Brake Pad of Choice
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Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 16
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From: Pinehurst NC
2002 AMG E55
Brake Pad of Choice
While getting my E55 aligned yesterday I noticed I needed new front brake pads. Is it OK to replace the pads and not the rotors if the rotor thickness is in spec? What pad do you like? Mine are stock and very messy, also have more brake pedal travel than I like so I may bleed the brakes when I install the pads. Thanks for your input.
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 748
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From: Dhahran, KSA
2020 E 300 Coupe and 2019 GLS 400
When i bought the car i didn't like the brake feel, so I installed SS brake lines from StopTech and replaced the fluid ---> less travel and feels snappier.
I'm using Meyle semi-metallic pads with RacingBrake rotors, dust is far less than stock and looks bright brownish.
I believe there are better ceramic pads with even less/bright dust. Sadly i can't use ceramic pads with the rotors
As for installing new pads on old rotors, if it's still within acceptable spec, I see no problem in it.
I'm using Meyle semi-metallic pads with RacingBrake rotors, dust is far less than stock and looks bright brownish.
I believe there are better ceramic pads with even less/bright dust. Sadly i can't use ceramic pads with the rotors
As for installing new pads on old rotors, if it's still within acceptable spec, I see no problem in it.
Last edited by Solo wing; Sep 26, 2015 at 05:04 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: A.D., U.A.E
2000 (W202 C200) & 2000 (W202 C55)
+1,
Also, you have to measure Rotors thickness, if they less than (30mm), means new pads will be useless,
prefer to change them at the same time, you can go with alternative Rotors during to the high cost of stock Rotors,(which i believe not it's worth it)..
ZAYED,,
Also, you have to measure Rotors thickness, if they less than (30mm), means new pads will be useless,
prefer to change them at the same time, you can go with alternative Rotors during to the high cost of stock Rotors,(which i believe not it's worth it)..
ZAYED,,
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2002 E55
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Chicago
2008 E63 AMG, 2018 VW Golf R
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Super Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 553
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From: Los Angeles
W210 E55
OE pads do dirty up the rim BUT I started using Armor All Wheel Protectant and it works really well. Keeps my rims very clean and when they do finally dust up a little, I use a spray bottle with water and rag. Takes 60 seconds for all four wheels.
Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 139
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From: Northern Virginia
1999 E55, 2005 SL65
I haven't had to replace my 55 pads in a while; however, earlier this year I replaced my SL65's OE pads with EBC Redstuff ceramics. Stopping power increased significantly. Fade and dust also reduced - dust is way down from OE pads.
I'll use them on the 55 when I need to replace...
I'll use them on the 55 when I need to replace...
Last edited by pjdough; Sep 29, 2015 at 01:05 PM.
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From: City with Tall buildings!
C43/55,2k11 Volvo S60 T6AWD,2k Audi B5 S4,95 Eagle Talon Tsi AWD 500+awhp
I haven't had to replace my 55 pads in a while; however, earlier this year I replaced my SL65's OE pads with EBC Redstuff ceramics. Stopping power increased significantly. Fade and dust also reduced - dust is way down from OE pads.
I'll use them on the 55 when I need to replace...
I'll use them on the 55 when I need to replace...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,475
Likes: 5
From: City with Tall buildings!
C43/55,2k11 Volvo S60 T6AWD,2k Audi B5 S4,95 Eagle Talon Tsi AWD 500+awhp
Zayed I have to agree with you on the ridiculous price of the stock rotors. Which ones do you recommend?
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: A.D., U.A.E
2000 (W202 C200) & 2000 (W202 C55)
Depend of your choice Carl,
you can go with OEM drilled or slotted Rotors, on both, you have to re-drilled hole in the Rotors for small retaining screw, but it's not necessary, i used mine with out that retaining screw..
ZAYED,,
you can go with OEM drilled or slotted Rotors, on both, you have to re-drilled hole in the Rotors for small retaining screw, but it's not necessary, i used mine with out that retaining screw..
ZAYED,,
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 16
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From: North Carolina
2006 R350, 2009 E550, 2015 GL450, 1981 HONDA CB750F SuperSport
I use Hawk Performance brake parts exclusively. I used to think the Merc OE are the best, but ever since I moved to Hawk on my R class i noticed a Significant (stress significant) improvement in feel and stopping power and control (as in progressively more braking on additional pedal pressure) ever since I started using Hawk. I have since then made it a policy to dump OE pads on any new car I buy and immidiately replace them with Hawk. I did that on a Toyota sienna and noticed a similar significant improvement in stopping behavior on that car too. Additionally they produce a LOT LESS dust. On a GL450 there was a minor improvement from OE. Hawk is a USA made brand and I once worked for the company that owns that brand, I got my first pad set at employee prices, that is the only reason I tried non OE for the first time. I am so glad I tried and even though I don't work for them. I will always buy that brand. (Also I know they can use the extra sales as most US manufacturers of such parts are struggling).
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 29
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From: Orlando Florida
'07 SL550 80m miles, '98 e430 350k miles - 02 E55 AMG 165k miles - 07 SL550 72k mile
Akebono & Zimmerman
Don't have anything to compare them to buti I love them and did I mention
....... NO brake dust
I can compare them to OEM
Most brake dust I've ever seen.
They'd be dirty within one day.
....... NO brake dust
I can compare them to OEM
Most brake dust I've ever seen.
They'd be dirty within one day.
Last edited by GregScheller; Mar 15, 2019 at 05:51 PM. Reason: Add comment
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 8
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01 E55 AMG
Akebono / Zimmerman
Zero dust, pretty good feel for a long-life/Low dust pad, and rotors are coated for rust protection. IMO this setup is hard to beat for DD duty.
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 321
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2000 ML55 AMG 2001 CLK55 AMG coupe 2002 CLK55 AMG Cabriolet 2025 BMW M2 6MT
Zimmerman rotors OEM from FCP euro (Lifetime warranty) Hawk HPS Pads upfront Phantom Series Stainless lines and full MB fluid flush... Biggest brake upgrade i actually did was tighten my wheel bearings.
Brembo rotors and ceramic brembo pads in the back, less dust but squeal in reverse. BUT in my honest opinion the rotors that give the BEST bite are R1 Concept Slotted. Match those with some Hawk HPS pads and youre good to go. Ran then on my '05 cobalt SS back in the day, as well as just put a set on my buddies 450WHP bmw 435 and feel exactly the same...GREAT!
Brembo rotors and ceramic brembo pads in the back, less dust but squeal in reverse. BUT in my honest opinion the rotors that give the BEST bite are R1 Concept Slotted. Match those with some Hawk HPS pads and youre good to go. Ran then on my '05 cobalt SS back in the day, as well as just put a set on my buddies 450WHP bmw 435 and feel exactly the same...GREAT!
