DIY: How to Replace S500 Brake Pads

1. Loosen the lug nuts with the lug nut wrench. Do not remove them completely. Place the jack under the front or rear end of your Mercedes, depending on which end you are starting with. Make sure the jack is under the center of the frame so that you can jack up both tires on each side. Jack up the car enough so the tires are off the ground.
2. Slide the jack stands under each side next to the tires, under the frame. Lower the car enough so it sets on the stands. Remove the lug nuts of one wheel and pull the wheel off the axle. Locate the rotor, brake pads, and calipers.
3. Remove the bolts from the calipers with the wrench. Gently set down the calipers since they are connected to the brake lines. You do not want to damage those in the process. Put on the gloves and mask to avoid exposure to the brake pad dust.
4. Carefully remove the old brake pads. Apply the C-clamp to retract the brake piston. This will reset the brake system since new pads are being installed. Carefully put the new pads in place and remove the C-clamp. Bolt the calipers back in place on the new brake pads.
5. Slide the wheel back onto the axle and replace the lug nuts. Do the same process on the other side to replace the pads. Jack the car up and pull out the jack stands, then release the jack.
6. Jack the other end of your S500 up and repeat the same steps to replace the brake pads. Fully tighten the lug nuts with the lug nut wrench once all four tires are on the ground to secure them in place. They should not be able to be loosened by hand.