Brake compatibility?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 356
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2012 ML350 Bluetec, 2015 GL350 Bluetec
Brake compatibility?
So my 2015 GL350BT is equipped with the basic brake system with 350mm front rotor and 345mm rear rotor both solid disks. I'm not quite satisfied about the braking power I'm not sure if it's due to they are improperly serviced before or the power is just the way it is. I replaced the rear pads and rotors with reputable parts but haven't touched the front ones at this moment. I'm thinking about upgrading the front system to improve it a bit (just exploring possibilities). I checked EPC and it looks like there are 3 different possible systems available for this model. The basic model (mine) equipped with the 350mm solid rotor 1664211400. The P31 package (AMG exterior) is equipped with a 375mm drilled rotor 1664211600. The U29 package (sport brake system) is equipped with a 390mm drilled rotor 1664210512. There's also another rotor 1664211500 that looks like a drilled version of the 1664211400 but not listed in the equipment list of 166824 chasis.
I know what caliper/bracket/pads to be paired with the rotor(s), but my question is the compatibility with my stock 19 inch rim. I know the 390mm rotor will need at least 20 inch rim but will the 375mm rotor system work with my 19 inch rim? Also do I need to upgrade the rear as well? The P31 package rear pads and rotor are the same as basic but caliper is different. Not sure if they provide different brake power.
The point of this upgrade is that I don't want to go crazy about it. Just want to do a minor upgrade to make some improvement on the brake power. The current brake performance is OK but not very appealing.
I know what caliper/bracket/pads to be paired with the rotor(s), but my question is the compatibility with my stock 19 inch rim. I know the 390mm rotor will need at least 20 inch rim but will the 375mm rotor system work with my 19 inch rim? Also do I need to upgrade the rear as well? The P31 package rear pads and rotor are the same as basic but caliper is different. Not sure if they provide different brake power.
The point of this upgrade is that I don't want to go crazy about it. Just want to do a minor upgrade to make some improvement on the brake power. The current brake performance is OK but not very appealing.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 62
Likes: 8
2008 ML 350
Rear brakes doesn't do much when it comes how hard you feel your car is stopping. To make any substantial increrase in "the feeling" of stopping power, you'd have to go up more than just 25mm, thus you'll need to think about bigger wheels as well. I have a 16' GL350BT as well, these things are HEAVY! You can mess with different brake pad materials, but you'll probably end up having to replace them every 15k or so. One thing that many people don't really consider is simply flushing our the brake fluid with fresh fluids. Suck out as much as you can and bleed out from all 4 corners. That'll usually make the brakes feel a lot more responsive.
Our cars, especially with the GL350bt, are not setup to be "sporty". Don't worry too much about rotor sizing, caliber and pad upgrades. Don't know if you got a chance to try yet, but when during emergency stops, they stop plenty fast.
Our cars, especially with the GL350bt, are not setup to be "sporty". Don't worry too much about rotor sizing, caliber and pad upgrades. Don't know if you got a chance to try yet, but when during emergency stops, they stop plenty fast.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 356
Likes: 66
2012 ML350 Bluetec, 2015 GL350 Bluetec
Rear brakes doesn't do much when it comes how hard you feel your car is stopping. To make any substantial increrase in "the feeling" of stopping power, you'd have to go up more than just 25mm, thus you'll need to think about bigger wheels as well. I have a 16' GL350BT as well, these things are HEAVY! You can mess with different brake pad materials, but you'll probably end up having to replace them every 15k or so. One thing that many people don't really consider is simply flushing our the brake fluid with fresh fluids. Suck out as much as you can and bleed out from all 4 corners. That'll usually make the brakes feel a lot more responsive.
Our cars, especially with the GL350bt, are not setup to be "sporty". Don't worry too much about rotor sizing, caliber and pad upgrades. Don't know if you got a chance to try yet, but when during emergency stops, they stop plenty fast.
Our cars, especially with the GL350bt, are not setup to be "sporty". Don't worry too much about rotor sizing, caliber and pad upgrades. Don't know if you got a chance to try yet, but when during emergency stops, they stop plenty fast.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 356
Likes: 66
2012 ML350 Bluetec, 2015 GL350 Bluetec
Again like I said I don't want to go crazy about it. I know I can upgrade everything to the AMG brake but then I'll probably be looking at around $10k including the brake parts, wheels and tires. I'm not interested in spending that much on a car that worths just twice that much.
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
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From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
You can get new pads and rotors for around $200 to $350 that work really well. I did my brakes and rotors for $190 and absolutely love the performance of the new pads/rotors. Used calipers shouldn't be more than $1k or so off ebay. You do the work yourself so you would be all in at less than $1,500. I believe 20" wheels should work fine with the new setup and you would absolutely love how well your GL would stop. That's one of the best things about my GL63. The brakes are just out of this world amazing.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,212
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
You could also check to see if there is a Brembo upgrade that will fit your 19" wheels. Used wheels are not very expensive and the stopping power is worth the money even if it cost $3k in total to do.
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Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 102
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From: Chicago
2020 GLE450 / 2003 BMW M5
I just replaced my rotors and pads all around with Zimmerman rotors and Textar pads. Just know the OE 375mm rotors are not common and are expensive from a dealer ($2500 quote for parts/labor) - some dealers have to special order them in.
With labor and parts for rotors and pads, mine came out to $1500 using the OEM parts above. No complaints.
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