Check the Tech & Mod forum... plenty of info on better brake pads and all kinds of things.

To answer your question... Some of us switched over to "GreenStuff" pads made by EBC. Really only need to do the fronts as the back are not nearly as bad. EBC pads are $70.00 at tirerack.com. Takes 2-3 days to get them. My dealer installed them for $80.00. They are the same pads used on the MB SLK 320. Highly recommend them.