Opinions on upgrading brakes
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 213
Likes: 4
From: SF Bay Area
2015 GLK 250 BT
Opinions on upgrading brakes
Just acquired a '05 E320 CDI and not quite happy with the brakes. Abit on the soft side and not enough bite. I realize this model has the "weakest" F/R calipers and discs, ie. single-piston & 12.3"/11.8". So my question on doing a mild upgrade to a firmer feel and better response, which of these options would be sufficient without being too wild/extreme?
1) upgrade to better F/R pads, ie. Porterfield R4S
2) upgrade fronts to E350 calipers/discs, ie. single-piston & 13"
3) upgrade fronts to E550 calipers/discs, ie. 4-piston & 13"
4) upgrade F/R to E63 AMG calipers/discs, ie. 6/4 piston & 14.2"/13"
Obviously there's a gain with better pads and larger discs. But wondering if anyone could enlighten me how much of gain relative to these options. And esp. whether there is that much of a gain going from single-piston to 4-piston?
Thanks!
1) upgrade to better F/R pads, ie. Porterfield R4S
2) upgrade fronts to E350 calipers/discs, ie. single-piston & 13"
3) upgrade fronts to E550 calipers/discs, ie. 4-piston & 13"
4) upgrade F/R to E63 AMG calipers/discs, ie. 6/4 piston & 14.2"/13"
Obviously there's a gain with better pads and larger discs. But wondering if anyone could enlighten me how much of gain relative to these options. And esp. whether there is that much of a gain going from single-piston to 4-piston?
Thanks!
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Joined: Jul 2006
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04 S430 (sold),05 X5 4.4i, 02 325i, 87 560SL, 85 Alfa Romeo
Just acquired a '05 E320 CDI and not quite happy with the brakes. Abit on the soft side and not enough bite. I realize this model has the "weakest" F/R calipers and discs, ie. single-piston & 12.3"/11.8". So my question on doing a mild upgrade to a firmer feel and better response, which of these options would be sufficient without being too wild/extreme?
1) upgrade to better F/R pads, ie. Porterfield R4S
2) upgrade fronts to E350 calipers/discs, ie. single-piston & 13"
3) upgrade fronts to E550 calipers/discs, ie. 4-piston & 13"
4) upgrade F/R to E63 AMG calipers/discs, ie. 6/4 piston & 14.2"/13"
Obviously there's a gain with better pads and larger discs. But wondering if anyone could enlighten me how much of gain relative to these options. And esp. whether there is that much of a gain going from single-piston to 4-piston?
Thanks!
1) upgrade to better F/R pads, ie. Porterfield R4S
2) upgrade fronts to E350 calipers/discs, ie. single-piston & 13"
3) upgrade fronts to E550 calipers/discs, ie. 4-piston & 13"
4) upgrade F/R to E63 AMG calipers/discs, ie. 6/4 piston & 14.2"/13"
Obviously there's a gain with better pads and larger discs. But wondering if anyone could enlighten me how much of gain relative to these options. And esp. whether there is that much of a gain going from single-piston to 4-piston?
Thanks!
I have 4 piston brakes on my car and I love them but better breaking distance in my largest gain.Not necessarily pedal feel. IOW, your pedal should be high and tight no matter what breaks you have. if it feel spongy, and takes effort to stop your car, then there is something wrong.
How many miles are on your E? these cars wear out brakes in 10 to 15K JFYI.
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Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 213
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From: SF Bay Area
2015 GLK 250 BT
Thanks my06clk! Maybe I'm spoiled on how I have my Z3 setup with SS brakelines, Porterfield pads and forged wheels (only 15 lbs). I would more accurately describe the E320 brakes as "slower" response rather than spongy.
Interesting on what you stated about your 4-piston calipers, having a better braking distance. But reading/researching the online car reviews for various E350/E500/E550/AMG, the specs for braking distance (60-0) is nearly the same for all... ~120 feet. So on paper, it doesn't seem to make that much of a difference.
In any case, if the cost of options 2-4 is around $5K... that's too much. I'll just do option 1, upgrade pads and maybe to SS brakelines.
Interesting on what you stated about your 4-piston calipers, having a better braking distance. But reading/researching the online car reviews for various E350/E500/E550/AMG, the specs for braking distance (60-0) is nearly the same for all... ~120 feet. So on paper, it doesn't seem to make that much of a difference.
In any case, if the cost of options 2-4 is around $5K... that's too much. I'll just do option 1, upgrade pads and maybe to SS brakelines.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Jacksonville Florida
209/W210 Estate /W211 modded by MBENZNL
Thanks my06clk! Maybe I'm spoiled on how I have my Z3 setup with SS brakelines, Porterfield pads and forged wheels (only 15 lbs). I would more accurately describe the E320 brakes as "slower" response rather than spongy.
Interesting on what you stated about your 4-piston calipers, having a better braking distance. But reading/researching the online car reviews for various E350/E500/E550/AMG, the specs for braking distance (60-0) is nearly the same for all... ~120 feet. So on paper, it doesn't seem to make that much of a difference.
In any case, if the cost of options 2-4 is around $5K... that's too much. I'll just do option 1, upgrade pads and maybe to SS brakelines.
Interesting on what you stated about your 4-piston calipers, having a better braking distance. But reading/researching the online car reviews for various E350/E500/E550/AMG, the specs for braking distance (60-0) is nearly the same for all... ~120 feet. So on paper, it doesn't seem to make that much of a difference.
In any case, if the cost of options 2-4 is around $5K... that's too much. I'll just do option 1, upgrade pads and maybe to SS brakelines.
I Installed the E 55 Eight Piston/Four Piston brake set up on the Wifes W211 and it Made a HUGE difference in stopping distance...Even My Wife Noticed it...It can be done for less than 2k ...But One Will Need at least 18s to clear the front Brake calipers
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 213
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From: SF Bay Area
2015 GLK 250 BT
I found the stats on E350 and E500 to be the same. My apologies that I extended to AMG. AMG must be the exception.
As to the 4-pot or 8-pot, what are the attributes? Obivously, more distributed pressure from the 4/8 pots, but that mean firmer brake/response?
As to the 4-pot or 8-pot, what are the attributes? Obivously, more distributed pressure from the 4/8 pots, but that mean firmer brake/response?
Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 77
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From: CA
2005, E500 Designo
New Pads & Rotors
I just had installed Porterfield Brake pads and their (Porterfield) Drilled Zimmerman Rotors on my 2005 E500 and sensors, Approx 15k on the old stock pads. I was getting new tires and the tire dealer did the job for an extra hundred.
I noticed that the Porterfield Rotors seemed to have more holes drilled than AMG rotors.
Does any one know what the break in period should be to the point I would notice any difference?
The Rotors,Pads, Tax (CA) and shipping ran $489.00
I noticed that the Porterfield Rotors seemed to have more holes drilled than AMG rotors.
Does any one know what the break in period should be to the point I would notice any difference?
The Rotors,Pads, Tax (CA) and shipping ran $489.00
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seahonu, I wouldn't spend big money to try to get sports car feel out of the CDI's brakes. Your CDI has brake-by-wire, so there is no mechanical connection between the brakes and the pedal. The CDI is a cushy cruiser, with brakes (and steering, and suspension) to match. I'm not bashing it; I have one as well.
Regarding braking distances, it makes perfect sense that they are the same between the E320 and E500, as braking distances are limited by their common tires. A big brake kit WILL NOT reduce braking distances; the point of a big brake kit (besides the bling factor) is to reduce fade. AMG cars will have shorter stopping distances due to stickier rubber. They will stop consistently from the much higher speeds they're capable of quickly reaching because of the bigger brakes.
Regarding braking distances, it makes perfect sense that they are the same between the E320 and E500, as braking distances are limited by their common tires. A big brake kit WILL NOT reduce braking distances; the point of a big brake kit (besides the bling factor) is to reduce fade. AMG cars will have shorter stopping distances due to stickier rubber. They will stop consistently from the much higher speeds they're capable of quickly reaching because of the bigger brakes.
Last edited by Alan Smithee; Apr 27, 2007 at 11:37 PM.
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