jblz

I just bought a 2012 C63 as a new daily driver and I'm curious as to whether the OEM brake fluid will hold up to track duty?


I know it's a DOT4 fluid but the car is heavy and would just like some assurances from anyone who knows for sure or has done some track days with the C63's.


Thanks.


(Loving the car so far btw)

BLKROKT

It's fine for stock brakes stock car abilities. Just make sure it's fresh, and flush it after the track day.

jblz

Thanks. My car is stock and by and large I plan to keep it that way. The motul 600/660 is just too aggressive for a daily and doesn't have the longevity that an OEM fluid has so I was hoping to avoid having to swap that out. Thanks again.

larrypmyers

Before tracking the car, two tasks I accomplish without fail, are alignment and bleeding the brakes.

You get a real sinking feeling when, at 150 mph, you're in the braking zone approaching a 50 mph turn and the brake pedal is on the floor.

chrisridebike8

^^^and an oil change before and after.

jblz

Thanks and good looking out. I've been racing for about 6/7 years now and just sold my third racecar, so I'm familiar with the tracky stuff. The 63 is my new daily, so I'm just going to see what it's like for a few laps. Mostly just looking forward to hearing that exhaust at WOT for longer than a couple seconds.

604 C63

Pretty much much what BLKROKT says goes for all aspects of this car.

If you are fairly stock power-wise, anything OEM can withstand a day at the track, and odds are you wont have any issues with heat/limp mode like some cars (yes, I AM looking at you Nissan GT-R). Can it be dialled up? Of course, but for the occasional day at the track then factory stock works pretty darn well. On the off chance you do have any heat issues, now or in summer, aside from the usual tricks consider popping your grill out. Super quick and easy, and seems to make just enough difference.

betrezra

stock fluid OK.... like others say.... be sure it's FRESH!
There was a SL55 out last time @ COTA.... brake pedal to the FLOOR from cooking his brakes. No good for lap times.

Enjoy... if you go to a track you will be among a very few who actually drive these cars in a performance environment VS the playa stance at starbucks ( which is cool too ).

jblz

Thanks all. For the sake of light-hearted conversation, I have to disagree with the notion that all OEM is up for track duty. I have tracked a 991 and that OEM fluid held up well. That's actually what got me thinking that the AMG OEM fluid may be similar. I appreciate all the insight here! I'm going to stick with the OEM stuff so thanks again for the guidance.

I will get this thing out to the track from periodically, but it's going to remain a daily for me. As far as I can see...it's the perfect daily driver.

Diabolis

In terms of dry boiling point, the MB OEM fluid is on par with ATE Typ 200 / Super Blue, but it's better when wet (i.e. used), it's less hygroscopic, and has the right viscosity for the MB ABS system (all other "performance" brake fluids that I know of are more viscous). If it gives you any comfort, I have cooked the OEM brake pads and even warped OEM P31 rotors, but I have never boiled fresh MB brake fluid doing 1.5 hour sessions (with a very quick refuelling pit stop) around a very fast and flowing track.

If you want "the absolute highest boiling point at any cost" brake fluid, get Castrol SRF, but unless you're participating in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with your C63, IMHO it's a waste of money for your particular application. Like everyone else said, just make sure it's fresh (changed within a month or so before your track day).

Diabolis

+1 on this... and don't overfill as the oil will foam up if the level is high enough for the crank to actually beat on it in the sump at 6K RPM (seeing as during track use it will slosh around a lot more than normal and also pool on one side during cornering etc.). I'm told that for track use in the M156 you ideally want the oil about halfway between the min and max marks on the dipstick. Check and top up if needed between sessions instead of starting at the max level.