Behike

Hi everybody,

I would like to know if the front brakes of a 2007 SL55 with performance package are slashes on top of being cross-drilled and internally ventilated.

Also what are the major differences between a 2007 SL55 brakes that has the 030 performance package with one that does not.

Thank ahead of time for your answers and time.

- hovy

LOVEMYBS

My 06 with the 030 package has the same front brakes you describe above. The 030 brakes are also different. See next.

The performance package for the SL 55 AMG comprises:

Internally ventilated composite front brake discs, size 390 x 36 mm

Multi-disc rear locking differential with 30% locking effect for additional traction

19-inch twin-spoke AMG alloy wheels, multipiece, size 8.5 x 19 with 255/35 R 19 tyres (front) and size 9.5 x 19 with 285/30 R 19 tyres (rear)

AMG performance suspension based on Active Body Control (ABC)

Additional oil cooler

AMG front apron with larger air intakes

AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel in leather/black Alcantara, with silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles

Behike

Thanks for the reply 4ociousE55.

I see that you have an 06 SL55 with the 030 Package. May I ask you how is the drive of your SL55 with the 030 Package (handling, braking, overall, etc)? Is it better than a SL55 without the 030 package? Is it suited for everyday use since the suspension is firmer?

Thank you for your time.

- hovy

LOVEMYBS

Hovy,

The SL55 with the 030 Package is rare (according to Mercedes Benz) with less than 70 cars manufactured in 2006. I actually think there were fewer than 70 because the 030 Package was not announced by Mercedes Benz until August 2006. There is growing interest in these cars, so IMHO keep the miles off and don't modify it. The car is GREAT just the way it came from the factory. A lot of people will point-out that you don't need the 030 Package unless you plan to race or track it. However, I think the 030 Package is worth the limited slip differential alone (JMHO). But, I probably would not order the 030 Package if I was going to buy the car new. Anyway, I use my 05 E55 for daily driving. I previously drove an 04 CLK55 and kept my E55 garaged. My SL55 (now the garage queen) feels tighter and heavier with comparable performance and acceleration to my E55. The brakes are definitely better but I dread the bill when its time to replace the composite pads and rotors. As far as everyday driving my E55 is more comfortable and roomier. I find the SL55 drivers seat to be stiff, especially in the back and lumbar areas. Although the SL55 suspension is firmer I like that because I feel more in-touch with the road and AMG driving experience. The ride is similar to my previous BMW M5 and M3. All-in-all the SL55 with the 030 Package is an awesome car that does almost everything exceptionally well. I hope you have a CPO or extended warranty and I hope you enjoy your SL55 as much as I enjoy mine!

Broker

I've think I've decided that I'm probably going to hold out on buying an SL55 until I can find a nice one with the 030 option. I'll probably wait a little longer for prices to go down for all SL's. Even though it's a much different car, I've considered buying an E46 M3 many times because of the handling and ride. To hear that the SL from the factory will have a similar ride gives me the best of both worlds. This is great news to hear that it has a similar ride to a BMW M3/M5.

So, any idea at all how much it'll cost to replace the front brakes?

LOVEMYBS

Good choice, actually, the 030 makes the SL feel very tight and glued to the pavement whereas the M cars have a little more "tossability" and perhaps a little more nimble uncontrolled ride feeling. Not a clue on the brakes. I only have 12K miles so it's not brake replacement time YET.

Behike

Hi 4ociousE55,

Do you think it would be possible to put non-composite brakes on a SL55 with 030 package? I mean, buy a SL55 with 030 package and when time comes to replace the brakes, just put regular pads/brakes?

Thanks

LOVEMYBS

Hi Hovyamg,

I suppose its possible but I'm not qualified to answer your question. However, based upon my research into the 030 package I provide the following published by MBUSA in 2005's "The SL55 AMG Performance Package, A New Driving Dimension". "The upgraded wheels, tires, brakes and differential have been proven on the tracks of Formula One racing. AMG has reprogrammed the ABC to a "Nurburgring" calibration - with 20 percent firmer front and rear damping rates for both compression and rebound - inspired by the world's most revered racetrack."

From this I must assume that the pads are an integral part of the 030 braking package that also includes the "15.0" compound two-piece perforated and ventilated front discs with AMG 8-piston calipers." It appears that only the front discs require the compound pads. The rears are "13.0 perforated and ventilated rear discs with AMG 4-piston calipers" i.e. there is no mention of "compound" so one could infer that the rears accept normal high performance pads.

When its time to replace my brakes I will use OEM pads. However, that doesn't mean I won't try to find an OEM parts reseller on the web to see if I can get a better price. Hope this helps.