E55 F&R brake upgrade on E320 a good choice?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Bay Area, CA
2002 E320 Special Edition
E55 F&R brake upgrade on E320 a good choice?
My question is pretty much surrounding how much improvement with the E55 F&R complete (including caliper) brake upgrade comparing to Brembo rotors & Axxis pads on stock E320 setup? Rotor diameter & thickness info are appreciated.
Also interested if someone has comparison info between the lately discussed C32 front brake kit upgrade plus drilled Brembo rear rotor with aftermarket pads.
Any decent priced place for replacement rotors and pads for the E55 brake setup? I wanted to find this ahead of time to see if it will cost me a lot in the future when the first set wore out.
Thanks ahead...
Also interested if someone has comparison info between the lately discussed C32 front brake kit upgrade plus drilled Brembo rear rotor with aftermarket pads.
Any decent priced place for replacement rotors and pads for the E55 brake setup? I wanted to find this ahead of time to see if it will cost me a lot in the future when the first set wore out.
Thanks ahead...
Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 133
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From: SF Bay Area
E430
The E55 brakes should bolt right up to your car, however, you may likely need different wheels to clear the brakes. If you're using 16 inch. wheels, you definitely want to check otherwise you'll be buying brakes *and* wheels.
Same goes with the C32 kit. I believe the min. is 17 inch wheels and it may require a spacer depending on wheel make.
You asked to compare the C32 kit, but you didn't specify to what. Would this be to the Brembo BBK, the E55 setup, or the stock setup with brembo rotors and aftermarket pads?
I believe the E55 brakes are pricey like the Brembos. Rotors are outrageously priced.
So far, I'm happy with my C32 kit with rear brembo x-drilled rotors and axxis ultimate pads.
I'm also in the bay area so if you want to see what this all looks like, let me know.
-travis
Same goes with the C32 kit. I believe the min. is 17 inch wheels and it may require a spacer depending on wheel make.
You asked to compare the C32 kit, but you didn't specify to what. Would this be to the Brembo BBK, the E55 setup, or the stock setup with brembo rotors and aftermarket pads?
I believe the E55 brakes are pricey like the Brembos. Rotors are outrageously priced.
So far, I'm happy with my C32 kit with rear brembo x-drilled rotors and axxis ultimate pads.
I'm also in the bay area so if you want to see what this all looks like, let me know.
-travis
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From: SoCal OC
S, GL, Escalade ESV, my shoes
You can't not run the OEM E55 brake if you have 16" wheels in your car, it won't fit. The brake should fit right in, it's the rim clearance that need to be considered.
If you have 18" wheels, you're in good shape. If you run 17", check w/ shop.
If you have 18" wheels, you're in good shape. If you run 17", check w/ shop.
Originally Posted by E320se
My question is pretty much surrounding how much improvement with the E55 F&R complete (including caliper) brake upgrade comparing to Brembo rotors & Axxis pads on stock E320 setup? Rotor diameter & thickness info are appreciated.
Also interested if someone has comparison info between the lately discussed C32 front brake kit upgrade plus drilled Brembo rear rotor with aftermarket pads.
Any decent priced place for replacement rotors and pads for the E55 brake setup? I wanted to find this ahead of time to see if it will cost me a lot in the future when the first set wore out.
Thanks ahead...
Also interested if someone has comparison info between the lately discussed C32 front brake kit upgrade plus drilled Brembo rear rotor with aftermarket pads.
Any decent priced place for replacement rotors and pads for the E55 brake setup? I wanted to find this ahead of time to see if it will cost me a lot in the future when the first set wore out.
Thanks ahead...
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 84
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From: Bay Area, CA
2002 E320 Special Edition
I forgot to mention that I have the factory 2002 special edition 17" 5-spoke wheel which I want to stay with for the brakes upgrade (to keep cost down).
In terms of comparison, I am looking into the followings for performance and pricing:
1. W210 E55 complete brakes upgrade vs. E320 stock brakes
2. C32 front brakes upgrade + Brembo rear drilled with Axxis Ultimates pads vs. E320 stock brakes
3. W210 E55 complete brakes upgrade vs. C32 front brakes upgrade + Brembo rear drilled with Axxis Ultimates pads
Most likely to throw in a set of stainless steel brakes line for all corners when time comes. Plus, anyone know a place in SF South Bay for this type of install (reliable service & reasonably priced) since I am not mechanically inclined.
fatchance,
I am very much interested to see your C32 upgrade and hopefully a test ride if possible.
Thanks again..
In terms of comparison, I am looking into the followings for performance and pricing:
1. W210 E55 complete brakes upgrade vs. E320 stock brakes
2. C32 front brakes upgrade + Brembo rear drilled with Axxis Ultimates pads vs. E320 stock brakes
3. W210 E55 complete brakes upgrade vs. C32 front brakes upgrade + Brembo rear drilled with Axxis Ultimates pads
Most likely to throw in a set of stainless steel brakes line for all corners when time comes. Plus, anyone know a place in SF South Bay for this type of install (reliable service & reasonably priced) since I am not mechanically inclined.
fatchance,
I am very much interested to see your C32 upgrade and hopefully a test ride if possible.
Thanks again..
Last edited by E320se; Oct 21, 2004 at 12:33 PM.
Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 133
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From: SF Bay Area
E430
E320se,
Pretty certain you will need, at the very least as set of wheel spacers to clear any sort of larger caliper. The sport line wheels are 17X7.5 and not wide enough and possibly not enough offset to clear a larger caliper.
A point of reference is the E55 winter wheel option. This is a 17X8 wheel. So, it's possible that with a set of spacers, you should be able to clear the larger brakes. Won't know until you try.
I'd suggest putting your wheel on my car to see if it clears the c32 caliper, but I'm nearly certain it won't without spacers.
Anyhow, I work in Menlo Park and can meet @ lunch time (11:30 ~ 1pm ish) to show you what I have.
Let me know!
Travis
Pretty certain you will need, at the very least as set of wheel spacers to clear any sort of larger caliper. The sport line wheels are 17X7.5 and not wide enough and possibly not enough offset to clear a larger caliper.
A point of reference is the E55 winter wheel option. This is a 17X8 wheel. So, it's possible that with a set of spacers, you should be able to clear the larger brakes. Won't know until you try.
I'd suggest putting your wheel on my car to see if it clears the c32 caliper, but I'm nearly certain it won't without spacers.
Anyhow, I work in Menlo Park and can meet @ lunch time (11:30 ~ 1pm ish) to show you what I have.
Let me know!
Travis
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From: HK (but constantly travelling)
98 W210 Advantgarde
Originally Posted by alexbenz
e55 doesn't come in the cross drilled, c32 for the money portion is the best deal..
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 84
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From: Bay Area, CA
2002 E320 Special Edition
Travis,
Um.. I thought C32 has the 17x7.5 wheel on the front and that's should be similar to what I have. I guess there's probably differences with the internal design.
I work in San Jose and pretty close to Menlo Park. I will PM you on a convenience meeting time. Thanks again.
Frank
Um.. I thought C32 has the 17x7.5 wheel on the front and that's should be similar to what I have. I guess there's probably differences with the internal design.
I work in San Jose and pretty close to Menlo Park. I will PM you on a convenience meeting time. Thanks again.
Frank
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,860
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From: Jacksonville Florida
209/W210 Estate /W211 modded by MBENZNL
W210 Brake Upgrade
I Have a 2000 W210 Wagon that I Installed the C32 front brakes on...They Work Great!..later I Upgraded to the AMG E55 Brakes..HUGE Improvement!
The wagon has AMG 18s so the clearance on the calipers is ok
With The C32 AMG brakes I Had to use a 4mil spacer to clear the calipers
on The AMG E55 Calipers..NO spacers...fit Perfect!
For Looks the C32 Brakes cant be beat for the Money!
But The AMG E55 Brakes Stop Much better!
Also Upgraded the rear Brakes
The wagon has AMG 18s so the clearance on the calipers is ok
With The C32 AMG brakes I Had to use a 4mil spacer to clear the calipers
on The AMG E55 Calipers..NO spacers...fit Perfect!
For Looks the C32 Brakes cant be beat for the Money!
But The AMG E55 Brakes Stop Much better!
Also Upgraded the rear Brakes
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 84
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From: Bay Area, CA
2002 E320 Special Edition
Mark,
Just to confirm that the E55 brakes differ from E320 on both the front and rear in terms of calipers, rotors, and pads. Any info on the rotors and pads replacement cost? I am leaning towards braking performance rather than the bling factor on cross drilled rotors but cost plays a big decision role.
Is a used E55 brake setup a worthwhile consideration? Knowing that rotors and pads may need replacement sooner than a new set.
Just to confirm that the E55 brakes differ from E320 on both the front and rear in terms of calipers, rotors, and pads. Any info on the rotors and pads replacement cost? I am leaning towards braking performance rather than the bling factor on cross drilled rotors but cost plays a big decision role.
Is a used E55 brake setup a worthwhile consideration? Knowing that rotors and pads may need replacement sooner than a new set.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,860
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From: Jacksonville Florida
209/W210 Estate /W211 modded by MBENZNL
Originally Posted by E320se
Mark,
Just to confirm that the E55 brakes differ from E320 on both the front and rear in terms of calipers, rotors, and pads. Any info on the rotors and pads replacement cost? I am leaning towards braking performance rather than the bling factor on cross drilled rotors but cost plays a big decision role.
Is a used E55 brake setup a worthwhile consideration? Knowing that rotors and pads may need replacement sooner than a new set.
Just to confirm that the E55 brakes differ from E320 on both the front and rear in terms of calipers, rotors, and pads. Any info on the rotors and pads replacement cost? I am leaning towards braking performance rather than the bling factor on cross drilled rotors but cost plays a big decision role.
Is a used E55 brake setup a worthwhile consideration? Knowing that rotors and pads may need replacement sooner than a new set.
Larger rotors/more pad area/Multi piston brake calipers front and rear!
As for Prices..check the dealers as NEW its a LOT!
I Bought my set used...
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 73
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
2000 E430 Sport
The rear E55 brakes are actually not that expensive, Rotors 64.00 each pads 70.00 set didn't get the calipers yet. The fronts I found for 261.00 per Rotor, 250.00 per Caliper, and 110.00 pad set.
Can I swap out to the C32 brakes without using a spacer? I'm running the AMG aero 2 E55 rims?
Can I swap out to the C32 brakes without using a spacer? I'm running the AMG aero 2 E55 rims?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Bay Area, CA
2002 E320 Special Edition
pghbenzo,
Are those dealer retail price or aftermarket equivalent? Possible to share where to get them if not from dealer?
Works out to be ~$1830 total
Front ($1132)
caliper = $250 x 2 = $500
rotor = $261 x 2 = $522
pads = $110
Rear ($698)
caliper = $250 x 2 = $500
rotor = $64 x 2 = $128
pads = $70
Are those dealer retail price or aftermarket equivalent? Possible to share where to get them if not from dealer?
Works out to be ~$1830 total
Front ($1132)
caliper = $250 x 2 = $500
rotor = $261 x 2 = $522
pads = $110
Rear ($698)
caliper = $250 x 2 = $500
rotor = $64 x 2 = $128
pads = $70
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 73
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
2000 E430 Sport
I just did a search of the net under OEM Mercedes parts and thats what I came up with off a couple differant sites. I also have a discount due to my family business with a local MB dealer, Bobby Rahal in Pittsburgh. I could check there if your 100% serious about the parts.
Heres a link to the rear discs for 53.00...then try NAPA for the pads they are actually less than 70.00
http://replacement.autopartswarehous...isc&category=N
Heres a link to the rear discs for 53.00...then try NAPA for the pads they are actually less than 70.00
http://replacement.autopartswarehous...isc&category=N
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 486
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From: Music City
2010 E63 AMG, 2000 E430 Sport, Dodge Charger SRT8
I just upgraded the brakes on my E430 and here are my 2 cents:
As others stated, you MUST be sure whatever system you choose will clear your wheels. Wheel diameter is not the only factor. Offset and width matter greatly. For example: I was looking at the Brembo 332mm Gran Turismo big brake kit and found out the calipers would not clear my 18" wheel spokes.
As for cost: I paid $370 shipped for 4 Brembo drilled rotors (factory size). $100 for set of Axxis Deluxe PLUS pads, and $100 for 4 StopTech braided lines.
As others stated, you MUST be sure whatever system you choose will clear your wheels. Wheel diameter is not the only factor. Offset and width matter greatly. For example: I was looking at the Brembo 332mm Gran Turismo big brake kit and found out the calipers would not clear my 18" wheel spokes.
As for cost: I paid $370 shipped for 4 Brembo drilled rotors (factory size). $100 for set of Axxis Deluxe PLUS pads, and $100 for 4 StopTech braided lines.
