What is the reason behind the exorbitant prices set by MB major dealers for brake pads and discs?

[maryem]

I purchased a brand new 250d GLE in April 2016. It represented an improvement over my previous C class car, which had a value of 180k. Mers


In around 2014, I distinctly remember paying MB 250 for the replacement of brake pads and discs for the front of my vehicle, and I found the cost to be acceptable. I did not seek other quotations while I was occupied, so preoccupied.

Transitioning to the current month, I took my vehicle in for a service, which cost around 350 pounds for an A service. This expenditure is reasonable considering that I want their breakdown protection for further assurance, and the car has a full service history by Mercedes-Benz.

I was aware that the rear brake pads were wearing down to around 3mm, as indicated by a warning light that appeared recently. Consequently, I promptly scheduled an appointment with a quick fit service for the following week. Since the warning light for the brake pads illuminated, I have driven the vehicle for approximately 160 miles.

Yesterday, I received advice to replace the rear brake pads due to the presence of a lip on the discs. Despite having driven the vehicle for 21,000 miles as a cautious driver, it was determined that both the pads and discs should be replaced. Although I did not voice my thoughts, I found it rather amusing that such action was deemed necessary for a lip measuring less than half a millimetre.

In any case, the cost for rear brake pads is 387, while the cost for both brake pads and discs is 655.

The front brake pads cost 485 units, while both the brake pads and discs cost 840 units.

I was perplexed and taken aback, expressing my astonishment inside without uttering any profanity.

While browsing the 'suspension and brakes topic, I came across a post by a user discussing his vintage SL AMG. According to the post, the cost of the front pads and discs was 2300, while the rear set was priced at 25000.

Indeed, when purchasing a Mercedes, one should anticipate paying elevated rates. However, when it comes to brake pads and discs, why do they impose such exorbitant charges, apart from the fact that some of us, including myself, have succumbed to this in the past?


I believe the rear brake pads for my GLE may be quickly installed at a cost ranging from 210 to 250, whereas an independent mechanic estimated a price of 280.

Brembo or Bosch brake pads may be purchased for £68 at ECP, and they are available at even lower prices online. The wear sensor for these pads costs around £7. Prior to replacing the rear pads, it is necessary to make adjustments to the settings via the dashboard, since it is connected to the electronic handbrake. However, I am curious about the pricing of MB. (Changing rear pads is the dashboard always conslted set up to replace rear pads or does MB use their computers to handle the pre-change build up etc?

Is it a very time-consuming task, and so on?



Until around 25 years ago, I myself replaced the pads.

[Sophia_Williams99]

The Mintex brake pads for my car are priced at £33 on eBay. The same price applies to the Mintex pads for my wife's B200, which has an electronic braking system. I was not aware of any specific settings that need to be reset after installing these pads. It is possible that such settings are only applicable to newer vehicles. Recently replaced the brake pads on both rear wheels.

[john_smith]

That is a really advantageous deal.

[n1mrod]

Undoubtedly, there will be a certain amount of additional cost applied to the components (most likely genuine MB parts with no reduction granted). However, a significant portion of the overall price will be attributed to the cost of work.

If you want to economise, get the components (authentic MB) from a merchant that provides a reduced price.

If you wish to save labour costs, you have the option to use the services of any nearby automotive repair shop for the fitting process.

Alternatively, would purchasing original equipment (OE) components result in further savings?

Historically, this has consistently been the situation when it comes to owning automobiles such as MB. Specifically, the work costs charged by authorised dealerships tend to be exorbitantly costly.

[n1mrod]

The Peugeot 166 is equipped with an electronic handbrake. Before doing any brake-related repair, it is necessary to set the handbrake in a service position to release it.

[sherlockHOME]

MB FSH is acceptable and may be included in a Service Care Plan. However, for any non-routine maintenance tasks, it is advisable to establish a connection with a trustworthy independent professional in your local area.

[maryem]

Thank you, I am aware of it and perhaps they are as well.

The labour rates for MB (Mercedes-Benz) in London are around £210 per hour. Charging over $400 for rear brake pads is absurd.
Although I lack expertise in mechanics, if I were provided with their equipment and ramps, I estimate that I could do the task in under an hour.

I will provide an update on my experience after the pads have been completed and the amount I paid has been determined - hopefully.

[n1mrod]

Is the cost of £387 inclusive of both the purchase and installation of the brake pads?

The task requires 30 minutes for each side. It involves retrieving the vehicle from the parking park, transferring it to the workshop, locating the locking wheel key, removing the wheel, dismantling it, cleaning all the components, and then reassembling everything.

Record the tasks, activities, or projects, etc.

A small assortment of miscellaneous products - such as wear sensors and brake cleaner.

What is the price of the pads from MB? For my 166 (which I must admit is an AMG), the cost of a set is over £200.

The cost accumulates rapidly at the dealership.

[sherlockHOME]

Presumably, a portion of the labour cost they are asking is allocated to pay the expenses associated with purchasing, maintaining, and occasionally replacing the equipment and ramps.

I have no objection to it. By the way, it is only fair for them to prioritise their own interests, while I will prioritise mine.

[85KillallRU]

Firstly, the extent of the situation you are referring to is contingent upon your definition of "so much".
Anticipation. Even after successfully completing a task, if an unrelated issue arises, customers typically anticipate the firm to bear the cost, and a certain degree of this is taken into account.
3. Avarice. Because they have the ability to do so.
4. Lack of integrity. From the customer's perspective. Although it may not directly pertain to your unique situation, I recall a period from my youth when the significant other of a group member would purchase clothing, wear them on a few occasions, intentionally remove a button or similar item, and then return the garments to get a refund. The item was either discarded or discounted.
5. Taxation. Upon starting my firm, I received advice to allocate fifty percent of my earnings for tax purposes, a recommendation I will never disregard. 50%! It seems that my previous statement was rather accurate.
6. Employees. We often have expectations that exceed our actual value. Utilise their resources, such as pencils, paper, and computers, to which we do not have rightful access. Keep the lights turned on. Keep doors and windows unsealed. Drive without any concerns, since the automobile does not belong to us. etc etc.

This list is not exhaustive. However, this is only a glimpse of the factors that contribute to determining the price.