SL/R230: CERAMIC (AKEOBONO) Brakes for R230's - Detailed
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 18
Likes: 1
From: Lake Oconee, GA
Firemist Red SL500
CERAMIC (AKEBONO) Brakes for R230's - Detailed
AKEBONO Ceramic Pads and Mercedes SL500’s – 230 Bodies
This is Factual Information about Ceramic Pads and what CAN be used on our beloved 2003 SL500’s (R230’s) and some SL550’s.
Many of us already know of the qualities of Ceramic Brake Pads, and of the world’s largest Ceramic Pad manufacturer, Akebono. However, if you do not know, Ceramic Pads were designed as an UPGRADE to original semi-metallic brakes, providing primarily for two things: A) Reduce the black Brake dust found often in original equipment brake pads, which so badly discolour wheels, etc; and B) To provide for improved overall brake performance. Honestly, they do this in Spades. Negatives; NONE ! Oh you will have people tell you of supposed horror stories, but they are mostly “Net Fables.” In other words, “I read it on the InterNet so I KNOW it MUST be TRUE !” Believe what you want, it’s mostly rubbish. Particularly about how they wear out rotors faster.
What does AKEBONO say repeatedly ?
“Advanced ceramic brake pad technology allows Akebono’s “EURO” pad line to provide excellent stopping power while extending rotor life and virtually eliminating brake dust.”
So who is AKEBONO ? Why have I not heard of them ? Akebono DESIGNED (Invented) Ceramic Brake Pads. But primarily they are an O.E.M supplier to Car Manufacturers. Key automotive OEM customers include Audi, DaimlerChrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota & Volkswagen. This is not a company you normally will find @ AutoZone, PepBoys, etc. Even if NOW they & their name (for quality and performance) is recognized by leading mechanics and designers/builders.
A total of 6,800 people are employed by Akebono; 1,900 in North America. The company’s worldwide 2006 sales totaled $1.2 billion.
I have been successfully using AKEBONO’s for 56 years, when I was first introduced to them, by a friend in the trade (I am not) at Coventry West, The US's leading Jaguar parts supplier. I installed AKEBONO's, and Brembo rotors on two of Miss Barbie’s Vanden Plas Jaguars (Brembo BEFORE they became so prohibitively expensive). I also installed Brembo’s on my American rides as well. BEST brakes I have ever used and enjoyed.
What’s the BIG DEAL ? Well IF you are now a little “sold” on possibly using AKEBONO’s on your R230, you will find them HARD TO LOCATE and you will discover that AKEBONO does not make (SUPPOSEDLY !!!!!!!!) ceramic Pads for your FRONT brakes. I have spent a lot of time on this, and THIS WEEK upgraded my brakes so you are getting first-hand information.
By the way, you will find AKEBONO ProACT AND EURO product names., What they told me was ProACT was the product name for American vehicle pad replacements. While EURO is the same for European Brake systems, like Mercedes.
Go to someone like TireRack and they will list ONLY AKEBONO EURO #847 for the Fronts ?
Weird.
Why WEIRD ? Because IF you go and download AKEBONO’s on-line catalog, they will list ONLY the EURO #986 for the REARS !!!!
Call AKEBONO in Kentucky and talk to a specialist and they will tell you repeatedly they do not make a Ceramic pad replacement this FRONT !!!
Ask TireRack to help get you the REARS and they’ll tell you they do not have availability of this item.
So where do you go and what do you do ?
After a LOT of digging, I found a LARGE supplier, who actually SWORE their AKEBONO Pads WILL work on my M-B, and IF they were wrong, they’ld GLADLY accept them back for return.
What are the numbers ?
A) EURO 986’s for the REAR !
2003 SL500’s and 2007 SL550’s.
B) EURO #847’s for the FRONT:
2003 to 2006 SL500.
2007 to 2008 SL550
What did we find about the fronts ? The AKEBONO 847’s matched perfectly the M-B original equipment pads on my 2003 SL500. We studied this for over an hour and found nothing that was not according to standard in shape nor size, thickness, etc.
How do they perform ? PERFECTLY ! As always, the BEST braking I have ever used ! And virtually no brake dusting. If there is any, it will only be a light beige – not black.
This supplier’s name is F FCP Groton, LLC
Toll Free @ (877) 634-0063.
VERY large eBAY seller as well: “foreigncarpartsonline” on ebay since early 2000, with positive feedback approaching 55000 !
Delivery to me was about 2 days. Pricing was excellent as well.
By the way, use M-B rotors. Normally automotive rotors do not today come thick enough to allow for “turning” them. I did not want any problems, so I installed new M-B rotors, and used M-B grease to lube the sliding pins on the calipers. And it's virtually impossible to locate aftermarket rotors for our
R230's.
There is NOTHING (electrical) that needs to be disconnected under the front hood to perform this brake job.
This is a relatively Easy and Normal brake job !
Good Luck and if I can be of any more help or assistance, please ask.
Good Luck, Mikey Lulejian
This is Factual Information about Ceramic Pads and what CAN be used on our beloved 2003 SL500’s (R230’s) and some SL550’s.
Many of us already know of the qualities of Ceramic Brake Pads, and of the world’s largest Ceramic Pad manufacturer, Akebono. However, if you do not know, Ceramic Pads were designed as an UPGRADE to original semi-metallic brakes, providing primarily for two things: A) Reduce the black Brake dust found often in original equipment brake pads, which so badly discolour wheels, etc; and B) To provide for improved overall brake performance. Honestly, they do this in Spades. Negatives; NONE ! Oh you will have people tell you of supposed horror stories, but they are mostly “Net Fables.” In other words, “I read it on the InterNet so I KNOW it MUST be TRUE !” Believe what you want, it’s mostly rubbish. Particularly about how they wear out rotors faster.
What does AKEBONO say repeatedly ?
“Advanced ceramic brake pad technology allows Akebono’s “EURO” pad line to provide excellent stopping power while extending rotor life and virtually eliminating brake dust.”
So who is AKEBONO ? Why have I not heard of them ? Akebono DESIGNED (Invented) Ceramic Brake Pads. But primarily they are an O.E.M supplier to Car Manufacturers. Key automotive OEM customers include Audi, DaimlerChrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota & Volkswagen. This is not a company you normally will find @ AutoZone, PepBoys, etc. Even if NOW they & their name (for quality and performance) is recognized by leading mechanics and designers/builders.
A total of 6,800 people are employed by Akebono; 1,900 in North America. The company’s worldwide 2006 sales totaled $1.2 billion.
I have been successfully using AKEBONO’s for 56 years, when I was first introduced to them, by a friend in the trade (I am not) at Coventry West, The US's leading Jaguar parts supplier. I installed AKEBONO's, and Brembo rotors on two of Miss Barbie’s Vanden Plas Jaguars (Brembo BEFORE they became so prohibitively expensive). I also installed Brembo’s on my American rides as well. BEST brakes I have ever used and enjoyed.
What’s the BIG DEAL ? Well IF you are now a little “sold” on possibly using AKEBONO’s on your R230, you will find them HARD TO LOCATE and you will discover that AKEBONO does not make (SUPPOSEDLY !!!!!!!!) ceramic Pads for your FRONT brakes. I have spent a lot of time on this, and THIS WEEK upgraded my brakes so you are getting first-hand information.
By the way, you will find AKEBONO ProACT AND EURO product names., What they told me was ProACT was the product name for American vehicle pad replacements. While EURO is the same for European Brake systems, like Mercedes.
Go to someone like TireRack and they will list ONLY AKEBONO EURO #847 for the Fronts ?
Weird.
Why WEIRD ? Because IF you go and download AKEBONO’s on-line catalog, they will list ONLY the EURO #986 for the REARS !!!!
Call AKEBONO in Kentucky and talk to a specialist and they will tell you repeatedly they do not make a Ceramic pad replacement this FRONT !!!
Ask TireRack to help get you the REARS and they’ll tell you they do not have availability of this item.
So where do you go and what do you do ?
After a LOT of digging, I found a LARGE supplier, who actually SWORE their AKEBONO Pads WILL work on my M-B, and IF they were wrong, they’ld GLADLY accept them back for return.
What are the numbers ?
A) EURO 986’s for the REAR !
2003 SL500’s and 2007 SL550’s.
B) EURO #847’s for the FRONT:
2003 to 2006 SL500.
2007 to 2008 SL550
What did we find about the fronts ? The AKEBONO 847’s matched perfectly the M-B original equipment pads on my 2003 SL500. We studied this for over an hour and found nothing that was not according to standard in shape nor size, thickness, etc.
How do they perform ? PERFECTLY ! As always, the BEST braking I have ever used ! And virtually no brake dusting. If there is any, it will only be a light beige – not black.
This supplier’s name is F FCP Groton, LLC
Toll Free @ (877) 634-0063.
VERY large eBAY seller as well: “foreigncarpartsonline” on ebay since early 2000, with positive feedback approaching 55000 !
Delivery to me was about 2 days. Pricing was excellent as well.
By the way, use M-B rotors. Normally automotive rotors do not today come thick enough to allow for “turning” them. I did not want any problems, so I installed new M-B rotors, and used M-B grease to lube the sliding pins on the calipers. And it's virtually impossible to locate aftermarket rotors for our
R230's.
There is NOTHING (electrical) that needs to be disconnected under the front hood to perform this brake job.
This is a relatively Easy and Normal brake job !
Good Luck and if I can be of any more help or assistance, please ask.
Good Luck, Mikey Lulejian
Last edited by mikey100; Jul 18, 2008 at 07:21 PM. Reason: Typos
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 34
Likes: 5
From: New Orleans
2015 SL550
brake pads for SL550 with sport package
I have an '09 SL550 with the sport package (AMG 19" wheels). Does anybody know if the brake pads are any different from the standard model? Tire Rack lists Akebono EUR847 (front) and EUR986 (rear); are these compatible with the sport package?
Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: OKC, OK.
2014 SL550
AKEBONO Ceramic Pads and Mercedes SL500’s – 230 Bodies
This is Factual Information about Ceramic Pads and what CAN be used on our beloved 2003 SL500’s (R230’s) and some SL550’s.
Many of us already know of the qualities of Ceramic Brake Pads, and of the world’s largest Ceramic Pad manufacturer, Akebono. However, if you do not know, Ceramic Pads were designed as an UPGRADE to original semi-metallic brakes, providing primarily for two things: A) Reduce the black Brake dust found often in original equipment brake pads, which so badly discolour wheels, etc; and B) To provide for improved overall brake performance. Honestly, they do this in Spades. Negatives; NONE ! Oh you will have people tell you of supposed horror stories, but they are mostly “Net Fables.” In other words, “I read it on the InterNet so I KNOW it MUST be TRUE !” Believe what you want, it’s mostly rubbish. Particularly about how they wear out rotors faster.
What does AKEBONO say repeatedly ?
“Advanced ceramic brake pad technology allows Akebono’s “EURO” pad line to provide excellent stopping power while extending rotor life and virtually eliminating brake dust.”
So who is AKEBONO ? Why have I not heard of them ? Akebono DESIGNED (Invented) Ceramic Brake Pads. But primarily they are an O.E.M supplier to Car Manufacturers. Key automotive OEM customers include Audi, DaimlerChrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota & Volkswagen. This is not a company you normally will find @ AutoZone, PepBoys, etc. Even if NOW they & their name (for quality and performance) is recognized by leading mechanics and designers/builders.
A total of 6,800 people are employed by Akebono; 1,900 in North America. The company’s worldwide 2006 sales totaled $1.2 billion.
I have been successfully using AKEBONO’s for 56 years, when I was first introduced to them, by a friend in the trade (I am not) at Coventry West, The US's leading Jaguar parts supplier. I installed AKEBONO's, and Brembo rotors on two of Miss Barbie’s Vanden Plas Jaguars (Brembo BEFORE they became so prohibitively expensive). I also installed Brembo’s on my American rides as well. BEST brakes I have ever used and enjoyed.
What’s the BIG DEAL ? Well IF you are now a little “sold” on possibly using AKEBONO’s on your R230, you will find them HARD TO LOCATE and you will discover that AKEBONO does not make (SUPPOSEDLY !!!!!!!!) ceramic Pads for your FRONT brakes. I have spent a lot of time on this, and THIS WEEK upgraded my brakes so you are getting first-hand information.
By the way, you will find AKEBONO ProACT AND EURO product names., What they told me was ProACT was the product name for American vehicle pad replacements. While EURO is the same for European Brake systems, like Mercedes.
Go to someone like TireRack and they will list ONLY AKEBONO EURO #847 for the Fronts ?
Weird.
Why WEIRD ? Because IF you go and download AKEBONO’s on-line catalog, they will list ONLY the EURO #986 for the REARS !!!!
Call AKEBONO in Kentucky and talk to a specialist and they will tell you repeatedly they do not make a Ceramic pad replacement this FRONT !!!
Ask TireRack to help get you the REARS and they’ll tell you they do not have availability of this item.
So where do you go and what do you do ?
After a LOT of digging, I found a LARGE supplier, who actually SWORE their AKEBONO Pads WILL work on my M-B, and IF they were wrong, they’ld GLADLY accept them back for return.
What are the numbers ?
A) EURO 986’s for the REAR !
2003 SL500’s and 2007 SL550’s.
B) EURO #847’s for the FRONT:
2003 to 2006 SL500.
2007 to 2008 SL550
What did we find about the fronts ? The AKEBONO 847’s matched perfectly the M-B original equipment pads on my 2003 SL500. We studied this for over an hour and found nothing that was not according to standard in shape nor size, thickness, etc.
How do they perform ? PERFECTLY ! As always, the BEST braking I have ever used ! And virtually no brake dusting. If there is any, it will only be a light beige – not black.
This supplier’s name is F FCP Groton, LLC
Toll Free @ (877) 634-0063.
VERY large eBAY seller as well: “foreigncarpartsonline” on ebay since early 2000, with positive feedback approaching 55000 !
Delivery to me was about 2 days. Pricing was excellent as well.
By the way, use M-B rotors. Normally automotive rotors do not today come thick enough to allow for “turning” them. I did not want any problems, so I installed new M-B rotors, and used M-B grease to lube the sliding pins on the calipers. And it's virtually impossible to locate aftermarket rotors for our
R230's.
There is NOTHING (electrical) that needs to be disconnected under the front hood to perform this brake job.
This is a relatively Easy and Normal brake job !
Good Luck and if I can be of any more help or assistance, please ask.
Good Luck, Mikey Lulejian
This is Factual Information about Ceramic Pads and what CAN be used on our beloved 2003 SL500’s (R230’s) and some SL550’s.
Many of us already know of the qualities of Ceramic Brake Pads, and of the world’s largest Ceramic Pad manufacturer, Akebono. However, if you do not know, Ceramic Pads were designed as an UPGRADE to original semi-metallic brakes, providing primarily for two things: A) Reduce the black Brake dust found often in original equipment brake pads, which so badly discolour wheels, etc; and B) To provide for improved overall brake performance. Honestly, they do this in Spades. Negatives; NONE ! Oh you will have people tell you of supposed horror stories, but they are mostly “Net Fables.” In other words, “I read it on the InterNet so I KNOW it MUST be TRUE !” Believe what you want, it’s mostly rubbish. Particularly about how they wear out rotors faster.
What does AKEBONO say repeatedly ?
“Advanced ceramic brake pad technology allows Akebono’s “EURO” pad line to provide excellent stopping power while extending rotor life and virtually eliminating brake dust.”
So who is AKEBONO ? Why have I not heard of them ? Akebono DESIGNED (Invented) Ceramic Brake Pads. But primarily they are an O.E.M supplier to Car Manufacturers. Key automotive OEM customers include Audi, DaimlerChrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota & Volkswagen. This is not a company you normally will find @ AutoZone, PepBoys, etc. Even if NOW they & their name (for quality and performance) is recognized by leading mechanics and designers/builders.
A total of 6,800 people are employed by Akebono; 1,900 in North America. The company’s worldwide 2006 sales totaled $1.2 billion.
I have been successfully using AKEBONO’s for 56 years, when I was first introduced to them, by a friend in the trade (I am not) at Coventry West, The US's leading Jaguar parts supplier. I installed AKEBONO's, and Brembo rotors on two of Miss Barbie’s Vanden Plas Jaguars (Brembo BEFORE they became so prohibitively expensive). I also installed Brembo’s on my American rides as well. BEST brakes I have ever used and enjoyed.
What’s the BIG DEAL ? Well IF you are now a little “sold” on possibly using AKEBONO’s on your R230, you will find them HARD TO LOCATE and you will discover that AKEBONO does not make (SUPPOSEDLY !!!!!!!!) ceramic Pads for your FRONT brakes. I have spent a lot of time on this, and THIS WEEK upgraded my brakes so you are getting first-hand information.
By the way, you will find AKEBONO ProACT AND EURO product names., What they told me was ProACT was the product name for American vehicle pad replacements. While EURO is the same for European Brake systems, like Mercedes.
Go to someone like TireRack and they will list ONLY AKEBONO EURO #847 for the Fronts ?
Weird.
Why WEIRD ? Because IF you go and download AKEBONO’s on-line catalog, they will list ONLY the EURO #986 for the REARS !!!!
Call AKEBONO in Kentucky and talk to a specialist and they will tell you repeatedly they do not make a Ceramic pad replacement this FRONT !!!
Ask TireRack to help get you the REARS and they’ll tell you they do not have availability of this item.
So where do you go and what do you do ?
After a LOT of digging, I found a LARGE supplier, who actually SWORE their AKEBONO Pads WILL work on my M-B, and IF they were wrong, they’ld GLADLY accept them back for return.
What are the numbers ?
A) EURO 986’s for the REAR !
2003 SL500’s and 2007 SL550’s.
B) EURO #847’s for the FRONT:
2003 to 2006 SL500.
2007 to 2008 SL550
What did we find about the fronts ? The AKEBONO 847’s matched perfectly the M-B original equipment pads on my 2003 SL500. We studied this for over an hour and found nothing that was not according to standard in shape nor size, thickness, etc.
How do they perform ? PERFECTLY ! As always, the BEST braking I have ever used ! And virtually no brake dusting. If there is any, it will only be a light beige – not black.
This supplier’s name is F FCP Groton, LLC
Toll Free @ (877) 634-0063.
VERY large eBAY seller as well: “foreigncarpartsonline” on ebay since early 2000, with positive feedback approaching 55000 !
Delivery to me was about 2 days. Pricing was excellent as well.
By the way, use M-B rotors. Normally automotive rotors do not today come thick enough to allow for “turning” them. I did not want any problems, so I installed new M-B rotors, and used M-B grease to lube the sliding pins on the calipers. And it's virtually impossible to locate aftermarket rotors for our
R230's.
There is NOTHING (electrical) that needs to be disconnected under the front hood to perform this brake job.
This is a relatively Easy and Normal brake job !
Good Luck and if I can be of any more help or assistance, please ask.
Good Luck, Mikey Lulejian
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: NY, NY
2015 S550, 1988 560SL
They're not the same in the front. I had a hard time getting ceramic pads for mine with the sport package. The front pads are longer than standard and I could not find Akebono's that fit. I wound up using Textar ceramics on the front, PN 2396091. I used Akebono EUR986 on the rear. They are vastly superior to OEM; after a short ride I used to be able to write my name in the brake dust, now there's none. I hope this is helpful.
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Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 34
Likes: 5
From: New Orleans
2015 SL550
Thanks, Modulus. I finally found out the size and shape differences after many hours of searching the internet, and I just bought a set of EBC Redstuff (part No. DP31943C) for the front, to go with Akebono EUR986 on the rear. At first I was a little concerned about having pads from different manufacturers on front and rear, but I don't foresee any real problems.
Btw, do you still have the original rotors, and if so, how many miles were on them when you changed pads?
Btw, do you still have the original rotors, and if so, how many miles were on them when you changed pads?
Last edited by WLP624; Apr 27, 2011 at 02:06 PM.
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Newbie
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: NY, NY
2015 S550, 1988 560SL
If different manufacturers pads were used on the same axle so to speak there might be a problem, but not front to back. I had about 2k on the SL when I swapped out the pads, 24k now and very little wear on rotors or pads. Best of all, no dust.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 47
Likes: 8
R230
Swapped front and rear pads to Akebono on my 2003 SL500. So far, no regrets!
In comparison to my OEM brake pads that I've used for a year the Akebono offers:
- Better brake performance (hard braking and soft braking)
- Less brake dust
- No annoying squeaks on cold days
I also did a fluid change but I wish the brakes are more sensitive on the pedal. Almost rear-ended another car on a rainy day!
In comparison to my OEM brake pads that I've used for a year the Akebono offers:
- Better brake performance (hard braking and soft braking)
- Less brake dust
- No annoying squeaks on cold days
I also did a fluid change but I wish the brakes are more sensitive on the pedal. Almost rear-ended another car on a rainy day!
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
I put Akebono pads on my CLK and took them off after about six months. They were dustless, but they were very noisy in reverse - I tried everything to quiet them to no avail. Also, they had great feel in regular driving, but were downright dangerous in hard braking. I had heard similar reviews, but had to try for myself. I went to Porterfield Kevlar pads and they were much better. After a few I swapped back to OEM pads and realized they gave the absolute best brake performance on the CLK. I just learned to live with the dust. Mequiar's wheel cleaner works well.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
I bought the Akebono pads from Advance Auto. I put them on stock rotors (which were stll plenty thick at the time). Not too long ago, I was in the store and casually mentioned to one of the guys that I didn't like the Akebono pads. He said I should have brought them back - they'd have given me a refund, and that he has heard many people unhappy with them. of course I had tossed them years ago.
The Porterfield pads and Frozen Rotors came from Jerry at formymercedes. Buying from him is always a pleasure - the "silencer" kit he includes is very nice with all the correct greases for all the different surfaces. Once I decided to go back with stock pads (kept the Frozen Rotors), I bought those through autohaus or rmeuropean or other reputable MB-specialist online store - whoever had the day's best price.
The Frozen Rotors were OK. They actually began to give me some vibration at high-speed stops after about 30K miles. I'd probably just do stock rotors. When I replaced them, around 50K miles, they were still within spec.
The Porterfield pads and Frozen Rotors came from Jerry at formymercedes. Buying from him is always a pleasure - the "silencer" kit he includes is very nice with all the correct greases for all the different surfaces. Once I decided to go back with stock pads (kept the Frozen Rotors), I bought those through autohaus or rmeuropean or other reputable MB-specialist online store - whoever had the day's best price.
The Frozen Rotors were OK. They actually began to give me some vibration at high-speed stops after about 30K miles. I'd probably just do stock rotors. When I replaced them, around 50K miles, they were still within spec.
