AMG ceramic brake lifetime?
Discussion
No, this is for real. We're talking about a 1 year old SL 63 AMG with the optional performance package including factory fitted ceramic brakes. Mercedes in Ascot informs that Mercedes UK does not consider the (four) faulty discs under warranty (the car went in for the first service due to its first birthday at less than 10,000 miles of normal road use). Mercedes tells me that such is life and brake discs are not under warranty. Funny thing is that the pads are fine and they are the softer of the two. Obvious to most that the harder part will only be the single failing one if subject to some sort of manufacturing issue. There's no way that I am to blame for damaging four ceramic discs around the Tesco parking lot while the pads are fine!
This is an expensive issue, but that's not an excuse for Mercedes. I have asked Mercedes UK to confirm things in writing as other buyers should know what they are in for if they get AMG ceramic brakes.
This is an expensive issue, but that's not an excuse for Mercedes. I have asked Mercedes UK to confirm things in writing as other buyers should know what they are in for if they get AMG ceramic brakes.
Hi, and thanks for all the input. Very kind, everyone.
I made contact directly with AMG in Germany and have sent them pictures for their expert evaluation of what this really is about and what should be done. With the number of high end cars being fitted with ceramic brakes as standard, issues such as mine are to be solved immediately under warranty or buyers should stay away from the ceramics. Doing the school run and occasional visit to Tesco should not wear out AMG ceramics in less than a year.
Quite sure that the sales guys in the dealership will not inform customers that expected lifetime is less than a year and less than 10,000 miles, as I was told a bit too late.
I made contact directly with AMG in Germany and have sent them pictures for their expert evaluation of what this really is about and what should be done. With the number of high end cars being fitted with ceramic brakes as standard, issues such as mine are to be solved immediately under warranty or buyers should stay away from the ceramics. Doing the school run and occasional visit to Tesco should not wear out AMG ceramics in less than a year.
Quite sure that the sales guys in the dealership will not inform customers that expected lifetime is less than a year and less than 10,000 miles, as I was told a bit too late.
And here's the end of the story: AMG has confirmed that the discs are actually not damaged; it's just surface mosaic patterns that are normal. That just saved me 8,000 pounds. I was not keen on ceramic brakes in the first place - this has not improved the experience. The lesson learned is that Mercedes will turn away from the warranty if the parts involved are within the definition of "wear parts", completely ignoring that wear parts may indeed be faulty as any other part may. Next time you buy a car with ceramics, ask to have confirmed that they won't brake for many years. The car sales guys will of course have to confirm this and you're much better off against the warranty department next year if things go bad.
Thanks for all the input.
Thanks for all the input.
Indeed, but MB in Ascot could not care less. They said "sorry, what more do you want?" They did not acknowledge the key point being that they had refused to consider faulty ceramic discs as a warranty issue after just a year on the road.
It is important for buyers to be aware that MB will not help with any issues regarding faulty ceramic brakes, which is obviously wrong as all parts are under warranty, regardless whether MB describes them as wear parts or not. My recent experience with Porsche and Mclaren is miles ahead of this circus.
It is important for buyers to be aware that MB will not help with any issues regarding faulty ceramic brakes, which is obviously wrong as all parts are under warranty, regardless whether MB describes them as wear parts or not. My recent experience with Porsche and Mclaren is miles ahead of this circus.
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