MBWorld.org Forums

Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Brake Pad Reviews

Brake pads are obviously an important component, especially for your Mercedes-Benz E-Class. But with so many choices of aftermarket brake pads, how can you distinguish the good from the not so good? Here is a compiled guide to help you make an informed decision.

By Jerry Perez - May 28, 2015

This article applies to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class w211/w212 (2002-Present).

Brake pads are those liners that are housed inside the brake caliper of each wheel, and the braking system uses strong hydraulic pressure to grip the pads onto the brake rotor to slow down the car. You probably already know this. Needless to say, without them you may go fast, but you won't be slowing down anytime soon. As different companies on the market offer high quality aftermarket brake pads for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, every set of brake pads may have different qualities that offer a better fit for your lifestyle or driving habits. In this article you will read the review on some of the top aftermarket brake pad brands for the w211 and w212 E-Class.

Brake Pads
Akebono EURO Ultra Premium
EBC Red Stuff
Centric Posi-Quiet
Price (per pair)
 $70 $120 $35
Material
 Ceramic Ceramic Metallic and Ceramic
Brake Life

30,000 to 40,000 miles

15,000 to 25,000 miles

40,000 to 50,000 miles
Bite
 Medium Strong Soft
Warranty

None

6 months or 10,000 miles

90 days or 3,000 miles
Best Quality: EBC

Best Value: Centric

Akebono EURO Ultra Premium Brake Pads

Price – $70 per pair

Material – Ceramic

Brake Life – 30,000 to 40,000 miles

Bite – Medium

Warranty – None

The Akebono EURO Ultra Premium brake pads is top choice among E-Class drivers. Well known for all of their high quality brake system components, Akebono's brake pads are the standard for more than fifteen automotive manufacturers around the world. Although the exact chemical mixture that makes up the brake pads is a trade secret, EURO Ultra Premium pads have more ceramic coatings than comparable models of competing brands. These pads also have carbon material, which produces less brake dust, makes less noise, and operates well under a wider range of temperatures. Recommended for versatile applications and high-end reputation.

EBC Red Stuff Brake Pads

Price – $120 per pair

Material – Ceramic

Brake Lift – 15,000 to 25,000 miles

Bite – Strong

Warranty – 6 months or 10,000 miles

Generally, most EBC brake pads are favored by the majority of motorsport enthusiasts around the world. Although the EBC Red Stuff brake pads are the priciest, with other models ranging from $70 to $200, their secret mixture of ceramic compounds are what sets them apart from the rest. Red Stuff pads produce low brake dust, and provide stopping power that brings ultimate performance to the street or track. Recommended for highest quality and performance.

Centric Posi-Quiet Brake Pads

Price – $35 per pair

Material – Metallic and Ceramic

Brake Lift – 40,000 to 50,000 miles

Bite – Soft

Warranty – 90 days or 3,000 miles

Of the brake pads listed, Centric's Posi-Quiet pads are by far the most reliable. Centric products also serve as part of the stock braking system for several manufacturers, which means they lean toward every day street use rather than on the track performance. Most Centric brake pads are made from a metallic compound of bronze, steel, and carbon. Not only do they have a long brake life, but brake noise is also reduced and there is a considerably low amount of brake dust. Recommended for long brake life, price, and reliability.

Related Discussions and Site