Just picked up an 04 E55 with 80k and it needs front brakes.

After searching here and elsewhere round the net, I've come up with this so far...

Front OEM rotors from Parts.com for $230ish shipped.

I'm also leaning towards Akebono ceramics but don't have an opinion yet on where to purchase them.

So I'll throw it out to the forum members... Give me your opinions on parts and sourcing. I'm always up for paying a bit more when buying from a forum sponser or trusted specialist... and if the educated consensus is to get Company ABC's rotors and pads for $400 instead of multi-sourcing for $350ish then I'm down for that.

Lastly, the important factors for me in selecting these parts are:

1. Low brake dust

2. OEM look

3. OEM performance... or maybe even less. This thing stops as fast as it goes.

4. Cost is a factor since I am looking for OEM grade braking and not upgraded performance parts like EVO's brakes system...


I'll spend the coin on EVO's cooling upgrades instead.


Thanks in advance guys.

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Disable SBC before you work on the brakes.

Thanks Yacht Master... I read the thread regarding that and passed it on to my buddy who is doing the brake job.

Does anybody have an opinion on where to get the pads and which company makes the best ceramics?

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Alot of places sell them...google search "Akebono ceramic brake pads E55 AMG"

I would stay away from OEM pads....too much dust.

+1 Put on Akebono's and never had an issue with dust or squeal.
Rememeber to use grease between that pad and the piston.

Akebono's are the only way to go IMO.

Almost no dust and better performance all around than stock.

+1 on the anti squeal paste, unless you like crying wheel wells every time you pump the brakes.

+++ on the Akebono's. I plan to use them on my other cars also. . . About 75% less dust and the dust is like a light gray so it's hard to even notice.

Yep...the brake squeal from the OEM pads bothers me more than dust on the wheels...i enjoy detailing my car, but the squeal from the brakes is horrendous. No Mercedes Benz should ever sound like that. Its embarrassing pulling up to a spot with brakes squealing louder than my POS beater.

Dude I love the white W211! SICKKKKKKKKKK