Jun 24, 2015, 04:57 PM
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Would I be crazy to spec ceramic brakes?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 723
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From: Calgary, AB
2014 E63 S
Would I be crazy to spec ceramic brakes?
I've been playing around with colors and options on the 2014 e63 s model build site.
I'm wondering about the carbon ceramic brake option.
Probably like 10k more, but they claim longer life. I am 2.5 years and 22k KMs on my c63 PP brakes and I only have 40% life left and the cost to replace them is around 6k. I will be selling before I have to replace them but the plan is to keep the E63 longer, and get a second car when i get a little bored driving the E all the time.
If I went with steel brakes I could be in a position where I need to replace the brakes before I sell and the total cost for the CCB doesn't seem so bad then.
My e63 will be a DD with a few highway trips a year. Will never see the track. I have a penchant for passing like 12 cars at a time when a passing lane opens up and then standing on the brakes to get back in the single lane, so I would appreciate the performance of the ceramics especially in a big heavy car like the E. I also enjoy braking late to nearly every stoplight and downshifting to first in M mode to show off to all the minivan driving moms out there.
The steel brakes also appear to be the same size as what are on my current car, so I worry a bit that with all that power and a heavier car I won't be happy with the performance, which would not be acceptable considering how much I'll be spending to upgrade to the E even without the CCB option.
I think i have done a good job convincing myself. What do you guys think? Would you buy them?
I'm wondering about the carbon ceramic brake option.
Probably like 10k more, but they claim longer life. I am 2.5 years and 22k KMs on my c63 PP brakes and I only have 40% life left and the cost to replace them is around 6k. I will be selling before I have to replace them but the plan is to keep the E63 longer, and get a second car when i get a little bored driving the E all the time.
If I went with steel brakes I could be in a position where I need to replace the brakes before I sell and the total cost for the CCB doesn't seem so bad then.
My e63 will be a DD with a few highway trips a year. Will never see the track. I have a penchant for passing like 12 cars at a time when a passing lane opens up and then standing on the brakes to get back in the single lane, so I would appreciate the performance of the ceramics especially in a big heavy car like the E. I also enjoy braking late to nearly every stoplight and downshifting to first in M mode to show off to all the minivan driving moms out there.
The steel brakes also appear to be the same size as what are on my current car, so I worry a bit that with all that power and a heavier car I won't be happy with the performance, which would not be acceptable considering how much I'll be spending to upgrade to the E even without the CCB option.
I think i have done a good job convincing myself. What do you guys think? Would you buy them?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
Ferrari 488
ive heard that they last about 2 times longer than regular, if not more! My dad drives a bentley supersports and bentley claims that you will never have to replace the brakes, unless you track the car. But its a trade off, your paying ~10k to get a better brake system, just personal preference id say.
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Joined: Feb 2012
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997 C2S
Another potential drawback could be squeaking. I drove a 997 Turbo with ceramic brakes and it squeaked like crazy. Was so annoying I took a pass on it. No clue if an issue on E63. Only difference I could tell you is Porsche had yellow calipers and E63s are orange.
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From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
All I can give you are facts. The option for the US market is $12,600 and the rotors are slightly larger than the regular steel ones. I've also heard that the rotors should last the life of the car, provided it's not on the track. A friend of mine has it on his 997 Turbo and doesn't have any complaints on it, doesn't foresee having to replace it anytime soon, and also tracks the car.
But really, I don't now how practical the feature would be in regular real life driving. They're designed to not have any fade under really stringent conditions on the track, situations we generally don't face on the road even in very aggressive driving maneuvers.
That said, I too am curious and if given the choice, I think I'd opt for it next time just to try it out.
But really, I don't now how practical the feature would be in regular real life driving. They're designed to not have any fade under really stringent conditions on the track, situations we generally don't face on the road even in very aggressive driving maneuvers.
That said, I too am curious and if given the choice, I think I'd opt for it next time just to try it out.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Calgary, AB
2014 E63 S
I am liking the cavansite blue exterior and I think the orange would work with it.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 723
Likes: 4
From: Calgary, AB
2014 E63 S
All I can give you are facts. The option for the US market is $12,600 and the rotors are slightly larger than the regular steel ones. I've also heard that the rotors should last the life of the car, provided it's not on the track. A friend of mine has it on his 997 Turbo and doesn't have any complaints on it, doesn't foresee having to replace it anytime soon, and also tracks the car.
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Any comments from your friend regarding the pads on his brakes?
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From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
I just got that price from the MBUSA build an AMG section:
http://www.mbusa.com/amg/build/#/mod...n-performance/
$12,625 is the official MSRP. You can view the colors available as well (sans Designo) from that site.
Here's the Designo color and trim options:
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/benz/d.../modType-E_SDN
I'm actually not too close to that Porsche friend, but I do have a friend with a Ferrari 599 with the CC brakes. I'll ask him about it and report back to you.
http://www.mbusa.com/amg/build/#/mod...n-performance/
$12,625 is the official MSRP. You can view the colors available as well (sans Designo) from that site.
Here's the Designo color and trim options:
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/benz/d.../modType-E_SDN
I'm actually not too close to that Porsche friend, but I do have a friend with a Ferrari 599 with the CC brakes. I'll ask him about it and report back to you.
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'12 e63 p30
I have heard the ceramics are too sensitive to enjoy or live with on the street. And they squeak., have poor pedal feel (from what i've heard) and are in some case LESS powerful than steel braking systems. I have a 2012 e63 PP with the standard steel brakes, everything is working great with plenty of braking performance. I also used the car for a long track day.
Josh
Josh
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From: Naples FL
2021 Porsche TTS
Unless money grows on trees at your house, the ceramics are a costly option and not really worth it IMHO.
The potential for squeaking is higher and they are very sensitive.
The only real experience I know off is a friend bought a 911GT3 (as he tracks his car) and stated he would not buy them again as they were way too sensitive for daily driving.
Regarding the thought of replacing your steel brakes and rotors, do not go to dealer and get it done by ordering online or finding a good mechanic. You will find that you can do it for $3K and that include rotors.
If you want them for bragging rights and the coolness factor, then it is a different story. They do look bigger and different than the regular brakes. Personally, I like the red calipers better than that weird rusty color.
The potential for squeaking is higher and they are very sensitive.
The only real experience I know off is a friend bought a 911GT3 (as he tracks his car) and stated he would not buy them again as they were way too sensitive for daily driving.
Regarding the thought of replacing your steel brakes and rotors, do not go to dealer and get it done by ordering online or finding a good mechanic. You will find that you can do it for $3K and that include rotors.
If you want them for bragging rights and the coolness factor, then it is a different story. They do look bigger and different than the regular brakes. Personally, I like the red calipers better than that weird rusty color.
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From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
What was the cost to replace them? How hard do you drive the car/ is it on the track? New rotors at under 40k miles is quite fast.
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From: Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia
2011 C63AMG P31
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 723
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From: Calgary, AB
2014 E63 S
What about ultimate stopping performance? Part of my concern is that the steel brakes are the same ones that are on my c63 and it weighs 3813 lbs vs 4275 for the new e63. 360mm vs 400mm for the ccb. I don't want less brake than I have now.
Squeaky brakes with a poor feel would be no good. I did however find this review of an SLS with ceramics and it's more positive. I would presume the E would have the same system
http://www.edmunds.com/mercedes-benz...just-fine.html
Squeaky brakes with a poor feel would be no good. I did however find this review of an SLS with ceramics and it's more positive. I would presume the E would have the same system
http://www.edmunds.com/mercedes-benz...just-fine.html
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
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From: NH
2015 E63s, 2012 E63-all done , Saab 9-5 Aero (2) Honda CBR 929-sold
Dont have them on my car, but at the AMG driving academy last spring, many of the cars we drove were equipped with cc setup. Got a chance to drive E63 with them in the max straight line acceleration to stop box course, and you can tell the difference. However, the stock stopping package is pretty impressive on it's own, and the difference (imho) was not huge. Considering both setups get the job done , I don't need the CC.
regards , tom
regards , tom
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From: Kenilworth, il usa
GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
I have them on my CLS63,no squeaks,no problem with modulation,great feel and superior braking no matter from what speed.
I tend to drive very hard,frequent full stop from 130-150 mph (coming back from my warehouse at 4AM on the highway,braking on a straight on ramp).
Destroyed steel brakes in SL65 after just 8k miles (warped and cracked rotors),same thing in '11 S63 after 12k miles (except warping,just total wear off).
Going to order the new E63 S or new S63 but ONLY with CCBs.
If you drive gently these brakes are a waste of $$,otherwise I strongly recommend them.
I tend to drive very hard,frequent full stop from 130-150 mph (coming back from my warehouse at 4AM on the highway,braking on a straight on ramp).
Destroyed steel brakes in SL65 after just 8k miles (warped and cracked rotors),same thing in '11 S63 after 12k miles (except warping,just total wear off).
Going to order the new E63 S or new S63 but ONLY with CCBs.
If you drive gently these brakes are a waste of $$,otherwise I strongly recommend them.
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,925
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From: Naples FL
2021 Porsche TTS
I would really like to see a comparison of stopping distances between the 2. Unless you are a track rat where you need the endurance of the CBB, I would venture to state that there is not any difference.
Again if cost is the issue rather than perceived stopping power, the steel option is cheaper than the CBB over the same amount of miles.
Again if cost is the issue rather than perceived stopping power, the steel option is cheaper than the CBB over the same amount of miles.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 270
Likes: 1
From: Chicago, IL
993, 2014 E63 Wagon
In normal street driving, stopping distance is always -- ALWAYS -- a matter of pavement and tires. Not brakes.
You may like the feel, life, or looks of CCBs but they won't stop you any faster on the street. On racetracks, that's another story.
You may like the feel, life, or looks of CCBs but they won't stop you any faster on the street. On racetracks, that's another story.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,076
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From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
I have them on my CLS63,no squeaks,no problem with modulation,great feel and superior braking no matter from what speed.
I tend to drive very hard,frequent full stop from 130-150 mph (coming back from my warehouse at 4AM on the highway,braking on a straight on ramp).
Destroyed steel brakes in SL65 after just 8k miles (warped and cracked rotors),same thing in '11 S63 after 12k miles (except warping,just total wear off).
Going to order the new E63 S or new S63 but ONLY with CCBs.
If you drive gently these brakes are a waste of $$,otherwise I strongly recommend them.
I tend to drive very hard,frequent full stop from 130-150 mph (coming back from my warehouse at 4AM on the highway,braking on a straight on ramp).
Destroyed steel brakes in SL65 after just 8k miles (warped and cracked rotors),same thing in '11 S63 after 12k miles (except warping,just total wear off).
Going to order the new E63 S or new S63 but ONLY with CCBs.
If you drive gently these brakes are a waste of $$,otherwise I strongly recommend them.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,934
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From: Kenilworth, il usa
GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
But,had a Speed with CCBs,put 25k miles equally hard,much heavier car,the stress on those brakes was not even comparable (5600lbs vs 4200lbs).
Brakes were like new.....
Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 77
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From: NJ
E63
I had to stop with maybe 60% of available brake force the other day and thought to myself "self, the stock brakes are pretty impressive. I've had the car a year and can count on one hand the number of times I've even come close to using the full performance of the brakes, and even then not ever even close to 100%".
The carbon ceramic are impressive but not 12k impressive.
The carbon ceramic are impressive but not 12k impressive.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
Thanks for the feedback. I've always wondered why the Bentleys weigh more than many full size SUVs.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Calgary, AB
2014 E63 S
Would the weight savings be noticeable on a car this heavy already?
It's looking like the steel brakes are the smarter decision. I could replace the brakes once and buy another set of tires before I got to the cost of the CCBs.
My other consideration is brake feel when it's cold out. For my climate I'm probably better off with something that takes a bit of heat, as I will want to drive this car hard on dry roads close to freezing.
It's looking like the steel brakes are the smarter decision. I could replace the brakes once and buy another set of tires before I got to the cost of the CCBs.
My other consideration is brake feel when it's cold out. For my climate I'm probably better off with something that takes a bit of heat, as I will want to drive this car hard on dry roads close to freezing.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,934
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From: Kenilworth, il usa
GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
Would the weight savings be noticeable on a car this heavy already?
It's looking like the steel brakes are the smarter decision. I could replace the brakes once and buy another set of tires before I got to the cost of the CCBs.
My other consideration is brake feel when it's cold out. For my climate I'm probably better off with something that takes a bit of heat, as I will want to drive this car hard on dry roads close to freezing.
It's looking like the steel brakes are the smarter decision. I could replace the brakes once and buy another set of tires before I got to the cost of the CCBs.
My other consideration is brake feel when it's cold out. For my climate I'm probably better off with something that takes a bit of heat, as I will want to drive this car hard on dry roads close to freezing.
Also,lower unsprung weight is equal to multiple weight savings on the rest of the car so performance is also slightly better.
Having said that though,for 99% of drivers these advantages are negligible and IMO,do not justify $12k expense.
My personal situation is very specific and I appreciate that option,it works for me and I don't mind to pay for that improvement.
