KCSam

Thank you. I really like them. Well, the install was a little rough. I didn't realize my GLC didn't come with any of the tire changing tools. The spots are there for them, but they are empty. So I had to use my wife's jack from her Escape.

Didn't have a torque wrench to get off the lug nuts. Those things were on at like 48723894 lbs! I borrowed a neighbors break bar and got them off (I did break one of his sockets though, so that tells you how tight those nuts were). Getting the tires off wasn't bad, but putting them back on was another story.

When it comes to the covers themselves, they weren't bad. The backs were really fast and easy. The fronts didn't quite fit as well as the backs. I was wondering if they sent me the wrong fit, but they said they are correct. They aren't as tight and flush as the backs, but you can't tell unless you're really on top of them.

All in all, I am happy with them.

ParjAS

ParjAS

Anything different with the brakes after the install?

KCSam

Doesn't appear to be. Everything sounds smooth.

ParjAS

I have heard that brake squealing is a common problem on the GLC around 40,000 miles, so it's not the calipers. Since it sounds smooth it's probably fine.

KCSam

Oh really? I hadn't heard about that. I took it for a test drive after I installed them and I didn't hear anything. I'm not even to 1000 miles yet though.

ParjAS

It's a common problem, nothing to worry about.

ParjAS

Dealer also will not do anything about it. My car is at 5,000, so I don't know what it's like, or whether the 2020s are affected.

ParjAS

Here's one of the many threads. This one has a different noise, but here it is anyway.
https://mbworld.org/forums/glc-class...lete-stop.html

dadalook

Any idea why North American version of the car only comes with chrome trim in the middle portion and not the whole bottom? I really like the whole bottom chrome.

Wxchaser

I am the total opposite. I'd like all the chrome trim blacked out.

ParjAS

Agreed wxchaser. However maybe only coupes get that look?

jcoleman310

I don’t want to rain on anyone’s party here, but I recently asked about covers versus painting, versus powder coating. I was at a wheel specialty shop. They were totally against covers and verbalized several issues with covers not the least of which is they can become loose and come off while you are driving. They were somewhat ambivalent about powder coating saying that this really looked the best but it required the calipers being removed and a fair amount of preparation before powder coating. They actually recommended a high temperature paint that is made for that purpose. And while getting the caliper ready to be painted requires a good bit of attention to such things as getting all the oils, brake dust, grease, etc removed so the paint would adhere, the results were almost as good as powder coating and the calipers do not have to be removed from the vehicle.
I hope this is helpful....not sure which direction I’m going to take with my S550 Coupe but not the covers for sure.

KCSam

Based off what I've read and been told, if the covers are installed properly, there really isn't any risk of them coming loose. I ensured mine were on tight enough that I don't ever see them coming loose. I haven't had any issues with mine since installing them this summer.

ParjAS

I have covers on my '20 M2 Competition, they are BMW parts, but still are quite nice... No issues whatsoever.

Brandon C

You do have to also understand who you are asking the question to. You went to a wheel shop that does caliper painting.

Of course they are going to point out the covers 'potential' risks of coming lose - to detract you from going the most cost effective route.
Of course they are going to bring up the 'potential' adhesion issues of powder coating - to detract you from a service they dont offer.

Everyone has bias one way or the other - a business will have the most bias when asking about options they dont offer - because they want your business - and you cant blame them for that. An MB dealer wont say that a comparable BMW is the better option - they will highlight the negatives of the Beamer in an attempt to detract you from looking at them and focusing on what he's selling.

Hence why forums emerged - to get opinions of the masses which you can then take with a grain of salt and make your own decision on what works for you.

(Granted - coming to a Benz specific forum will lend to bias towards MB... But they are the best cars on the road - no bias there haha! )

ParjAS

Good point...
Like this bit " But they are the best cars on the road - no bias there haha! "

jcoleman310

Actually they offered all three, painted calipers, powder coated, and covers.
Jim

ParjAS

Get it painted if you are worried about 'potential risks'.

hyperion667

Wonder if we'll ever see calipers spiced up a little......you know? Different shapes? Flames? Pointed dragon heads? Something has to give

Brandon C

They are definitely an eye catching spot on the exterior of cars - especially with the large wheels with thin spokes on pretty much all cars now. I say - why not!


But another idea - would be adding tech like the TPMS. Why cant there be a pad thickness monitor installed that can be shown on your dash to show you brake life remaining? Or maybe there is something similar already?

ParjAS

Oh yeah that brake life think sounds cool. And cooler shapes too.

GateKeeper

don’t these vehicles already have brake pad wear sensors once they get worn down to a point your notified that it’s getting close to having to get them replaced

.

ParjAS

never worn brakes out so bad so never seen it.

hyperion667

I've never seen a wear light come on in the 4 benzes I've Had, including my 2012, bought new, CLS63......it has 62K miles too........should be any day now though