E-Class (W212) 2010 - 2016: E 350, E 550
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4-piston OEM front brake calipers.

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Old May 18, 2017 | 08:23 PM
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4-piston OEM front brake calipers.

Hi all. I'm pretty sure I've seen 4-piston front calipers on some W212 models, am I correct? Does any one know which trims / sub-models these were available on? Was it all sport models, 4matic, E550, etc? Also, did those calipers grip larger diameter rotors, or were they they same rotors as the models with the single piston sliding calipers?

I'm asking because I'd like to swap these 4-piston calipers onto my 2011 E350 Bluetec, for more even pad wear and more even thermal loading on the front rotors. This car just eats front rotors! I replaced them less than 10K miles ago, and they're already warped again. I'm exploring many avenues, short of upgrading to an aftermarket Brembo setup. If this 4-piston caliper idea is a no-go, I'll probably look into those cryogenically treated rotors, and change the pad compound.

Thanks.
-Brendan
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Old May 18, 2017 | 08:43 PM
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https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...brake-kit.html

search big brake kit or racing brake. 550 is only a 2 piston Caliper up front and single in the rear. They have large rotors however and stop quite well. Only AMG cars have a 4 piston caliper and they would be extremely pricey to modify to your car.
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Old May 18, 2017 | 09:53 PM
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I believe the E63 has 6 piston for the front not 4,
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Old May 18, 2017 | 10:09 PM
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My 2010 E550 has 4-piston brake calipers up front. I dunno the answers to the question about rotor size and what not.

This is someone else's picture but it's the same ones that I have.

Last edited by Peachy; May 18, 2017 at 10:12 PM.
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Old May 18, 2017 | 10:30 PM
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Originally Posted by Peachy
My 2010 E550 has 4-piston brake calipers up front. I dunno the answers to the question about rotor size and what not.

This is someone else's picture but it's the same ones that I have.
2014 E550 brake specs are 14.2" front and 12.6" rear
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Old May 18, 2017 | 10:49 PM
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Originally Posted by cx876
I believe the E63 has 6 piston for the front not 4,
not sure what my brain was doing when I read this post. You are correct. 4 up front and 6 on the AMG
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Old May 19, 2017 | 04:38 PM
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This is helpful gents, thanks. I guess the takeaway is I should look to source E550 calipers.

Now to figure out if I can fit them under the stock 17" wheels... I'd hate to upgrade to 18's, since the runflats already ride pretty stiff!
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Old May 19, 2017 | 04:43 PM
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2014 E350 4M Diamond Silver
Originally Posted by bjacques123
since the runflats already ride pretty stiff!
Is that why I don't feel any problem while cornering(less than 30mph anyway)? stock 17s with Potenza. I didn't know how to tell that the 17s feel fine.
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Old May 19, 2017 | 09:40 PM
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Originally Posted by bjacques123
This is helpful gents, thanks. I guess the takeaway is I should look to source E550 calipers.

Now to figure out if I can fit them under the stock 17" wheels... I'd hate to upgrade to 18's, since the runflats already ride pretty stiff!
You should also read the older E550 threads. Lots of people complain how the rotors don't hold up.
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Old May 20, 2017 | 01:07 AM
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No AMG unfortunately, and we'll just leave it as that
Originally Posted by bjacques123
Now to figure out if I can fit them under the stock 17" wheels...
Judging from how close the brake calipers are to my 18" wheels, I don't think you can fit 17" wheels with the 360mm discs that come stock on the E550.
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Old May 20, 2017 | 11:55 AM
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Originally Posted by Mr.Fly
Judging from how close the brake calipers are to my 18" wheels, I don't think you can fit 17" wheels with the 360mm discs that come stock on the E550.
The only sure thing is to try it.
I just tried 16" wheels from 2008 model on my 2014 E250.
THEY FIT
even 16" wheels have 12 mm lower offset. I did not drive on it, so front fender rubbing on turns is still to check, but seeing how big clearance original wheels have, I don't think it will be a problem.
Main point is >>> I HAVE A SPARE.
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Old Sep 12, 2017 | 01:29 PM
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Update! Figured this out and have new brakes...

Hi all. I managed to build my own OEM "big brake kit".

These brakes are from a W212 4-matic. 4-piston front calipers, and 344mm discs, as opposed to single-piston sliding calipers with 322mm discs. I bought re-manufactured Centric brake components, from a Centric dealer called "Fast Undercar" in Torrance, CA.

There are no clearance issues at all, a big concern I had with the 17" wheels. The mount points and spacing are all perfect. The only additional thing required after the calipers and rotors is the brake lines are different.

I hope this information is useful to any who might want to upgrade their stock brakes. I was not unhappy with the braking performance, but I do hope the larger disc and pad area, plus the more even pressure of the 4-piston calipers, will solve once and for all the constant rotor warping I've experienced. I understand this is a regular occurrence with many W212 E-Class models.










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Old Sep 13, 2017 | 12:59 PM
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how's your brake pedal feel?
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Old Sep 13, 2017 | 01:42 PM
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2011 E-350 4Matic Sport
Excellent info thanks. The only different path I take is to get rid of the drilled rotors.
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...2011-e350.html
But have been interested in this idea. Good work
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Old Sep 13, 2017 | 05:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Jabberwock
how's your brake pedal feel?
A little soft, but very progressive.

I need to re-bleed the system, now that I found my pressure bleeder... I'm not sure if I got all the introduced air out when I first did the job. Will update when I fully flush and re-bleed the system.

There's always the possibility the pedal will just feel softer, due to the larger caliper / slave piston surface area, compared to the stock master cylinder. I didn't research if there's a master cyl difference between the two models.

I did a similar upgrade to my old Toyota Tacoma, installing the Tundra 4-piston calipers and larger rotors. Those brakes are really soft in initial bite, but very progressive and lots of power with a firm stomp. Work great offroad.
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Old Feb 24, 2018 | 05:26 AM
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What is the issue with the brake lines? I am waiting second hand spares to do the upgrade and I am trying to be prepared... Is there some part No for proper lines? Is there issue with the thread? or what?
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