Should Brake Pads be worn out after 8k miles

[MercedesNewbie]

Hi,

I have a 2022 C300 which was bought from new last September.
When I had a vehicle health check done in December, the front brake pads still had 14mm on them.

However in the past month the brake pad warning appeared, and having done another vehicle health check done, Mercedes have advised they are 92 percent worn and only 2 mm left!
They tried to tell me this could happen, but them being worn out that much with just 8k miles done - is that normal?

Anything I could say to argue this and avoid a £300 bill - obviously they need to be replaced, but doesnt feel right to be worn out after 8k miles

welcome any views

 

[Teego]

All 'pends on your driving style. Take it to a fast fit like Formula 1 Autocentres. They'll do a free brake check. 2nd opinion is always good.

 

[AMGeed]

Welcome to the forum
8k miles on a 2022 model does appear an unusually short period of both time and miles to wear them enough that they need replacing.
If the warning light has appeared and Mercedes have checked they are down to 2mm, then they do have to be replaced. I would be asking how on earth, under normal use they have worn out in 9 months!

Unfortunately, brake pads (and discs) are wear and tear items and I don't see Mercedes agreeing to drop the charge for replacing them.
In your position, I'd take the car to a Mercedes specialist (MSL Performance in Armoury Road Small Heath) and have them fit new pads. The cost will be far less than the main dealers.

 

[MercedesNewbie]

Thanks for the comments.

Agree - main thing is that they need to be replaced regardless....... and although the wear looks very unusual, I cant see Merc backing down on paying the charges.

On the suggestion to get the brake pads fitted by a specialist - although that would be cheaper, do you think its best to stick with Mercedes for now?
Im just wondering that if there is some underlying reason that the brake pads have been worn so much, then I could ask them to look at that when replacing the brake pads, or even if it gets spotted later, that will support me asking them to look at that under warranty?

Im also thinking if the 2nd brake pads also get worn out super fast (and I do replace them from Mercedes), then that strenghtens my argument in a few months to say something isnt right here, u guys need to do a have a proper look given car is under warranty? That might not work if I get brake pads replaced from external specialist?

welcome views...

 

[W1ghty]

What’s the cost difference, MSL vs MB ?
Are both sets of front pads worn equally ? (On both sides as well as inside vs outside pads )

 

[190]

For me it would not be at all normal to wear pads out that quick. I have front pads that are not worn out after 30K and would be quite unhappy for pads too last only 8K. I don't doubt it's possible to wear them out in 8k but If you haven't been hard on the brakes I would be very suspicious. of what MB has told you.

I think the real madness is MB charging £300 to replace them. It's such a simple job that any garage should be capable of replacing them for half that or less. I don't see why a none scheduled item should impact on the full service history so it wouldn't bother me to go else where. I would in any case avoid MB pads as they create too much dust.

 

[Skd884]

Why did you have a health check on a four month old car?

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

No sense in using a main dealer to replace pads. It's too easy a job.

A brake specialist or MB Indy would be fine. (Obviously not Halfords) This isn't a "Service History" critical job.

Unless you drive on your brakes - which some do - that measurement sounds suspicious.

How's the tread on your tyres? If you normally brake hard, you'll have left a lot of rubber on the road.

 

[MCFastybloke]

Im just wondering that if there is some underlying reason that the brake pads have been worn so much,

Excessive use of footbrake

 

[davymead]

They tried to tell me this could happen, but them being worn out that much with just 8k miles done - is that normal?

Impossible if I was driving
More than possible if the Missus was driving

 

[MercedesNewbie]

Hey all,

Sorry didnt keep up with all the responses but thanks anyway....... So an update...

As you know the MB dealership local to me, said the brake pads were down to 2mm (only done 8k miles) - and gave me an invoice to replace for £300. Luckily I didnt do it there and then as the brake pads were out of stock.
The next appointment they offered was 4 weeks away, so I got an appointment at a MB dealership a bit further to me a lot sooner.

Crazily enough - that dealership looked into it, and said nothing wrong with the brakepads - and there was still 10mm left on them!!!!!
They said the issue was that one of the sensors was faulty, and they said they would replace that under warranty!!!! Bingo!!!!

So I defo wont be going back to my local dealership for anything - trust factor totally gone!

Thinking about raising some kind of formal complaints - but not sure how far it will get me? worth complaining anyway?

 

[Kudly]

Important lesson here is always get a second opinion. Glad you're sorted.

 

[Smiley]

Another main dealer covering the brand in glory.
If the dealer is prepared to be that dishonest then it makes you wonder if they would have replaced the brake pads or just taken your £300 and replaced the sensor.
I would send a complaint to MB UK and let trading standards know. It's difficult to see how it is not fraudulent if they were so precise to say 2mm of pad left....

 

[Petrol Pete]

I have come to this late . 2mm ???? no chance , unless someone bridged out the sensor the light would have ben on the dash ages ago .

Glad you are sorted out

 

[moj'91]

Glad you found out they were not actually in need of replacement - i was 'advised' the same on my B service last year - when checked, pads had 8mm on them...

Although my W204 C250 used to eat front pads, roughly every 10k mi. - the calipers/pads were far too small for the weight of the car. Swapped 350cdi calipers on - happily got 2 yrs/25k from the front pads with similar driving!

 

[ACID]

What’s the cost difference, MSL vs MB ?
Are both sets of front pads worn equally ? (On both sides as well as inside vs outside pads )

We guarantee to beat the dealers by at least 20%

 

[ray_hennig]

the MB dealership local to me, said the brake pads were down to 2mm (only done 8k miles) - and gave me an invoice to replace for £300.

Name and shame.

R

 

[markjay]

Name and shame.

R

Agreed - their incompetence might have cost the OP £300.

 

[ALFAitalia]

Mercedes have advised they are 92 percent worn and only 2 mm left!

Erm.....thats interesting maths.....so that means they were 25mm thick when new......Dont think so!!!

 

[W1ghty]

Erm.....thats interesting maths.....so that means they were 25mm thick when new......Dont think so!!!

Phew , glad I didn’t have to work that out !