IIIMBPIII

Guess this is for you mainly 2MANYCARS... I was at the dealership today and saw my first 09 in person. I noticed that the brakes looked like ****. Not only were the front brakes smaller looking than mine they weren't slotted just crossed drilled and the rears were like 8 inches in diameter and just a plain rotor. Did yours come like this? Is this something new on the 09s a downgraded brake package? Really surprised me when I saw it no one there could tell me anything about the car.

Saverino

The '08's were the same way, if I'm not mistaken.

The MY07 was the last ones to get the big, beefy brakes.

They did this because of a lot of complaints about squeaky brakes.

dsb

They could have just switched to another pad compound like I did. Yes, the '07 is probably the best SLK55 to date cosmetic changes aside.

Dueclaws

I've read that MB made a switch during the '08 model year run. We have an
'08, but it has the large brakes....thankfully. And they don't squeak.
See the photo attached and look thru the wheels to see the brakes.
Due

UK-C200

Didn't they move the "nice" brakes into the 030 package in '08?

SLK55R

has and is the same. The fronts are floating rotors at 14.2 inchs.

A' La F1

I believe the non-030 packaged cars have the simple 4-pot front brakes and the 2-pot rears. I bet MB made this change simply to save money. I have this set up on my much heavier CLK500 and the car stops fine, but no were near the performance of the 030 brakes that are on my SLK. I imagine MB figures that most people will not be traking their cars. But I agree - they look terrible as compared to the older non-030 models that had the smaller rotors but still used 6-pot fronts and 4-pot rears. A big incentive for me to get the car were the brakes; then throw on 19s to show them off.

SLK55R

When I was shopping I was looking at two regular SLK55s and then they showed me one with the 030 package. The brakes were the last straw ... I bought that day.

A' La F1

The 360mm 030 brakes are 10mm bigger than the 997 GT3 steel brakes. I was surprised when I walked up to the new GT3 and the brakes looked small. Granted the GT3 is 200 pounds lighter, but for a $130k car at least give me something more than a SLK 55 even if it is over kill. Still get good bang for the buck with the SLK even buying it at 2009 sticker price. But have to have the 030 package....

dsb

My thoughts...

They changed the brakes to save money. They covered it up by saying it was done to address the squeal issue.

Dueclaws,
My brakes didn't begin to squeal until after 20K miles. It could simply be the pad itself. I changed to another manufacturer to remedy the problem.

Ppower

DSB, how do you like your new pads? Take it you got the Ceramic ones from Centric?

Pp

dsb

So far so good. Not one peep out of them. I haven't washed the car again yet so I'm not sure about the dust. It is definitely less for sure though. In fact, the last 100 miles with the pads hasn't gathered any additional dust from what I can see. The only dust appears to be black which came from the previous pads. I will be washing the car tonight. Then, we'll see how the next week goes. Fingers crossed for clean wheels!

BTW, I haven't braked hard yet. Hopefully they'll perform like OE. Have you aggressively tested them yet? Lastly, thanks for being the first with ceramic brakes. I kept contemplating the switch but you made it easier for sure.

IIIMBPIII

Hmmmm some what lame to hear AMG downgraded the brakes mine have never squeaked at least not so far. I will be upgrading my calipers soon either to the 030 package or Evosport or if there is anything better than those lol

dsb

You mean rotors right?

Dueclaws

DSB-
We're going to change the pads soon because of the brake dust:might change the rotors to the 030's while we're at it.
Thanks for the info.
Due

dsb

Sounds good. Have you checked the price of the 030 rotors yet? I'm curious how much they run. Evosport currently makes a rear set of rotors for the SLK. They may make the front eventually too. That might be a better option as they not only be larger but lighter as well.

2MANYCARS

Sorry I missed this post which was calling me out. LOL!! Anyway, yes, on a "regular" SLK55, the brakes are 4 pistons front with 2 pistons rear, and because I know I'm going all out with Kleemann upgrades, I ordered the 030 AMG Pack which comes with 6 & 4 pistons calipers & 2 pieces front rotors. I don't understand why MB-AMG does that on the standard 09's, it's as if the brakes come straight from any regular mercedes.

IIIMBPIII

Yea lol sorry! You think your going to make the Berkeley Marina Meet? RC actually might come its going to be a huge turn out!

IIIMBPIII

Hahaha I just thought you would have the best knowledge seeing how you have one LOL!

Ppower

Yes, have done some hard braking they are good but not as good as the brembo ones, would say like 90-95% as good. I have no problem with that vs. having to clean the car all the time just because the rims are dirty from brake dust.

Pp

smoothbznf4n4tc

Does anyone know how much the p030 brakes would cost with installation on a non 030 2009 SLK55? Or does anyone have any other brake suggestions?

IIIMBPIII

Where are you in CA? My buddy can deff get you the best price for that installed than anywhere you can find!

smoothbznf4n4tc

I live near Monterey, CA but I go to the bay area often. I hear that parts alone for the upgrade is around 1400 bucks for the rear only. Some guy did the rear replacement on the other forum and it cost him 2000 bucks with dealer installation. He didn't feel any braking improvement but it definitely looked better on his 08. I just don't see the need to spend 4000 bucks on brakes when I could spend a few thousand more and get headers or something. So I decided that as of right now, I'm leaving my car stock. Just a few mods like the smartop and maybe clear sidemarkers.

Thanks tho.

A' La F1

Yes, the 030 brakes are pretty expensive. However, best to find a quality independent mechanic to do your mods - probably save 50+% on install cost. Save the dealer for warranty work, but also develop a relationship with an MB service writer that respects after market modifications.

2MANYCARS

If the guy is spending 4000 dollars on a set of brakes, he might as well get himself a set of Brembo's.