Hi,

Apparently, the ML500 has bigger brakes than the ML280/320/350 (at least you can't put 17" wheels on a 500, which hints in that direction).

I was surprised to see in two recent brake tests from reputed German magazines (AutoBild AllesAllrad and AutoZeitung) that the ML320CDI stops 0.6 meters SHORTER! from 100 kph than the ML500 (same tires (Bridgestone Turanza ER30 255/50-19)).

OK - 0.6 meters might be the test tolerance, but still I would have expected the bigger brakes to at least compensate for the slightly heavier engine.

Also interesting to see that a ML500 with the standard Michelin Latitude Tour HP in 255/55-18 took 1.0 metres more to stop - that might make the difference between: "Phew, that was close and" "crunch".

Cheers,
Birger

 

I can only compare the brakes to the W163 ML500 that I traded. While not scientific I find the W164 braking better, at least on my ML500. In addition and a very important factor, they seem smoother and are without question quieter... no squeal at all, even stone cold. They appear to me to be quite different than the W163 as the callipers look entirely different as do the rotors.

 

True, but the excessive brake dust is driving me nuts...anyone know if low-dust replacements are readily available yet?

 

Have owned German cars since 1974. Brake dust has been an issue on all of them. Changing to an aftermarket pad in my estimation degrades the braking performance and can cause pre mature rotor wear.

 

What would be interesting to know is (assuming you have 19" rims) is it is a simple process to swap up the 320 discs/calipers from the 500?

 

As you say, the difference shown was a extremely small, in essence a draw. In that regard, they already have shown compensation for the heavier engine. Bigger rotors (I think the calipers are the same), will show the largest improvement with repeated use and the greater heat sink capacity.

 

off thread slightly but a question on the brakes ( i havent read the manual )

Had a near moment today, i was talkin on the phone and nearly went up the back of the van in front who didnt have any brakelights working.

I braked hard but was in full control, the brake pedal then went further in on its own and braked very very hard and my head hit the roof, sunvisor and front screen.

I must confess i was not wearing a seatbelt i had the front passenger belt in my buckle to stop the thing ringing at me.

Anyhow i have a headache tonite thanks to my car braking harded than i depress the brake pedal, WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THIS CAR!!!

Steve

 

What you experienced was "Brake Assist," which, when it senses panic braking, will apply maximun force. It has been found that people do not usually apply enough force in these situations. I have mixed feeling about this type of electronic babysitter. For the average Mercedes driver it's probably good; for an experienced driver it can lead to unintended results.

You don't usually wear your seatbelt? I don't understand that.

 

Firstly my 2003 SL has never done this to me, Its pretty wierd experience and i dont fancy it being repeated,

As for the seat belt, i never wear one unless travelling over 80 to 90 mph or my wife is sitting next to me, ie to not put her in danger in a side on smash, as i suffer from very bad back pain and it adds to my discomfort.

Before anyone on here goes mad and says how bad my back is if i had an acident without wearing a seat belt, I know!! but try my back everyday as it is you will love it.

I must admit I feel safer driving in the SL without a seatbelt than the ML