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Grey will look more factory. Black is too much of a contrast in my opinion.
Yep^...that’s was my first impression. Took a good look at the S550 today...front grills, mirror trim surrounds, rear bumper valance, etc., are all black. Streamliner^^you installed just the ceramic pads to achieve those results ? TIA
take the runcraps off, the 20" on the car flow well with the design. That pic is the plus size wheel w aggresive offsets. your going to put smaller wheels its not going to look good.
2020 S560 Sedan, 2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, '24 BMW I7 on order...
Originally Posted by 77Tony
Sorry for the thread hijack and back on topic...Streamliner^^you installed just the ceramic pads to achieve those results ? TIA T
Yes, all I did was switch out the pads. And, just yesterday, I took the car on a longer drive. When I returned home, I wiped a spot on one front wheel, expecting to see some dust, but there was next to nothing. I am now convinced that dust is down by maybe 70%. And again, the dust is lighter in color and washes off easily.
Another member here, who drives an S63 Cabriolet, recommended Porterfield Racing Brakes. Since they were local, I went down and talked with them, then ordered the pads. It’s a high quality product, produced by a small, “old school” type of company and I highly recommend it.
1bad540 Quote from^^: take the runcraps off, the 20" on the car flow well with the design. That pic is the plus size wheel w aggresive offsets. your going to put smaller wheels its not going to look good.
Great advice
Originally Posted by Streamliner
Yes, all I did was switch out the pads. And, just yesterday, I took the car on a longer drive. When I returned home, I wiped a spot on one front wheel, expecting to see some dust, but there was next to nothing. I am now convinced that dust is down by maybe 70%. And again, the dust is lighter in color and washes off easily.
Another member here, who drives an S63 Cabriolet, recommended Porterfield Racing Brakes. Since they were local, I went down and talked with them, then ordered the pads. It’s a high quality product, produced by a small, “old school” type of company and I highly recommend it.
Great to know^^. Car has 22,xx miles and will probaly be needing pads soon enough. Did you feel any loss of bite with the new pads? As for Porterfield racing pads normally need some heat in them to be effective...not good for street use, but I'm guessing they mfr. the right combination for street pads ? T
Yes, all I did was switch out the pads. And, just yesterday, I took the car on a longer drive. When I returned home, I wiped a spot on one front wheel, expecting to see some dust, but there was next to nothing. I am now convinced that dust is down by maybe 70%. And again, the dust is lighter in color and washes off easily.
Another member here, who drives an S63 Cabriolet, recommended Porterfield Racing Brakes. Since they were local, I went down and talked with them, then ordered the pads. It’s a high quality product, produced by a small, “old school” type of company and I highly recommend it.
Steamliner, thanks for the info. I'm going to go pay them a visit and see what they say. I'll keep you updated.
I put ceramic pads on my 2019 SL450. Got them from Porterfield Racing Brakes in Costa Mesa, CA, near my home. I’d say dust is down by at least 50% and the dust is a lighter color. It also washes off easily and not a squeak to be heard.
Yes, I like them very much. No, these are the first non-OEM pads I have ever used.
High Performance Street Brake Pads
For high performance and heavy duty street conditions the Porterfield R4-S compound remains a top performer in the realm of street/performance brake pads. With the R4-S compound giving a friction level up to .41. This is an amazingly fast stopping brake pad. Simply put, they will give you an impressive increase in stopping ability with very minimum amount of pedal effort. Perfect for prolonged everyday street driving while also being capable of enduring the most severe use without fade. It is also rotor friendly of course.
We have gone to great measures to ensure that the R4-S compound has the absolute lowest noise and dust levels possible, far below O.E.M. equipment or any other high performance brake material. The R4-S compound which has an overall win in the Baja 1000 is available for most models of cars, trucks, and SUV’s. Superb stopping power under heavy use. Great for occasional autocrossing, solo events, off road events and rallies. Perhaps one of the overall best performing, clean and quiet everyday high performance driving brake pad ever made.
The R4-S compound is available for virtually any vehicle sold in the U.S. Also for rare vintage cars and special applications for street touring.
R4-S pads and shoes are available for:
All Import and domestic cars and trucks. also Alcon, AP, Baer, Brembo and Stoptech race caliper kits on street driven vehicles.
I enjoy washing & detailing all my cars, especially the 2016 S 550 Sport...however, I can't stand spending more time cleaning the 20" wheels than it takes to wash and dry entire car!
First, I tried a special wax sealant made just for wheels that helped somewhat with the dust:
Then, as suggested on this tread, I purchased the Italia Ceramic brakepads a couple of months ago at 16000 miles. Had them installed by a local Atlanta Indie for $250 on the original rotors ...good move as he had a lot of little techniques I would not have thought of...not to mention he had all the best tools and a sweet lift.
Here are pics of fronts after 10 days since last wash and light city driving...couple 100 miles
Second pass swipe:
Observations:
1. Significantly less dust 2. Only have to clean wheels every other wash now with less time 3. Performance the same as prior city / highway driving...both light and hard braking...no desire to track 4. Pads are expensive ($370) but still less than the stealership brake job that requires new rotors (where I live) 5. Italia Ceramic brake pads are ever so slightly smaller than OEM pads 6. Waited two months of use to post: No noise 7. No special pad break-in other than light braking for first couple a hundred miles to set
Summary, glad I took the risk and pleased with results...
Yes, great review^^Michael. Our S550 (AMG Sport Package) have the same wheels and went with the Porterfield's. Approx. 100 miles in light city traffic at this time (sans wax sealant). Don't think anyone can go wrong with either the Italia's or the Porterfield's. Greatly reduced dust, nice bite, and pedal feel. YMMV. T
Hmm so 300 bux isnt bad either. Anyone have the Brembo ceramics and like them? I just washed my car this morn and I feel its getting brake dust just sitting there! lol
Hmm so 300 bux isnt bad either. Anyone have the Brembo ceramics and like them? I just washed my car this morn and I feel its getting brake dust just sitting there! lol
IIRC Brembo does not mfr ceramic pads for the fronts, rears or ? Check with Brembo. T
08-22-2019, 01:23 AM
