SL/R129: Brembo Brakes and Other Upgrades on Pre-1999 R129
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Joined: Aug 2021
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Brembo Brakes and Other Upgrades on Pre-1999 R129
Hello y’all! I Recently I purchased my second R129 SL500 (MY 1998) which includes a couple uninstalled upgrades. Some 1999-02 Brembo Calipers with break lines were included, they have been rebuilt and powder coated with Brembo lettering and look very sharp. Some HR lowering springs and adaptors were also included. I am thinking I am not going to gain much handling improvement with the springs and I would prefer the function of the ground clearance more than the form of the lowered car. Do y’all agree that it won’t affect handling much?
The Brembo brakes I am more seriously considering… yes in part cause Brembo is fancy and they look cool but I am wondering if there will be any real performance improvements considering I drive my car much harder than the average owner. Also, how difficult is the install of the new brakes? I’m sure I’ll need some hardware and the shorter control arms, anything else particularly expensive or difficult?
I would argue my 1998 is the cleanest over 100,000 miles of any and I enjoy the car a lot so I am alright with putting some money into it. If anyone is particularly interested in either part, definitely shoot me a PM as I am not set on either upgrade.
The Brembo brakes I am more seriously considering… yes in part cause Brembo is fancy and they look cool but I am wondering if there will be any real performance improvements considering I drive my car much harder than the average owner. Also, how difficult is the install of the new brakes? I’m sure I’ll need some hardware and the shorter control arms, anything else particularly expensive or difficult?
I would argue my 1998 is the cleanest over 100,000 miles of any and I enjoy the car a lot so I am alright with putting some money into it. If anyone is particularly interested in either part, definitely shoot me a PM as I am not set on either upgrade.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 701
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From: Lutz, FL
1997 MB SL600
The brakes are a very noticeable improvement. I have them and would recommend the upgrade to anyone looking for better braking,
At 2 and a quarter tons, the R129 cars are not really meant for spirited handling. However, the car does make for a very nice GT for road trips. And the top goes down too.
At 2 and a quarter tons, the R129 cars are not really meant for spirited handling. However, the car does make for a very nice GT for road trips. And the top goes down too.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 39
Likes: 4
None… Yet!
The brakes are a very noticeable improvement. I have them and would recommend the upgrade to anyone looking for better braking,
At 2 and a quarter tons, the R129 cars are not really meant for spirited handling. However, the car does make for a very nice GT for road trips. And the top goes down too.
At 2 and a quarter tons, the R129 cars are not really meant for spirited handling. However, the car does make for a very nice GT for road trips. And the top goes down too.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 368
Likes: 73
SL600
