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Granted there is the warping issue with the 2012+ brakes (and I did slightly warp the brakes on my 2014 CLS550 at about 7000 miles) but I still prefer their stopping power over the 2015 brakes. I wonder if warranty costs with the 2012+ brakes was another consideration in their decision to discontinue the 2012+ brakes... I could understand that but don't understand the decision to replace them with such smaller brakes.
[off topic] I also don't understand the 235mm front 255mm spec rear tires on these beasts... The car spins up and pushes way too easy. It really needs 255 front and 285 rears - That would make the car soooooo much better IMO.
The simple fact is that Mercedes skimped in several areas on what is supposed to be a $70,000 car. Two years after selling the car I am still furious that in 20 months of ownership I had to spend $6,000 on rotors and pads. Absolutely outrageous.
I replaced the tires on my '12 with Michelin Pilot Supersports and did 265 in the rear and 235 in the front. The grip was a SIGNIFICANT improvement over the crappy all season prius tires.
The brake issue I agree is a an unnecessary annoyance aside from an amazing automobile - thing for me is it takes the 'Brand' down a notch in my mind as the brake thing is a takeaway.
By takeaway I mean, here it is 3 years later for me turning in my '12 and as technology advances all around us at warp speed I was looking forward to improvements above and beyond my '12 in various areas of tech.
The brake change just feels cheap to me.
Originally Posted by PaulE550
PJ550CAB,
Agreed. If MB built a 400+ hp E based on a V6, that would be OK too. As long as a car company understands that if they substitute one engine for another, they have to find a way to deliver the same performance their customers are looking for and expecting for the prices they're being asked to pay. At least for the segment of the market that is interested in performance. After all, that is a big part of what we're paying a premium for. I did look at Porsche before Mercedes. Excellent cars. I didn't think it would make a good DD car for me.
Unfortunately the trend of a lot of luxury car companies these days, in order to meet the insane fleet-wide CAFE standards, is to phase out their V8's in favor of lesser performing V6 alternatives. Case in point, the E550 is being phased out in favor of the 329 hp E400. That's not the kind of trend most of us want to see and hope that MB doesn't get carried away with the trend like Lexus did. They completely destroyed the brand.
The brake issue on the '15 E550 is more of an unnecessary annoyance than anything else. If MB had been up-front with the proposed change before I ordered the car, I would have been happy to pay a bit more for better brakes.
I also agree with you regarding the quality of GM cars. After three or four years they are
Took delivery of a 2016 E550C June 30th in Markham Ontario Canada. Had a 2015 on order back in March as this is one scarce car and none in stock in the country in the color (Black Obsidian) that I wanted. In May dealer let me know 2016 model will be my delivery instead. That made me happy.
The big brakes downsized to small brakes discussion in this thread had me quite disappointed I would be getting the small brakes on the 2016.
I had a 2012 E550C with the big brakes.
Before delivery I Googled around and everything pointed to small brakes on the 2016 E550C including closeup photos of E550C wheels at a few USA MB outdoor lots. They clearly showed the small brakes in the photos.
Delivery day June 30th I walked up to the car and the first thing looked at was the brakes - I couldn't believe my eyes - I have the big brakes just like on my 2012 E550C!
That made me happy.
This is a mystery to me - anybody else recently take delivery of a 2016 and what brakes?
P.S - published materials specify "Sport Brakes" with painted calipers - not really, I have the same as my 2012 unpainted, other than the little black cover.
Took delivery of a 2016 E550C June 30th in Markham Ontario Canada. Had a 2015 on order back in March as this is one scarce car and none in stock in the country in the color (Black Obsidian) that I wanted. In May dealer let me know 2016 model will be my delivery instead. That made me happy.
The big brakes downsized to small brakes discussion in this thread had me quite disappointed I would be getting the small brakes on the 2016.
I had a 2012 E550C with the big brakes.
Before delivery I Googled around and everything pointed to small brakes on the 2016 E550C including closeup photos of E550C wheels at a few USA MB outdoor lots. They clearly showed the small brakes in the photos.
Delivery day June 30th I walked up to the car and the first thing looked at was the brakes - I couldn't believe my eyes - I have the big brakes just like on my 2012 E550C!
That made me happy.
This is a mystery to me - anybody else recently take delivery of a 2016 and what brakes?
P.S - published materials specify "Sport Brakes" with painted calipers - not really, I have the same as my 2012 unpainted, other than the little black cover.
Took delivery of a 2016 E550C June 30th in Markham Ontario Canada. Had a 2015 on order back in March as this is one scarce car and none in stock in the country in the color (Black Obsidian) that I wanted. In May dealer let me know 2016 model will be my delivery instead. That made me happy.
The big brakes downsized to small brakes discussion in this thread had me quite disappointed I would be getting the small brakes on the 2016.
I had a 2012 E550C with the big brakes.
Before delivery I Googled around and everything pointed to small brakes on the 2016 E550C including closeup photos of E550C wheels at a few USA MB outdoor lots. They clearly showed the small brakes in the photos.
Delivery day June 30th I walked up to the car and the first thing looked at was the brakes - I couldn't believe my eyes - I have the big brakes just like on my 2012 E550C!
That made me happy.
This is a mystery to me - anybody else recently take delivery of a 2016 and what brakes?
P.S - published materials specify "Sport Brakes" with painted calipers - not really, I have the same as my 2012 unpainted, other than the little black cover.
Well it looks like someone in MB corporate must have taken notice about the negative feedback from customers to substituting smaller front calipers and rotors for 2015. At least for Canada anyway. The MBUSA site still shows the smaller front brakes for 2016. Glad you got a decent set of front brakes for your new car. The E550C really needs them. Enjoy!
Of course this does nothing for those of us who got stuck with the apparent cost-cutting move by MB on the 2015s. I'm certainly not holding my breath waiting for a notification from MB offering to upgrade my front brakes anytime soon. Live and learn.
Took delivery of a 2016 E550C June 30th in Markham Ontario Canada. Had a 2015 on order back in March as this is one scarce car and none in stock in the country in the color (Black Obsidian) that I wanted. In May dealer let me know 2016 model will be my delivery instead. That made me happy.
The big brakes downsized to small brakes discussion in this thread had me quite disappointed I would be getting the small brakes on the 2016.
I had a 2012 E550C with the big brakes.
Before delivery I Googled around and everything pointed to small brakes on the 2016 E550C including closeup photos of E550C wheels at a few USA MB outdoor lots. They clearly showed the small brakes in the photos.
Delivery day June 30th I walked up to the car and the first thing looked at was the brakes - I couldn't believe my eyes - I have the big brakes just like on my 2012 E550C!
That made me happy.
This is a mystery to me - anybody else recently take delivery of a 2016 and what brakes?
P.S - published materials specify "Sport Brakes" with painted calipers - not really, I have the same as my 2012 unpainted, other than the little black cover.
That's great to see! Congrats on getting the bigger brakes. The small ones on my 2015 suck.
That's great to see! Congrats on getting the bigger brakes. The small ones on my 2015 suck.
Hi Jeffy,
I was really trying to avoid saying they suck, but that does seem to sum them up. You have to extra careful to maintain extra distance in front of you all the time on the hwy. Around town they are adequate, but we didn't get a 550 to drive like grandma.
I was really trying to avoid saying they suck, but that does seem to sum them up. You have to extra careful to maintain extra distance in front of you all the time on the hwy. Around town they are adequate, but we didn't get a 550 to drive like grandma.
Maybe 'suck' is a little harsh but they are surely disappointing. It had been a while since I had driven my wife's '13, was in it the other day and couldn't believe how big a difference there is. I drive my '15 hard and way too much pedal pressure is required for that level of vehicle and its power.
It's still a (good) mystery to me how I ended up with the big brakes on my 2016 after reviewing all the intelligence that said otherwise.
At this point (2015/2016), I don't see any other MB models that have the style of brake I have - and as rare as the E550C is it seems unlikely brake manufacture only for that model - Canada specifically in this case.
It's still a (good) mystery to me how I ended up with the big brakes on my 2016 after reviewing all the intelligence that said otherwise.
At this point (2015/2016), I don't see any other MB models that have the style of brake I have - and as rare as the E550C is it seems unlikely brake manufacture only for that model - Canada specifically in this case.
The picture of your 2016 brakes almost, but not quite, looks like the torque vectoring brakes on the front of the latest AMG SLK55. Close but not exactly the same. I agree nothing else on the MBUSA web site matches exactly to your brakes.
I have a 2015 E550 coupe with sports package and it has large brakes. Maybe you need to have a sports package for larger brakes?
Hi ataman,
I have the sports package on my 2015 coupe, along with the LED lighting package and I have the small brakes same as Jeffy. So it's not the sports package that determined whether you got decent sized front brakes.
Where are you located? Outside the United States by any chance?
I have the sports package on my 2015 coupe, along with the LED lighting package and I have the small brakes same as Jeffy. So it's not the sports package that determined whether you got decent sized front brakes.
Where are you located? Outside the United States by any chance?
I appologize! I took delivery of my 2015 E550 3 weeks ago and from looking at the brakes they seemed large to me, but after looking at pictures they are of a smaller type. BTW I live in Miami.
I just had all four pads and rotors replaced on my '14 550 cabriolet. 14,000 miles. Pronounced shuddering when applying brakes to slow down at highway speeds, though it was even noticeable on the street. Took it to my dealer. Service rep test drove for one block. "Yup", feels like warping. Let me see what I can do." Next day, the car was returned with all 4 rotors and pads replaced "Under Warranty". The rep said, "Something was up there. MBZ seems to be aware of this problem and even though brakes and rotors covered for 12k,000 miles, they didn't hesitate approving the full replacement."
I'll be curious to see how long these replacements last. Oh...they are the large rotors.
I appologize! I took delivery of my 2015 E550 3 weeks ago and from looking at the brakes they seemed large to me, but after looking at pictures they are of a smaller type. BTW I live in Miami.
That's OK. Everyone makes mistakes. No biggie. You might want to add your location to your profile at some point. There are comments from people all over the world on this site, so sometimes they are related to versions of the same model sold in other countries. Welcome to the E550 group.
By the way, I see you from your profile that you have a SL550 as well. For comparison purposes, that's roughly the size of the front brakes that should be on the 2015 E550 coupe as well. Not these under-sized, faux-painted wonders that MB describes as for "performance and handling". The E550 needs a lot of stopping power to go along with its great responsiveness on acceleration.
It seems that the E550 big rotors couldn't handle the heat and power generated from the big calipers, thus the warping issue. Could be a design flaw or supplier material issue, in either case MB has been spending a lot of money on replacement brakes under warranty. They seem to be the same brakes since 2012 (big brakes) so I am surprised that haven't sorted it out by now or maybe its a newer issue with something that changed in the last year or two. The small brakes on the '15 (perhaps US models only) is probably a stop gap action to stop the warranty spending as the smaller calipers can't generate near the power as the larger ones and thus the rotors shouldn't be subjected to as much heat and have less warping issues.
Netienne, I am afraid that the '15 CLS550 will probably suffer the same fate because the '12-'14 CLS550 had the exact same big brakes as the '12-'14 E550s. Which would be another reason to buy a '14... Which are far superior brakes BUT alas subject to warping. But perhaps not all the brakes and just a batch if it is indeed a supplier material/manufacture issue. Do ya feel lucky?
It seems that the E550 big rotors couldn't handle the heat and power generated from the big calipers, thus the warping issue. Could be a design flaw or supplier material issue, in either case MB has been spending a lot of money on replacement brakes under warranty. They seem to be the same brakes since 2012 (big brakes) so I am surprised that haven't sorted it out by now or maybe its a newer issue with something that changed in the last year or two. The small brakes on the '15 (perhaps US models only) is probably a stop gap action to stop the warranty spending as the smaller calipers can't generate near the power as the larger ones and thus the rotors shouldn't be subjected to as much heat and have less warping issues.
Netienne, I am afraid that the '15 CLS550 will probably suffer the same fate because the '12-'14 CLS550 had the exact same big brakes as the '12-'14 E550s. Which would be another reason to buy a '14... Which are far superior brakes BUT alas subject to warping. But perhaps not all the brakes and just a batch if it is indeed a supplier material/manufacture issue. Do ya feel lucky?
Your description / analysis makes perfect sense Jeffy. However, MB's solution to a heat, material or supplier problem resulting in warping / excessive wear is to reduce the amount of heat generated via braking by reducing the stopping power of the brakes. A great solution from the accounting perspective, but a horrible solution from either safety or mechanical design perspective. If MB wanted to reduce the repair outlays associated with a warping problem, they should have either opted for upgraded braking materials or a better brakes. If the car had to cost a bit more (not an opportunity to gouge the prospective buyer by they way), then so be it. Most of the people buying a MB aren't exactly in the Honda Civic market. Downgrading the brakes, in order to reduce the heat generated by the braking system to stop the car quickly and safely in ALL styles of driving, may make the CFO of MB happy, but it ultimately creates a safety problem in the car and lowers customer satisfaction with the brand.
Your description / analysis makes perfect sense Jeffy. However, MB's solution to a heat, material or supplier problem resulting in warping / excessive wear is to reduce the amount of heat generated via braking by reducing the stopping power of the brakes. A great solution from the accounting perspective, but a horrible solution from either safety or mechanical design perspective. If MB wanted to reduce the repair outlays associated with a warping problem, they should have either opted for upgraded braking materials or a better brakes. If the car had to cost a bit more (not an opportunity to gouge the prospective buyer by they way), then so be it. Most of the people buying a MB aren't exactly in the Honda Civic market. Downgrading the brakes, in order to reduce the heat generated by the braking system to stop the car quickly and safely in ALL styles of driving, may make the CFO of MB happy, but it ultimately creates a safety problem in the car and lowers customer satisfaction with the brand.
Yes Paul, I totally agree. And not only did MB save on warranty money by downsizing the brakes but they even cut cost out of the base car by going with the smaller/cheaper brakes. Indeed they should have just fixed the problem with the big brakes. Wonder how many 550 buyers really even noticed... I would guess not very many, unfortunately.
Yes Paul, I totally agree. And not only did MB save on warranty money by downsizing the brakes but they even cut cost out of the base car by going with the smaller/cheaper brakes. Indeed they should have just fixed the problem with the big brakes. Wonder how many 550 buyers really even noticed... I would guess not very many, unfortunately.
Yes, I would have to agree Jeffy. Most people buy the E model opt for the E350 or maybe an occasional E400. They're looking to drive the MB badge to impress the neighbors. They're into the luxury aspect, not into the performance aspect / heritage of MB. Owners of the 550 are usually much more focused on performance, as well as the luxury of the brand. So we tend to notice / expect certain aspects of our vehicles geared towards performance.
As an example, I belong to a local car club that includes a mix of Audi's (V8 and V10 R8's), Ferrari's, Lambo's, Porsche's, Vette's, a RC-F Lexus, various American muscle cars, etc. There are about half a dozen MB models in the group. A very nice mix of classic and current models of everything and it makes for a fun group early morning drive on weekends. Want to see the contrast between virtually any of these cars, brake wise, and our cars? Our front brakes are anywhere from 1/2 to a 1/3 the size of any of these other cars. Even the Porsche Boxers and Japanese ricers, which we blow away HP wise, have more substantial brakes than we do.
Yes, I would have to agree Jeffy. Most people buy the E model opt for the E350 or maybe an occasional E400. They're looking to drive the MB badge to impress the neighbors. They're into the luxury aspect, not into the performance aspect / heritage of MB. Owners of the 550 are usually much more focused on performance, as well as the luxury of the brand. So we tend to notice / expect certain aspects of our vehicles geared towards performance.
I freely admit that I like to impress my friends and neighbors that I drive a E350 Benz. I also like to wear a Benz hat just in case they haven't peeked into my garage or caught me driving around just so I can be admired in my E350 Cabriolet. I didn't realize that having 2 more cylinders in my engine compartment removes that kind of gee-wiz bragging rights or sends a different message. I don't see the distinction... what a douche comment from you.
I freely admit that I like to impress my friends and neighbors that I drive a E350 Benz. I also like to wear a Benz hat just in case they haven't peeked into my garage or caught me driving around just so I can be admired in my E350 Cabriolet. I didn't realize that having 2 more cylinders in my engine compartment removes that kind of gee-wiz bragging rights or sends a different message. I don't see the distinction... what a douche comment from you.
Simply pointing out the fact that not all MB owners are into strictly the performance aspects of their cars. Many people simply favor the luxury aspect, which there is absolutely nothing at all wrong with that. Everyone buys the car that suits their needs and wants. So there is NO wrong vehicle to own as long as it gets want you want. You should be proud of what you drive, as it makes you happy.
So to Jeffy's point, most people would never realize that MB under-sized the front brakes to address an apparent design / material / supplier defect in the E550, which is the wrong way to solve the issue from the customer perspective.
Not sure what you find douchy about the simple fact that some people buy cars to impress their neighbors. One of my neighbors owns a E350 luxury sedan strictly for that purpose. He takes it out only to drive to the local restaurant and to church gatherings to, in his own words, "watch everyone drool over my car". Whatever makes him happy is my view.
Sure I like driving my Benz. It's a very well-built car and handles beautifully. Otherwise I wouldn't have bought it. However, I personally don't feel the need to do anything other than enjoy driving it.
Simply pointing out the fact that not all MB owners are into strictly the performance aspects of their cars. Many people simply favor the luxury aspect, which there is absolutely nothing at all wrong with that. Everyone buys the car that suits their needs and wants. So there is NO wrong vehicle to own as long as it gets want you want. You should be proud of what you drive, as it makes you happy.
So to Jeffy's point, most people would never realize that MB under-sized the front brakes to address an apparent design / material / supplier defect in the E550, which is the wrong way to solve the issue from the customer perspective.
Not sure what you find douchy about the simple fact that some people buy cars to impress their neighbors. One of my neighbors owns a E350 luxury sedan strictly for that purpose. He takes it out only to drive to the local restaurant and to church gatherings to, in his own words, "watch everyone drool over my car". Whatever makes him happy is my view.
Sure I like driving my Benz. It's a very well-built car and handles beautifully. Otherwise I wouldn't have bought it. However, I personally don't feel the need to do anything other than enjoy driving it.
Good answer. I hereby smack your *** for generalizing that I bought my E350 to impress the neighbors. I'm also considering changing my handle to HillAMGBlack
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