samnt650

Wondering if anyone knows if I can get or do the following...

Better brake pads - the OEM simply "sucks" and I was hoping to find Hawk LT Truck pads for the R (same as the ML). Does anyone have any luck finding non-OEM (ie ATE) pads?

Engine - does MB have any cooperation w/ aftermarket tunner, like BMW w/ Dinan? The 350 motor is a bit weak and I am thinking about getting a supercharger, or chip upgrade. Ideally would be great if the work won't void the factory warranty.

Thank you...

mitaka

any other pads you put on will make horribly squeaking sounds...

samnt650

squeaking sound, dont care... i take stopping pwr over this minor annoyances.

nanoera

Brembo makes BBK for R500. Upgrade to 19" wheels and throw it in.

nanoera

For chip tuning, I used to put Wett on my VW, and they have it for R too.
Wett

20 hp gain for $499. I don't think they are protected from flash. You may want to check around for other tuner (Giac? Neuspeed?).

technical data 4-wheel drive, automatic transmission, 6-cylinder, Otto-type engine, V-engine, DOHC, 4 valves, electronic injection, catalytic converter
series advanced
displacement 3498 ccm
compression ratio 10.7:1
power 200 kW / 272 hp at 6000 rpm 215 kW / 292 hp at 6000 rpm
torque 259 ft/lbs at 2400 rpm 278 ft/lbs at 3000 rpm
top speed 146 mph 147 mph
remark the stated numbers are based on our measurements and differ depending on vehicle and options projected, Installation: Inboard Flashen (Motorola)

price
power advancement from
200 kW / 272 hp to 215 kW / 292 hp 499.00 $

samnt650

I am never a big fan changing the vehicle overall brake hydraulics dynamic with just calipers replacement, and w/o the master cylinder or the bias valves, especially on a street car. Therefore I'm going to stick w/ brake-pad upgrade only...

For the chip upgrade... Hmmm interesting & temping

R. Reyes

MHP has a tune for it, not stratospheric in price but up there. Brabus has an upgrade, Lorinser has an upgrade (both engine as well as performance parts), but were talking 7k+ for an 1st stage.

http://www.brakeworld.com/catalog.as...=items&catid=1

http://www.brakeworld.com/catalog.as...=items&catid=2

princemarko

I have an R-500 also and i think its underpowered also.

For tuners, Renntech has just an ECU tune that gains 15 HP. Veloce Performance has a ECU and air filter setup for 30 hp. I believe Kleeman has a 45hp gain kit available. They should have put the 550 motor in it.

For brakes, try steel lines and new calipers. That should get you really stopping on a dime, considering its weight.

There was some new pads that came out recently that fit OEM sizes, forgot who made them, but you can get them at any auto parts store.

mitaka

there is no such a thing as brake pad upgrade. If you want to improve braking power you have to change the calipers as well. Explore AMG upgrades (easier top retrofit I would guess) or Brembo. I heard some people retrofit Porsche calipers as well but I dont know if possible to install on the R. the OEM pads are made of very soft material (lots of brake dust on your wheels right) and you won't find after market pads that will outperform them.

R. Reyes

I've seen and have been directed by brake distributors to Brembo kits that are supposed to be for the R-class. However, according to Brembo...they don't make one for the R-class. One that fits, or one that's designed for your vehicle. But I would love to put Brembo on, especially with steel lines.

cyeung65

Are the W164 brake parts compatible?

samnt650

If I recall correctly the R share same caliper w/ the ML...

sc_trojan

try porterfield brakes direct. since I gave them the template, they can make them in many different compounds now- from full race to street pads.

all of the other mods really wont give you any seat of the pants feel since the car is just too heavy.

samnt650

sc_trojan, thank you! i was not aware porterfield was an option to us. i was about to give a call to cobalt friction, they had built custom pad for me in the past. now i have to options to choose from

cyeung65

These guys make more modest HP claims:

http://http://www.powerchipgroup.com...sp?pid=Mer0299

smokersteve

I knew powerchip was not the only one!


im bumpin this post