makes a huge difference to the driving experience. This was bog standard spec, so gloomy black interior, no pano sunroof, no heads up display, no blind spot monitoring, the list goes on.
I will not take my C350e for granted when I get it back tomorrow!
.
On a mix of 30/40 roads outside of rush hour in Eco mode, I got 38.1 mpg. With my C350e, that route would return me around 35mpg.
The return journey, where I got stuck in some traffic, I got 33mpg. The stop/start function was switched on.
In terms of driving, it reminded me of how effortless our cars are to drive. This one felt gutless by comparison. I drive my C350e in Eco virtually all the time, as even in that mode it picks up speed quite easily. Even when I put the C200 in Sport+ mode, it was changing gear at 5k revs, but not really moving down the road with any degree of speed. Maybe they have changed something with the introduction of the 9 speed box, but at roundabouts and junctions, when moving from a standstill, the C200 started in 2nd gear in Eco mode, and even in Comfort mode. It was a surprise the first few times as I tried to move across the roundabouts and I found the car was very sluggish. That's not the case with my C350e, where it starts in 1st gear, even in Eco and I don't even think twice about those situations.
Brakes: Felt so different, more initial bite, probably because no regen.
Engine noise: Louder and more noticeable than the 2 litre lump in our cars.
Ride: Standard suspension, felt lumpy but controlled and smoother over bumps in a way. Definitely not as luxurious feeling like the air suspension on our cars when on smooth highway.
Audio: I took a call over bluetooth and my friend said it sounds less echo-ey than my C350e.
Digital cockpit: Love the main screen, but having the consumption next to the radio info is pretty useless whilst driving, it's just too detailed to glance at. The steering wheel controls from the S-class/E-class are nice. Cruise control buttons are on the steering wheel, better than being at the side.
Seats: Manual seats, bizarrely enough, driver's seat went further back than electric ones in my C350e.
It made me realise how specification of cars makes a huge difference to the driving experience. This was bog standard spec, so gloomy black interior, no pano sunroof, no heads up display, no blind spot monitoring, the list goes on.
I will not take my C350e for granted when I get it back tomorrow!
.
wivenhoe
Active Member
My E350e updates the software and maps using its SIM so Merc are already there :-
The quality of our multimedia equipment and services has the highest priority. This is why we always keep the software in your car up to date with regular updates via the connect standard function "Software updates".
The updates are conveniently delivered via your car's mobile phone connection and automatically installed. You will receive new functions, further developments and improvements in software quality.This means that your vehicle is always up to date when it comes to multimedia, Infotainment and other vehicle functions – just like your smartphone or computer.
On the Mercedes me Portal you can follow the status of your updates at all times and find out detailed information on new products and features.
raspy
Active Member
wivenhoe
Active Member
The major downside is you lose the facility to have speed cameras displayed in Comand !Cool. Looks like I need to buy a newer Mercedes.
CaptainChaos
MB Enthusiast
I believe many modern cars wear their rear brakes more than the fronts due to:
- electronic handbrakes
- hill start/hold
- stability control
- traction control (on rear wheel drive)
I had the same on a 3 series BMW. 50,000 miles it was still on the original front pads, but the rears had been replaced. There was often more brake dust on the rear wheels than the fronts.
raspy
Active Member
I just spoke with the dealer and they pointed out that what you posted is for certain updates. Some software updates will need the car to be taken into the dealer.
wivenhoe
Active Member
I have the first service on 1st March - be interesting to see if they update anything - my dealer said that all updates came via the sim. Not really concerned as the maps are regularly updated which is important - i’ve Had 6 in 10 months and a massive Linguitronic one.
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Deleted member 126969
Guest
Sadly, if the service rep at my dealer told me the sun was up, I'd want to go and check. Simply don't trust a word they say to me. Like the sales staff, they will say absolutely anything to get you off their back and out the door.
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Deleted member 126969
Guest
I hadn't thought about traction and stability control - very dependent on how one drives/road conditions I guess but that certainly could give the rear brakes a good workout on a RWD car couldn't it.
I can't see an electronic handbrake causing more wear though? - maybe even less given they aren't likely to oblige if one wanted to try doing a handbrake turn
Static clamping doesn't cause wear, and the systems seem to be very well tuned these days so under normal use, I wouldn't expect very much sliding friction movement between disc & pad via use of an electronic handbrake. Better than the average manual handbrake I'd imagine anyway??
CaptainChaos
MB Enthusiast
Chris, the bit I read suggested they can drag on and off, certainly when used as part of a hill hold system.
I suppose an "old fashioned" proper handbrake often had its own set of shoes or even sometimes its own caliper so handbrake turns could be done without worrying.
You also don't get the choice on not using one of these fancy new ones. As my drive is flat I used to park without the handbrake on. I can't in the Merc as it sticks it on whether you want it or not.
I suppose an "old fashioned" proper handbrake often had its own set of shoes or even sometimes its own caliper so handbrake turns could be done without worrying.
You also don't get the choice on not using one of these fancy new ones. As my drive is flat I used to park without the handbrake on. I can't in the Merc as it sticks it on whether you want it or not.
D
Deleted member 126969
Guest
Ah, that’s interesting, I suppose some drag must be inevitable to avoid roll-back. The hold function on the C seems to work well, never get the sense it is dragging at all.
The Jeep handbrake is old-school with separate shoes running in the inside of the ‘hat’ of the rear discs. The last few Alfa’s I had all used combined foot/handbrake calipers as is very common, and they all suffered with issues caused by poor cable routing combined with leaky boots allowing water to enter then stay trapped in the cables. Whenever there was a frost likely, I’d try, but often fail, to remember to leave the handbrake off as it had a bad habit of ending up literally frozen on. Often had to sit with a hairdryer aimed at the cable to thaw them out so I could go to work....
I can’t help but think an electric handbrake is just another case of technology for the sake of it though.
The Jeep handbrake is old-school with separate shoes running in the inside of the ‘hat’ of the rear discs. The last few Alfa’s I had all used combined foot/handbrake calipers as is very common, and they all suffered with issues caused by poor cable routing combined with leaky boots allowing water to enter then stay trapped in the cables. Whenever there was a frost likely, I’d try, but often fail, to remember to leave the handbrake off as it had a bad habit of ending up literally frozen on. Often had to sit with a hairdryer aimed at the cable to thaw them out so I could go to work....
I can’t help but think an electric handbrake is just another case of technology for the sake of it though.
raspy
Active Member
Interesting thread on rear brake pad wear in C class. Some reckon it's because the car is RWD, others think it's the traction control, some think it's because owner uses adaptive cruise, some just think it's brake bias as a design from Merc.
C-class W205 brake pads wear? - Mercedes-Benz - Automotive
C-class W205 brake pads wear? - Mercedes-Benz - Automotive
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Deleted member 126969
Guest
With all the electronics on cars now, it’s way more complicated than it used to be. A simple mechanical system will have a forward bias for two reasons, weight transfer under braking and a desire that the rear never locks up before the front, as this tends to lead to the car swapping ends. For a long time, front pads used to be much thicker than rear ones.
Faced with the evidence, it does seem that rear pads do indeed wear quicker than front ones these days, but I’d suspect it will vary a lot depending on driving style. If you never need the TCS, that would help, although the suggestion that light braking favours the rears so as to avoid chassis dive certainly sounds plausible,so a gentle drive would catch you that way instead. Maybe accelerate gently but stand on the brakes
It would be interesting to see what ‘strategy’ a modern braking system uses. I confess my thinking has been firmly set in the past on this. My excuse is my current project uses simple fixed ratio braking so I’ve had to be thinking about that, rather than all the clever things one can do once you can monitor and control each wheel independently.
Faced with the evidence, it does seem that rear pads do indeed wear quicker than front ones these days, but I’d suspect it will vary a lot depending on driving style. If you never need the TCS, that would help, although the suggestion that light braking favours the rears so as to avoid chassis dive certainly sounds plausible,so a gentle drive would catch you that way instead. Maybe accelerate gently but stand on the brakes
It would be interesting to see what ‘strategy’ a modern braking system uses. I confess my thinking has been firmly set in the past on this. My excuse is my current project uses simple fixed ratio braking so I’ve had to be thinking about that, rather than all the clever things one can do once you can monitor and control each wheel independently.