My new brake upgrades
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 714
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From: CA
C63
My new brake upgrades
Recently, I had the opportunity to purchase some OEM parts at a super deal, so I opted to upgrade my brakes with the CLK63 setup. After the bedding-in process, the brakes feel much better than the old setup plus some lbs were shed in each corner. I also replaced the lines with Goodridge SS for better brake modulation. Here are come pics
Note: I know a few members on this board did the same upgrade and they were able to cleared the brakes with the stock AMG 18's wheels. However, I was not able to clear mine. After double and triple checking the work, I was still rubbing ever so slightly on the top half of the calipers (not the body but the engraved AMG logo ~1mm). The only conclusion I could come up with was either the calipers were made a little thicker, or most likely my PSS9 coilovers made a very slight change in knuckle's angle which caused the calipers rub.
Note: I know a few members on this board did the same upgrade and they were able to cleared the brakes with the stock AMG 18's wheels. However, I was not able to clear mine. After double and triple checking the work, I was still rubbing ever so slightly on the top half of the calipers (not the body but the engraved AMG logo ~1mm). The only conclusion I could come up with was either the calipers were made a little thicker, or most likely my PSS9 coilovers made a very slight change in knuckle's angle which caused the calipers rub.
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C32 AMG
Recently, I had the opportunity to purchase some OEM parts at a super deal, so I opted to upgrade my brakes with the CLK63 setup. After the bedding-in process, the brakes feel much better than the old setup plus some lbs were shed in each corner. I also replaced the lines with Goodridge SS for better brake modulation. Here are come pics
Note: I know a few members on this board did the same upgrade and they were able to cleared the brakes with the stock AMG 18's wheels. However, I was not able to clear mine. After double and triple checking the work, I was still rubbing ever so slightly on the top half of the calipers (not the body but the engraved AMG logo ~1mm). The only conclusion I could come up with was either the calipers were made a little thicker, or most likely my PSS9 coilovers made a very slight change in knuckle's angle which caused the calipers rub.
Note: I know a few members on this board did the same upgrade and they were able to cleared the brakes with the stock AMG 18's wheels. However, I was not able to clear mine. After double and triple checking the work, I was still rubbing ever so slightly on the top half of the calipers (not the body but the engraved AMG logo ~1mm). The only conclusion I could come up with was either the calipers were made a little thicker, or most likely my PSS9 coilovers made a very slight change in knuckle's angle which caused the calipers rub.
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
Recently, I had the opportunity to purchase some OEM parts at a super deal, so I opted to upgrade my brakes with the CLK63 setup. After the bedding-in process, the brakes feel much better than the old setup plus some lbs were shed in each corner. I also replaced the lines with Goodridge SS for better brake modulation. Here are come pics
Note: I know a few members on this board did the same upgrade and they were able to cleared the brakes with the stock AMG 18's wheels. However, I was not able to clear mine. After double and triple checking the work, I was still rubbing ever so slightly on the top half of the calipers (not the body but the engraved AMG logo ~1mm). The only conclusion I could come up with was either the calipers were made a little thicker, or most likely my PSS9 coilovers made a very slight change in knuckle's angle which caused the calipers rub.
Note: I know a few members on this board did the same upgrade and they were able to cleared the brakes with the stock AMG 18's wheels. However, I was not able to clear mine. After double and triple checking the work, I was still rubbing ever so slightly on the top half of the calipers (not the body but the engraved AMG logo ~1mm). The only conclusion I could come up with was either the calipers were made a little thicker, or most likely my PSS9 coilovers made a very slight change in knuckle's angle which caused the calipers rub.
congratsit is possible.
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From: Chicago
2025 AMG E 53; 2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2003 360 Modena
Well done. I agree the clearance of the fronts is scary close. How did you handle the rear backing plates? Do the brake lines make a noticeable difference?
The braking performance is simply incredible. The car is literally over-braked to the point that you have to worry about drivers behind you. It's as if a parachute is being deployed.
The braking performance is simply incredible. The car is literally over-braked to the point that you have to worry about drivers behind you. It's as if a parachute is being deployed.
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Los Angeles, CA
'05 C55 AMG
beautiful...might i ask which shop you used? i'm also in the bay area and looking to get some brake work done soon. nothing as fancy as you 
, just replace pad, rotors, install ss brake lines, and do a brake fluid flush.
, just replace pad, rotors, install ss brake lines, and do a brake fluid flush.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 714
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From: CA
C63
Thanks for the comments guys.
kjb55, bascially the shop trimmed the dust shield to where the calipers and rotors would cleared. The SS lines provides somewhat of a firmer feel but you won't notice much difference for city driving (but since I'm there might as well do it
). I also flushed the whole system and replaced it with Motul RBF600 since I had to bleed the brakes as well.
genechien, I dropped you a PM.
kjb55, bascially the shop trimmed the dust shield to where the calipers and rotors would cleared. The SS lines provides somewhat of a firmer feel but you won't notice much difference for city driving (but since I'm there might as well do it
). I also flushed the whole system and replaced it with Motul RBF600 since I had to bleed the brakes as well. genechien, I dropped you a PM.
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From: Orange County, CA
GMC - Miata - Trek - P-Car
Very nice!
Especially admire those (lightweight) two-piece rotors. If I'm not mistaken, it seems that you, drexappeal, and Harry Madden are the only members to have completed this enticing retrofit. By the time I can swing it, they will be worth more than my entire car.
Especially admire those (lightweight) two-piece rotors. If I'm not mistaken, it seems that you, drexappeal, and Harry Madden are the only members to have completed this enticing retrofit. By the time I can swing it, they will be worth more than my entire car.
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LET C32 2002
Recently, I had the opportunity to purchase some OEM parts at a super deal, so I opted to upgrade my brakes with the CLK63 setup. After the bedding-in process, the brakes feel much better than the old setup plus some lbs were shed in each corner. I also replaced the lines with Goodridge SS for better brake modulation. Here are come pics
Note: I know a few members on this board did the same upgrade and they were able to cleared the brakes with the stock AMG 18's wheels. However, I was not able to clear mine. After double and triple checking the work, I was still rubbing ever so slightly on the top half of the calipers (not the body but the engraved AMG logo ~1mm). The only conclusion I could come up with was either the calipers were made a little thicker, or most likely my PSS9 coilovers made a very slight change in knuckle's angle which caused the calipers rub.
Note: I know a few members on this board did the same upgrade and they were able to cleared the brakes with the stock AMG 18's wheels. However, I was not able to clear mine. After double and triple checking the work, I was still rubbing ever so slightly on the top half of the calipers (not the body but the engraved AMG logo ~1mm). The only conclusion I could come up with was either the calipers were made a little thicker, or most likely my PSS9 coilovers made a very slight change in knuckle's angle which caused the calipers rub.
I love the look but imo the rims are hiding the beauty of those Sweet A$$ Brakes setup! PM me cost please parts and labor.....if this mod become cheap enough as well as the TT mod thru LET I might just stay with my car.
Last edited by c32used; Jan 5, 2008 at 01:52 AM.
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From: Philadelphia, PA
2008 A8L, 2002 996TT X50, 2009 X5
c32used, I'm not sure if you're still on stock 17s... if I remember correctly, you are (but you switched to chrome ones). If so, you'll need a wheel and tire package 18" or larger before you can consider this mod... just FYI.
1Lop2K5C, your car is gorgeous, congrats!
1Lop2K5C, your car is gorgeous, congrats!
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LET C32 2002
Yes I know....I wouldn't mind keeping my car and just upgrading a few things including brakes, navigation/speakers/amp, rims/tires and if the right price maybe LET TT for our C32.
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From: California, USA
E63 P30, CL500 Sport
1Lop2K5C, thanks for the pictures, that was a really good mod......
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C32 AMG
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From: Philadelphia, PA
2008 A8L, 2002 996TT X50, 2009 X5
+1...
If anything, you're $10-15k estimate is conservative... not saying that you would, but you could spend that much just on wheels, tires, and brakes
I think the CLK63 BBK, F&R, is around $4500-5k, which sounds like a lot until you look at Brembo prices...
Wheels & tires are an "x factor" - but even cheapo replicas w/ some kind of decent tire would at least be $1200 - $1500. High-end forged wheels with high-end summer tires... probably $7k-8k range.
Speakers/amp/Navigation can be thousands, TT set-up will likely be thousands... so yeah, you're talking some serious money for these mods...
If anything, you're $10-15k estimate is conservative... not saying that you would, but you could spend that much just on wheels, tires, and brakes
I think the CLK63 BBK, F&R, is around $4500-5k, which sounds like a lot until you look at Brembo prices...
Wheels & tires are an "x factor" - but even cheapo replicas w/ some kind of decent tire would at least be $1200 - $1500. High-end forged wheels with high-end summer tires... probably $7k-8k range.
Speakers/amp/Navigation can be thousands, TT set-up will likely be thousands... so yeah, you're talking some serious money for these mods...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,213
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LET C32 2002
+1...
If anything, you're $10-15k estimate is conservative... not saying that you would, but you could spend that much just on wheels, tires, and brakes
I think the CLK63 BBK, F&R, is around $4500-5k, which sounds like a lot until you look at Brembo prices...
Wheels & tires are an "x factor" - but even cheapo replicas w/ some kind of decent tire would at least be $1200 - $1500. High-end forged wheels with high-end summer tires... probably $7k-8k range.
Speakers/amp/Navigation can be thousands, TT set-up will likely be thousands... so yeah, you're talking some serious money for these mods...
If anything, you're $10-15k estimate is conservative... not saying that you would, but you could spend that much just on wheels, tires, and brakes
I think the CLK63 BBK, F&R, is around $4500-5k, which sounds like a lot until you look at Brembo prices...
Wheels & tires are an "x factor" - but even cheapo replicas w/ some kind of decent tire would at least be $1200 - $1500. High-end forged wheels with high-end summer tires... probably $7k-8k range.
Speakers/amp/Navigation can be thousands, TT set-up will likely be thousands... so yeah, you're talking some serious money for these mods...
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 714
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From: CA
C63
Here is something interesting, when I was getting these installed, we happened to have a new Brembo 14in rotor lying around and I took it to compare it with the AMG rotor. They have the same thickness except the AMG was a little larger in diameter (355mm brembo vs 360mm AMG). The Brembo rotor is a directional vanes design and the AMG is not. Other than that, both uses the same Brembo monoblock 6 piston calipers design. Although for heavy duty track application, I think the Brembo rotor would be a better choice and design (although it seems that the brembo rotor has tighter minimum wear tolerance). I'm wondering if it would be possible to use the Brembo carrier to work with their rotors down the line. Pics:
Last edited by 1Lop2K5C; Jan 7, 2008 at 01:47 AM.
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From: California, USA
E63 P30, CL500 Sport
Here is something interesting, when I was getting these installed, we happened to have a new Brembo 14in rotor lying around and I took it to compare it with the AMG rotor. They have the same thickness except the AMG was a little larger in diameter (355mm brembo vs 360mm AMG). The Brembo rotor is a directional vanes design and the AMG is not. Other than that, both uses the same Brembo monoblock 6 piston calipers design. Although for heavy duty track application, I think the Brembo rotor would be a better choice and design (although it seems that the brembo rotor has tighter minimum wear tolerance). I'm wondering if it would be possible to use the Brembo carrier to work with their rotors down the line. Pics:
