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So I have recently purchased RacingBrakes 2 piece rotors and XT910 pads. On their website it states "Note: Our PD1149 front brake pads are for E550 4-Matic w/fixed 4 pot calipers and not identical to the OEM pads but will fit the caliper. Brake pad sensors will not function with our pads and will need to be left plugged in and zipped off during installation." So I matched up RacingBrake XT910 pads to to the rotor and they leave about a inch of untouched. I then call RacingBrake to ask a few questions about this situation. The person I spoke refused to actually answer my question by cutting me off with responses like " We have the best pads" "If you dont feel comfortable just send them back... we dont care" "As I already told you". To be fare, pervious questions I had for RacingBrake were answered professionally
The question I had was simply, if i decide to replace these pads sometime down the road with pads that cover the entire rotor would I have an issue. I thought this was a very valid question since the rotor would not have a uneven step. BTW i tried calling back and the same person picked up.
What route would you guys/girls take ? Should I install the RacingBrake pads or go with something else that fits the entire rotor? If going with another pad .. which pads should I get?
I am big fan of Akebonos. Not only for clean wheels, but when I measure them after 80,000 miles use, I still had about 80% of pad left
Rumors say they offer less braking power, but I can still "stand the car on its nose" no mater what.
I am big fan of Akebonos. Not only for clean wheels, but when I measure them after 80,000 miles use, I still had about 80% of pad left
Rumors say they offer less braking power, but I can still "stand the car on its nose" no mater what.
Yes I am familiar with Akebono, but they do not make pads for the front axle of the 2014 E550
Are you sure that Akebono is not the OEM pad for the 2014 E550? It was on the 2010 model. I have yet to change pads on my 2014, but when I did on my 2010 the pads were stamped "AKEBONO".
And as Kajtek1 says they are a high quality pad.
Are you sure that Akebono is not the OEM pad for the 2014 E550? It was on the 2010 model. I have yet to change pads on my 2014, but when I did on my 2010 the pads were stamped "AKEBONO".
And as Kajtek1 says they are a high quality pad.
Yeah I'm 100% sure. The stock pads on the 2014 E550 are Textar or Pagid. Akebono only makes rear pads for 2014, which I have installed.
Ok, I still have 6mm on my pads, so not going to be in that front wheel well for awhile yet. The stock pads slow my car very well and don't produce a tremendous amount of dust. I wouldn't be looking to change the braking components like you are. That Racing Brake setup is a real disappointment. I think we all see the weak link in your photo.
Ok, I still have 6mm on my pads, so not going to be in that front wheel well for awhile yet. The stock pads slow my car very well and don't produce a tremendous amount of dust. I wouldn't be looking to change the braking components like you are. That Racing Brake setup is a real disappointment. I think we all see the weak link in your photo.
So you have the RacingBrakes rotors with stock pads?
No, I have stock everything. No aftermarket brake components at all.
Oh I thought when you said "disappointing setup" you were talking from experience.
Maybe this is the best setup for the 14-15 E550 but with the full inch of rotor that's not being touched. Also if I decide on different pads down the road , will the step in the rotors cause a issue.
Unfortunately I wasn't able to get a answer from @Racingbreak
Last edited by KillBillz; 03-09-2019 at 02:02 PM.
Reason: spelling
This is OE pad dimension for E550 (2012-14) which also fits other models:
We have a "similar" pad (PD1149) which was made for Dodge Challenger/Charger with the exception of no sensor connector which fits earlier E500 (05-06) and quite a few Mercedes "S" and "CL"
See post here: https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...07-2014-a.html
The only difference is the depth of friction, being PD1149_PD1223 is 60mm vs. PD1643 68mm (8mm shallower). This pad is offered as alternative to the original as disclosed under item description, we know it shall work well w/o concern, or we will not bundle it with our two piece rotors. Some accept our recommendation and are happy with the result, some are skeptical and may disapprove this pad substitute, however you are the ultimate decision maker as we can only present the fact and data than marketing persuasion.
Yes, in theory after use the disc where the pad in contact will develop a step due to the wear, so if you replace the pad later with "authentic" OE pad it may take sometime to have the pad "match up" to the worn disc pattern. In other words the bottom 8mm will contact the disc first before the lining is fully seated against the pad, but in reality since it's only 8mm vs. other 60mm, also it's on inner diameter so the pad shall be fully seated quickly w/o a concern.
We have sent you return label if you wish to return the pad and/or rotor under our complete satisfaction guarantee policy.
This is OE pad dimension for E550 (2012-14) which also fits other models:
We have a "similar" pad (PD1149) which was made for Dodge Challenger/Charger with the exception of no sensor connector which fits earlier E500 (05-06) and quite a few Mercedes "S" and "CL"
See post here: https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...07-2014-a.html
The only difference is the depth of friction, being PD1149_PD1223 is 60mm vs. PD1643 68mm (8mm shallower). This pad is offered as alternative to the original as disclosed under item description, we know it shall work well w/o concern, or we will not bundle it with our two piece rotors. Some accept our recommendation and are happy with the result, some are skeptical and may disapprove this pad substitute, however you are the ultimate decision maker as we can only present the fact and data than marketing persuasion.
Yes, in theory after use the disc where the pad in contact will develop a step due to the wear, so if you replace the pad later with "authentic" OE pad it may take sometime to have the pad "match up" to the worn disc pattern. In other words the bottom 8mm will contact the disc first before the lining is fully seated against the pad, but in reality since it's only 8mm vs. other 60mm, also it's on inner diameter so the pad shall be fully seated quickly w/o a concern.
We have sent you return label if you wish to return the pad and/or rotor under our complete satisfaction guarantee policy.
RacingBrake,
Thank you for the detailed response about the fitment and dimension differences of your pads vs the stock pads. Being that the pad difference in only 8mm vs the estimate I posted ( 1 inch or 25.4 mm), I will be installing the rotors and pads this weekend. This response answered the question I called into your customer service line, but agent did not professionally answer me or guide me in the right direction.
Sorry we started off on a bad foot. I will follow up in a few weeks with feedback after everything in seated in.
We are proud to offer Mercedes owners for their brake replacement and/or upgrade option for 10+ years. All in one package (except the brake pads for floating calipers) with 100% bolt on installation. All parts / kits are designed and made by our professional brake knowledge and expertise.
Check us out in other track intensive forums such as Corvette, M3/M4, Camaro, Viper, Challenger, Nissan GT-R, Mustang, Porsche 911, or the newest Tesla M3 and see how RB brakes help those track racers solve their brake issues and shave their lap time.
It's further observed that the reason for OE to change to larger pads for the newer models E550 (vs. earlier E500*) is probably due to the brake issue, unless there is a horsepower increase, and a simple solution is to increase the size (rotor and pad), although it "may" work but not always as some E550 owners here can witness. In some cases not only it still has the same problem but make the brake system too bulky, less efficient and functional.
We know you probably will not disagree if a pad can handle American muscle car such as Dodge Challenger (heavy and fast), it should be sufficient for "most" of street cars.
Therefore it makes a difference in dealing with a brake professional than someone (car dealers, or aftermarket parts supplier) who are dealing only by VIN# and OE Part #.
03-08-2019, 08:12 PM
