My first and last Mercedes, probably..!!

[Ducklakeview]

Are pads normally 8mm? Thought they would be thicker than that.

They have got me by the balls here. As part of the lease agreement, the car has to be serviced by a main dealer... I am going to go to the ombudsman and see where I get with it. Looks like I will be going back to Volvo or Audi after this as £1500 in servicing for 32k miles is a rip off in anyone's book.

8-9mm for the friction material is around the norm for fronts (excluding the backing plate)

Mike

Wow. The pads must be harder than Chinese Algebra....

Or the discs softer than my Rottweiler?

Mike

[Wondermike]

As part of the lease agreement, the car has to be serviced by a main dealer...

Glad you checked that, I was going to say that the ‘anyone can service as long as they use genuine parts’ really only applies to purchases, and the lease cars are almost always main dealer only for servicing.

[Hilly30si]

It’s one reason I would never have another Merc on Contract or lease, they tried to cane me on my E Class. I had to have it serviced twice on a 24 month contract cost £1250.00. You just wait for the inspection when you hand it back.

[Ducklakeview]

It’s one reason I would never have another Merc on Contract or lease, they tried to cane me on my E Class. You just wait for the inspection when you hand it back

I remember those "pre-handback" inspections when I used to lease cars... EVERY little mark, scuff and detail was documented - It amazed me how our interpretations of "fair wear and tear" differed wildly...

No more lease cars for me these days..

Mike

[Hilly30si]

If it’s a Mercedes direct lease their hand back is anal, a driver comes to pick it up, then he waits for a agency guy to give it the once over. I met him with the card they sent you use to measure what size dink scuff etc, there was no way he was going to screw me. I never had a problem with Audi or VW

[Havard]

Yep. I have been warned about the inspection.

They won't be getting an inch out of me as they have already upset me with their antics. They can sue me as I have to pass the invoice at work too. I have never, ever heard of a car needing discs at such a low mileage. Looks like I'll be going to Audi or Volvo next time.

H.

[Mr Tidy]

That's disappointing OP.

When I sold my 123d at 81K miles it was on original pads and discs all round - but then it was a BMW!

You say the pads must be hard, but it could be the discs are soft - either way good luck getting it sorted.

[R60BBA]

Have you changed the front pads since ownernship?

No. Preston Mercedes tried to convince me that they must have been done on the first service if the discs are in this condition. I checked all the paperwork and they weren't done or even an advisory. I just paid for a basic service without any extras.

H.

They can’t argue that if there is no paperwork to support their claim.

From what you’ve said it’s probably one of the following:

1. Flat pads on uneven discs which cause hotspots when braking resulting in warping.
2. Pads were not bedded in properly.
3. Using the brake pedal at traffic lights and on hills instead of using the handbrake.

It is an interesting one as usually the pads go before the disc. But tbh, you’ve gotten 30,000 miles out of the car without changing the pads which is quite good imho.

Also, I know your car is on lease but I’m pretty sure you could take it to an indy and get a full set of OEM pads/discs and a fluid change for less than £800.

As long as you return the car in order how would they know?

[Lazza]

As part of the lease agreement, the car has to be serviced by a main dealer...

Glad you checked that, I was going to say that the ‘anyone can service as long as they use genuine parts’ really only applies to purchases, and the lease cars are almost always main dealer only for servicing.

Do brakes come under servicing? I would have thought they would be classed as consumables the same way as tyres. You aren't expected to go to a main dealer for those.

[Havard]

Have you changed the front pads since ownernship?

No. Preston Mercedes tried to convince me that they must have been done on the first service if the discs are in this condition. I checked all the paperwork and they weren't done or even an advisory. I just paid for a basic service without any extras.

H.

They can’t argue that if there is no paperwork to support their claim.

From what you’ve said it’s probably one of the following:

1. Flat pads on uneven discs which cause hotspots when braking resulting in warping.
2. Pads were not bedded in properly.
3. Using the brake pedal at traffic lights and on hills instead of using the handbrake.

It is an interesting one as usually the pads go before the disc. But tbh, you’ve gotten 30,000 miles out of the car without changing the pads which is quite good imho.

Also, I know your car is on lease but I’m pretty sure you could take it to an indy and get a full set of OEM pads/discs and a fluid change for less than £800.

As long as you return the car in order how would they know?

I am not sure if it is all logged on a central system. I hold the brake when stopped and very seldom use the handbrake, I don't see how this can casue problems if I am not moving. Also, I have driven all my cars like this for 26 years.

At 16k miles, the front discs were 25%, rears were 15% worn. Suddenly in the last 16k miles the wear has been accelerated.

I have learned my lesson with these guys and considering the potential purchases that I would make over the next few years, I wouldn't give Mercedes the time of day. Bolton have offered to have a look at the car for a second opinion but I know the discs are worn, you can tell but the question is why?

H.

[Angelus666]

Bugger that for a lease car....ebay is your friend here

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MERCEDES-C22 ... SwiYlaDHgi

[Hilly30si]

On my contract hire small print it said Service must be carried out at a Mercedes main dealer. It also stated that any service due before the end of the contract term must be carried out, so on a two year deal it would have to have two visits, if it was and 18 month deal then one visit would suffice.

[Havard]

I think I am stuffed as far as having work done anywhere else. At £497.00 to have two brake discs fitted, these guys know how to bill and don't even seem concerned that a customer is upset or the argument doesn't add up. At £1500 for two services on a car that is 21 months old, I think it is up there with Aston and Porsche prices.

H.

[Angelus666]

You can get the discs changed anywhere, even do them yourself....how will the leasing firm know they've been done elsewhere?

[Wondermike]

As part of the lease agreement, the car has to be serviced by a main dealer...

Glad you checked that, I was going to say that the ‘anyone can service as long as they use genuine parts’ really only applies to purchases, and the lease cars are almost always main dealer only for servicing.

Do brakes come under servicing? I would have thought they would be classed as consumables the same way as tyres. You aren't expected to go to a main dealer for those.

I don’t have a copy now, I thought my leases covered everything, including tyre choice - no budget tyres. Good point though, I can’t remember.

On my contract hire small print it said Service must be carried out at a Mercedes main dealer. It also stated that any service due before the end of the contract term must be carried out, so on a two year deal it would have to have two visits, if it was and 18 month deal then one visit would suffice.

The way around that is to have the first service 2-3 weeks late, so the second one isn’t quite due when they come to collect it. I got caught first time around but did the above next time and it was fine.