It takes only a few stops for the pads to heat up but yes it takes more pressure when cold. Just a little more, noticeable but not enough to make any changes to the way you brake. The OEM pads are smoother when coming to a complete stop, but once again, only noticeable, not an issue. I don't push my car hard but once I was in some twisties in No. Ca. pushing it hard and the Porterfields didn't even begin to fade. Very solid and no extra pressure required. They are a harder, higher working temperature pad suitable for daily comfort use. WAY less brake dust.....that's why I put them on to begin with.

I guess I haven't gotten a really good guage since I installed them just due to my being conservative about "break-in period". I should be able to get a better judge by this weekend (as 150 miles is coming up close). I wouldn't be surprised if I notice how they feel when my braking style gets back to "normal".

All-in-all, I feel IMO that the Porterfields are better than OEM (combining less brake dust and stopping power).

woah, I don't like the sound of that...

I really could care less about brake dust, I'm more concerned with stopping power.

What are the other options? Anyone try any other pads?

Drex, let us know how they go... Also, how many miles do you have on yours again? I'm getting close to 19k and I'm worried that I may have to change pads soon...

Phil, these are definitely worth it. The braking power is better than OEM once heated up. It's only slightly less pressure when cold, but doesn't mean you can't stop at all.

The important thing with these is that, you have to give any "race" brakes a break-in period, otherwise there is a high risk of warping the rotors.

My mileage is at a little over 19K. Keep in mind, I live in the hills (more braking than normal) and it was only my front pads that were at around 10% when I went in for service B. The rear pads still had 35% life. I just decided to do both axles at once, so I wouldn't have to mess with them later on.

I'd advise you to get AMG calipers with porterfields and drilled slotted rotars, maybe the much larger brakes and the slotted drilled rotars can havve a better stop, besides 01-03 w203s, the brakes are so damm small =T, this way, u get a cleaner look, abt the same stopps and less brake dust, but thats a higher investment, otherwise, just get the BREMBO set...if not, go back with the OEMS and think abt it next time u change brakes

Forgot to update everybody on how the Porterfield brake pads feel.

After passing the break-in period, I've been testing the braking power here and there and I definitely have to say that these pads grip very well. I don't know if I'd go so far that they grip "better" than OEM, but they are on par and maybe a little bit better.

The thing is, I still contend that when they are cold, the breaking power is slightly less than expected. It's not as significant as I thought it was (during the break-in period), but it's just enough for me to notice (i.e. a little more pressure needs to be applied when cold). It definitely won't make you have to adjust your breaking style at all (regardless of a cold or warm run).

If you take that and then also the consideration of much less brake dust, I'd give these an A- (minus is just because I was expecting a bigger jump from OEM, but it wasn't as big as I thought in terms of stopping power). I'll still take these over OEM pads, but this also tells me that the OEM pads are pretty darn good. Remember, I have the AMG front brakes (stock on my car), so I can't say it would be the same for non-AMG brakes.

I just changed my pads 4 days ago. I am running on Mintex pads. So far so good, no squeaking and braking performance feels same as OEM. As for brake dust it is too soon to tell, however I have heard Mintex has very little brake dust. Mintex, Pagid, and Textar are all the same I hear.

Some good information on brakes at this site. Consistent with what I've read elsewhere and easy to digest. But unless you race, carry or pull heavy loads, or are able to push your car to the limits in legal driving, fancy brakes are only good for looks.

http://www.stoptech.com/technical/

I'm noticing some squeeqing when I brake and the brake discs look like they are scratched and I still have plenty of pad (stock ones) to wear (only 15000miles)

i think thats normal? i got 27k on my 05 c230k SS mine look just like that and have plenty of pad left also. i think the all 05 brakes had a squishly feeling to them.. i drove a 03 loaner once and the brakes felt solid.

[QUOTE=gaiex]squeeqing and the brake discs look like they are scratched QUOTE]

Normal, and normal.

My stock Lucas pads started to squeek at half wear. Changed them out at 32,000 miles. A lot of members say this about their standard pads. So it's nothing to worry about, unless you can't stand the noise.

Mine has only 9K and the rear right brake is making noise also.

maybe if u clean the rims it wont look like u need new pads (which u dont)

Its rainning a lot here, so... :p

lolz, still.. u should jus give it a quick rub with a cloth
hehe!

Ok, sorry, maybe next time

Does anyone here know the cheapest source for porterfield brake pads? Thanks

Look for places that don't sell stuff for German cars and you'll be better off. I got mine from a place that sells stuff to ricers and it was about 30% cheaper than other places. It was 4 years ago so I don't remember the place but look around, you'll find something. Also consider the MB low dust pads, they work about the same for me as the Porterfields.

I agree with Buellwinkle. If the OEM low dust pads are cheaper, go with those. I can't notice that much a of stopping power difference with the Porterfields. Check with FrankW (Are you still a sponsor, Frank?) or one of these sponsors that I had mentioned to you:
https://mbworld.org/forums/adindex.php

I emailed frank and he never got back to me so I assume he's out of the business? Anyone else?

I'm also looking, so if anyone knows please post back or PM me.

Thanks!

Haven't heard of these. What's the trade off? Any part number or description reference?

I have MB "low dust" and the produce a lot of dust !!!

I have the C32 brake setup on front.

I also want to swap to portfields.

Best Regards.

I have always bought direct! I have not been able to get them cheaper then direct.
http://www.porterfield-brakes.com/pads.html

Mike