C32 front brake replacement ???
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 396
Likes: 3
From: Morehead, KY USA
SLK55 AMG, E320 BlueTec, ML350, (formerly) C32 AMG, MR2 Turbo, HD-FLH-FSE, BMW R100RS, Ducati M900
C32 front brake replacement ???
I was shopping for new front brake rotors and pads for my C32 this week and I noticed a brand of pads that listed a warning that said that any car with a active braking/stability control system had to have it deactivated with the Mercedes Star system prior to working on the brakes due to pressure build up in the system which can result in severe injury. Hmmmm.
That makes my do it yourself plan sound risky. Is this true? Can a do it yourselfer do this job?
I don't work on my own car alot due to time issues but I enjoy doing minor jobs like the brakes cause then I know it is done right and I get to know the car better.
Irish
That makes my do it yourself plan sound risky. Is this true? Can a do it yourselfer do this job?
I don't work on my own car alot due to time issues but I enjoy doing minor jobs like the brakes cause then I know it is done right and I get to know the car better.
Irish
Super Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 636
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From: Oakland, California
07 E550, 02 C32, 91 300E
Yeah there is a thread somewhere in here that tells you how to do the pads, it is a really easy job since you don't even have to take off the rotors. Just gotta pop the pins out in the calipers, slide out the old pads, put in the new ones with the antisqueal paste and you're good to go. 1hr job max.
But search for the full writeup. A lot of us switched to ceramic based pads too, since they dust less. Either Akebono's or EBC redstuff pads seem to be the most popular.
But search for the full writeup. A lot of us switched to ceramic based pads too, since they dust less. Either Akebono's or EBC redstuff pads seem to be the most popular.
Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 226
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From: San Francisco, CA
W203 C32 AMG, W124 E300D
Since youve been shopping around for pads and rotors, whats the cheapest you have found?
Ive found duralast rotors from autozone for $65 each and pads from kragen for $40.
Ive found duralast rotors from autozone for $65 each and pads from kragen for $40.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,034
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From: Corona, CA
03 g35 coupe...........02 c32 Sold
i'm using oem rotors and akembono ceramic pads from tirerack. They stop a little better then oem, but there biggest benefit is no brake dust. I can go on for weeks without seeing any brake dust.
http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/resul...2&autoModClar=
http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/resul...2&autoModClar=
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,342
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From: PA
S600, GL450, GLC 43
By the way, EBC redstuff work GREAT. No dust, and are track worthy. I highly recomend them to ANYONE that occasionaly tracks their car. Tirerack does NOT recomend the akembono cremaics for track useage, fyi.
See yeah
Almost forgot, it took me about 30 minutes to do both sides. VERY easy, just make sure to buy TWO new brake sensors form MB about $6 each, as the ones that come with the pads NEVER work.
Last edited by MRAMG1; Dec 22, 2008 at 08:23 AM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 396
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From: Morehead, KY USA
SLK55 AMG, E320 BlueTec, ML350, (formerly) C32 AMG, MR2 Turbo, HD-FLH-FSE, BMW R100RS, Ducati M900
C32 Brakes
Thanks, I had done the brakes on my old C36 and it confused me when I saw that warning. I had been looking at the EBC red stuff but was not sure how good they were. Glad to hear that they are a worthy alternative to OEM pads. I don't care about the black dust but do want the car to stop well.
BTW: the C32 OEM rotors are cross drilled. Most of the websites do not tell if they are drilled or not. I want to make sure that the new rotors are cross drilled as per OEM. Who knows a good source for those?
Irish
BTW: the C32 OEM rotors are cross drilled. Most of the websites do not tell if they are drilled or not. I want to make sure that the new rotors are cross drilled as per OEM. Who knows a good source for those?
Irish
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C32 AMG
Zimmerman makes aftermarket rotors that are as good as original.
Definitely get the wear sensors from your dealer or another solid source. You can re-use the ones you have, but I always seem to break them.
It's a real easy job. Every time I do it, I get quicker.
Remember to break them in well. Find an empty stretch of road and do a series of near-stops (50 to 5 MPH) until they get really hot. Then let them cool.
Definitely get the wear sensors from your dealer or another solid source. You can re-use the ones you have, but I always seem to break them.
It's a real easy job. Every time I do it, I get quicker.
Remember to break them in well. Find an empty stretch of road and do a series of near-stops (50 to 5 MPH) until they get really hot. Then let them cool.
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 396
Likes: 3
From: Morehead, KY USA
SLK55 AMG, E320 BlueTec, ML350, (formerly) C32 AMG, MR2 Turbo, HD-FLH-FSE, BMW R100RS, Ducati M900
Brakes
Pair of cross drilled Zimmermanns and set of EBC redstuff pads ordered yesterday. It is nice to share past experiences with this group and save each other some guess work. There are so darn few of these cars around that finding tuning and set up info is tuff. Thanks lads.
Irish
Irish
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 200
Likes: 1
From: Toronto, Canada
2003 C32
Front Brakes Replaced
Replaced my front Rotors and pads yesterday. I used Pilenga rotors and Padgid pads. The rotors were only $120 CDN each. I couldn't find much info regarding Pilenga, only that they are from Italy. Well the finish of the rotors are equal of better than Bremnbos I used for other cars in the past. Very nice machining, inside hub and vent area painted black and drilled camfered edges very smooth. No evidence of any burrs. Hopefully the steel is of similar quality. Only time will tell.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,000
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From: East Bay, Bay Area
2002 C32, 2012 S550
Zimmerman makes aftermarket rotors that are as good as original.
Definitely get the wear sensors from your dealer or another solid source. You can re-use the ones you have, but I always seem to break them.
It's a real easy job. Every time I do it, I get quicker.
Remember to break them in well. Find an empty stretch of road and do a series of near-stops (50 to 5 MPH) until they get really hot. Then let them cool.
Definitely get the wear sensors from your dealer or another solid source. You can re-use the ones you have, but I always seem to break them.
It's a real easy job. Every time I do it, I get quicker.
Remember to break them in well. Find an empty stretch of road and do a series of near-stops (50 to 5 MPH) until they get really hot. Then let them cool.
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 222
Likes: 35
From: DFW
W205 AMG
Replaced my front Rotors and pads yesterday. I used Pilenga rotors and Padgid pads. The rotors were only $120 CDN each. I couldn't find much info regarding Pilenga, only that they are from Italy. Well the finish of the rotors are equal of better than Bremnbos I used for other cars in the past. Very nice machining, inside hub and vent area painted black and drilled camfered edges very smooth. No evidence of any burrs. Hopefully the steel is of similar quality. Only time will tell.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 925
Likes: 2
From: Maine
Not an AMG :(
How have those rotors held up?
If they are a good replacement for the OE rotors, then they are priced very well:
~ $60 per rear and ~ $100 per front
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 200
Likes: 1
From: Toronto, Canada
2003 C32
I've had the Pilenga rotors on the car for 6 months. So far no problems and still look like new. They'll get workout on the track in a couple of weeks. I'll post pictures of the rotors after the event. I went with the Pilengas since they were the lowest price here in Canada. $100.00 less each rotor than the MB part.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 396
Likes: 3
From: Morehead, KY USA
SLK55 AMG, E320 BlueTec, ML350, (formerly) C32 AMG, MR2 Turbo, HD-FLH-FSE, BMW R100RS, Ducati M900
Rotors
I installed the EBC redstuff ceramic pads and the Zimmermann OEm style cross drilled rotors. Both have performed well. I had my car on the track but only ran a few laps and really did not give the brakes a work out. Still I am very satisfied with them so far.
Irish
Irish
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 261
Likes: 32
From: Where the Army sends me.
GL 350 Bluetec
Running Zimmerman drilled front rotors with EBC red brake pads. Also very happy with them. Try www.partstrain.com or www.partsgeek.com
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 497
Likes: 3
From: Ontario
2019 E450 Coupe 4Matic; 2018 Audi Q5; 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
I've had the Pilenga rotors on the car for 6 months. So far no problems and still look like new. They'll get workout on the track in a couple of weeks. I'll post pictures of the rotors after the event. I went with the Pilengas since they were the lowest price here in Canada. $100.00 less each rotor than the MB part.
Thanks.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
C32 AMG, Sti, FIT
Get parts from Importec, they ship fast and affordable prices.
very simple and easy job.........http://www.installuniversity.com/mb/...amg-brake.html
very simple and easy job.........http://www.installuniversity.com/mb/...amg-brake.html
Last edited by Bao_Amg; Aug 22, 2009 at 04:16 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 497
Likes: 3
From: Ontario
2019 E450 Coupe 4Matic; 2018 Audi Q5; 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback
I am afraid that our country (Canada) custom taxes would cost more than the parts along!
Get parts from Importec, they ship fast and affordable prices.
very simple and easy job.........http://www.installuniversity.com/mb/...amg-brake.html
very simple and easy job.........http://www.installuniversity.com/mb/...amg-brake.html
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 200
Likes: 1
From: Toronto, Canada
2003 C32
Free shipping over $75. They also have Zimmeran's in stock which are cheaper than the Pilengas. I've made a couple of purchases from them. Quick delivery.
