GL63 AMG and GLS63 (X166, X167) 2014 - present (Two generations)

In need of brake pads recommendations

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Old Mar 17, 2026 | 12:06 AM
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2017 GLS 63 AMG
In need of brake pads recommendations

Hi guys

The time for new brake pads has come for my 17 GLS63. What are your recommendations and where can I get them?

I'm currenbtly looking for POWER STOPZ23 but no idea how they will work nor how will they compare to OEM (assuming that is what I have)
EBC Red Stuff do not have rears
EBC Yellow stuff people say they dont last much.
Brembo, RockAuto has 2 diferent rears but no fronts.

Any feedback and advice would be much appreciated.

Note aside, I will be installing new Brembo rotors

Thanks

David
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Old Mar 17, 2026 | 09:15 AM
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EBC Redstuff DP32137C works for rear pads on the 2017 GLS63. There’s some sort of glitch in the EBC partfinder app that prevents this part number from showing up. I have a set on my 2017 GLS63 and they are superior to the OEM pads and the Brembo P50101 pads.

For rotors, consider also Zimmerman 400.3699.20 coated rotors. They seem to come off the hubs easier than the OEM rotors. I’ve also used the Brembo rotors ( 09.8710.11) and they are fine.

Long thread here on the procedure:

https://mbworld.org/forums/gl63-amg-...tors-pads.html

Regards

—Joe

Last edited by joecparrish; Mar 17, 2026 at 09:19 AM. Reason: Updated information
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Old Mar 17, 2026 | 10:14 AM
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Originally Posted by joecparrish
EBC Redstuff DP32137C works for rear pads on the 2017 GLS63. There’s some sort of glitch in the EBC partfinder app that prevents this part number from showing up. I have a set on my 2017 GLS63 and they are superior to the OEM pads and the Brembo P50101 pads.

For rotors, consider also Zimmerman 400.3699.20 coated rotors. They seem to come off the hubs easier than the OEM rotors. I’ve also used the Brembo rotors ( 09.8710.11) and they are fine.

Long thread here on the procedure:

https://mbworld.org/forums/gl63-amg-...tors-pads.html

Regards

—Joe
Forgot to include recommendations for front (2017 GLS63):

- Front Brake Pads: EBC Redstuff DP31939C
- Front Rotors: Brembo 09.B805.11 or Zimmermann Coat Z 400 3698 20)

Detailed procedure in this thread:

https://mbworld.org/forums/gl63-amg-...tors-pads.html

—Joe

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Old Mar 17, 2026 | 10:42 AM
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Thanks Joe.
Great Information. I will check on the RedStuff.

Thanks

David
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Old Mar 17, 2026 | 12:55 PM
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Hi Joe

Do the RedStuff pads make the typical click noise when reversing from a parking spot or changing gears from reverse to Direct?
I do not have the noise at this time, so Im assuming my pads are OEM and have the so mentioned sticky surface.
My other car (non Mercedes) has that annoying click noise

Is there any trick to avoid that?

Thanks

David
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Old Mar 17, 2026 | 05:06 PM
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I currently have the redstuff on my GL63. They don't have as much bite as the yelllow stuff. The yellow stuff stopped great for such a large SUV. The only problem is that they wore out quick. If your SUV isnt a daily driver or you don't mind changing your brake pad often, go with the yellow stuff. The redstuff is good but stopping is noticably different between the two.
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Old Mar 17, 2026 | 09:23 PM
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Originally Posted by angelglo
I currently have the redstuff on my GL63. They don't have as much bite as the yelllow stuff. The yellow stuff stopped great for such a large SUV. The only problem is that they wore out quick. If your SUV isnt a daily driver or you don't mind changing your brake pad often, go with the yellow stuff. The redstuff is good but stopping is noticably different between the two.
Thanks @angelglo. I bought the car approx 18 month / 23K miles ago. I dont remember having the lip I have now on the front rotors. I have no idea what pads are installed, but Im assuming OEM

How many miles approx the YellowStuff lasted for you?


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Old Mar 18, 2026 | 03:10 AM
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David—

I don't really notice a click when shifting between reverse and drive — and even if I did, I’m not sure I’d attribute it to the brake pads. It seems to me that it could just as easily be driveshaft or transmission.

Regards

—Joe
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Old Mar 18, 2026 | 01:16 PM
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Hi @joecparrish

I have that click sound on another car. It is not related to VC joints. I replaces the axels some time ago because they started sounding like a bad CV joint. That noise was fixed with the replacemente but the click noise when changinf forward/reverse still happens once befpre and after the new axels. I have replaces the pads for akebono, and now PowerStop without success. It only happens in the front and I know the pads get in the caliper slot a little loose (in the back they get in tighter) Im thinking probably is the hardware or the caliper. Anyways this is not related. My concern was about not developing this click noise in the GLS and I have red in the forum about some folks having it.

Thanks for all the advice and feedback.

Thanks

David

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Old Mar 20, 2026 | 01:27 AM
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The click noise is front wheel bearings / hub interface. It's just annoying in general. It's not a sign of failure or needing replacement. Multiple models have this issue since brand new. They machined a tolerance incorrectly. You get clicks while turning the steering wheel at low speeds or a stand still too. I've never ran ebc on a GL but on other amg's it's noticeably worse than stock. Sure less brake dust but that's the only gain. You can run any pad on the rear - i'd recommend a ceramic to last longer and make less noise. Rear pads are small and don't do much. They can wear out quickly with all the lane keep and traction control nanny action though. As for the front's I'd stick to stock or find something more aggressive. Stay away from anything that mentions ceramic for the fronts. In addition the Oem rotors are only around $300 each which is insanely cheap for an AMG. Brembo is good quality and Zimmerman is ok.

Last edited by roadtalontsi; Mar 20, 2026 at 01:29 AM.
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Old Mar 20, 2026 | 12:07 PM
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Chat GPT says Brembo Low-Met are the sweet spot beetween RedStuff and YellowStuff. Thinking in going that route. Not ordering yet, I will be travelling and dont want my parts to sit in the front door.

Note aside, Ordered the Brembo brake sensors from Rockauto. Bought one of each but each package has 2 identical sensor like if it needs 2 in the friont asnd 2 in the rear. So, it is a little money save in quality parts for next brake job.

Thanks


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Old Mar 20, 2026 | 12:34 PM
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Hi @roadtalontsi

How many miles approx the YellowStuff lasted for you?

I daily drive the GLS with 300 miles a week approx.

Thanks

Davis
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Old Mar 20, 2026 | 11:14 PM
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I dont run ebc brakes on any of my cars nor would i by choice. Brake pad life will vary more so by the driver than the compound. It will also depend on what kind of driving you do. I've seen S65's go 80k miles on factory pads since the brakes are huge and most 60yr old + retiree's don't drive crazy. Most brakes should last you 25-30k miles unless you really brake hard regularly.
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Old Apr 3, 2026 | 04:35 PM
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2017 GLS 63 AMG
Hi folks

This is not a big deal but In case anyone is interested:

The Front POWER STOP Z231291 Include Caliper Pins (A0004215174) Tie bar (A2094210014) and Spreader Spring (A0014210991) and grease
The rear POWER STOP Z231630 Include rubber boots and hardware and grease
It seems PowersStop does not ooffer their Z36 pads for the GLS63. ChatGPT states PowerStop Z23 is ok for daily driving but not enough for spirited driving and good stopping fistance for the weight and performance of the GLS63.

EBC Yellow Stuff does not include hardware

Thanks

David





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Old Apr 12, 2026 | 07:40 PM
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Yellow Stuff Pads installed in the front (DP41939R) with new Brembo rotors (09.B805.11). Braking feels good, I havent had the time for a real test.

I dont like how the yellow stuff looks on the red calipers, didnt though about that detail before.

I also bought the brake pad wear sensor from RockAuto Brembo A00277 for the front and A00274 for the rear. Each factory package arrived with 2 sensors each. The front sensor is too short for about 1/3 inch. I havent had the chance to do the rears yet

Update: Fuound that Brembo Website has Brembo A00277 for the rear and A00274 for the front.

Currently the car has no wear sensor. I will try the other sensor and will update. Can't find these parts in RockAuto anymore.

Last edited by resoplez; Apr 12, 2026 at 07:52 PM.
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