This E550 is a kind of stupid hybrid of a typical E class body with S class almost AMG engine and weak S class brake considering its heavy weight and strong engine power. The AMG class strong engine but heavy body causes the weak brake to consume fast and juddering. This happens to almost all E550. Mercedes should have equipped with a very strong AMG brake but they installed a normal brake that weak brake pad cannot handle the power and weight, which causes juddering with irregular film transferring on the rotor.

After 46,000 miles, my brake pad is 50% consumed but the rotor itself is almost as new. That much brake pad material is weak!

I heard MB changed the brake pad material from 2017 FINALLY! However, MB does not replace the new material pad only because it is not included in the warranty, which is stupid because the brake juddering is their fault from the beginning.

If (when) juddering happens, there is an easy solution, unless you want a strong aftermarket brake.

Find a long, safe, and straight road without a cop. Hit the brake about the half strength from around 65~70 miles down to 20 miles. Turn around and do this repeatedly 9~10 times before brake becomes cool down. This repeat will clear the uneven surface of the rotor and transfer an even film on the surface of the rotor.

If you fail to find a safe road without a cop, there is an alternative solution.

When you out of the freeway exit, if the exit is straight and no car is behind, hit the brake from 65~70 miles to stop on half strength. Though less effective than repeatedly braking, still works gradually.

This method helps me reduce juddering a lot. Hope it helps to you.

I already prepared a strong aftermarket brake and rotor. As the rotor is still intact, I will replace the pads only this time and do the braking practice to grind up the wrong film transfer on the rotor and resurface with new even film transfer. As my new brake pad is strong enough, it can resurface the rotor, I expect.