CLKBSVegas

Are the Front Brake Calipers and Rotors taken off a 2003 Merceds-Benz CLK 500 an upgrade over my OEM W208 CLK 430 '01s?

jello2594

I have '04 CLK500 brakes, in perfect condition, with less than a thousand miles on them, for sale...if youre interested.

Mach430

Yes, they are an upgrade, however the brakes from an AMG model are even more so.

CLKBSVegas

Can I use my same rotors or do I need new ones?
Is the upgrade worth it or should I hold out for AMG brakes?
Anyone have AMG's for sale?
Ben...can you use front calipers on the rear? Why not?

Mach430

You will need new rotors, pads, calipers and pad sensors. The front calipers will not properly bolt-up and mate with rotors for the rear.

CHB

So AMG brakes from a 209 will fit a 208? I asked the dealership and they said its not a perfect fit. Is a custom mounting bracket required?

Mach430

I recommend never asking your dealer unless it is strictly related to stock parts... They just aren't trained to know.

mmgrad

W209 brakes aren't suppose to be used on a W208 platform... the trailing vs. leading caliper makes the pistons fire incorrectly. In addition, the rotors off a W209 won't fit right on the W208 because the retention screw doesn't line up.

No real customization is necessary, but, since the application was not meant for the W208, its a safety issue... I'm surprised Ben (Mach430) hasn't chimed in about this already... He, and others, have done a very detailed write-up about this "upgrade" and Ben has always been on the side of Safety rather than Style

Mach430

Danny,

I have chimed in -- you just didn't notice my posts without my avatar!

You're entirely correct in your post and quote of mine previous, however I am aware of a couple dozen people (such as yourself) who have performed this upgrade without issues, and thus believe it to be safe and worthwhile.

Regards,

Ben

mmgrad

I know its you Ben... with or without an avatar

I too firmly believe that the upgrade is fairly safe... and for the cost of the upgrade, you really can't beat that...

btw Ben, how in the world did you achieve 65,633 posts???

jello2594

Great, we all agree! So buy my 2004 CLK500 complete front brake kit. Its only got about a thousand miles on it.