Carbon Brakes vs Standard Brakes
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 46
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From: Miami
11 X5M / 05 Gallardo
Carbon Brakes vs Standard Brakes
I am in the process of finalizing my E63S order and one of the remaining options Im torn with are the Carbon Ceramic Brakes. I have driven the new E63S with the standard brakes which are awesome, but I had a buddy that had a 2013 E63 and said the CCB are incredible.
Also aside from performance aspect I LOVE THE LOOKS
of the CCB. I do realize the cost to replace the brakes are sky high, but since Im leasing the car and don't plan on putting to many miles I shouldn't have any issues. Also love the idea of low break dust. Any input would be great.
Thanks
Also aside from performance aspect I LOVE THE LOOKS
of the CCB. I do realize the cost to replace the brakes are sky high, but since Im leasing the car and don't plan on putting to many miles I shouldn't have any issues. Also love the idea of low break dust. Any input would be great.Thanks
Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 80
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From: TN
2019 GLC 63
I just finalized my order WITH them. After researching and asking some AMG reps from Germany that were at my dealer last week, I went for it. The AMG guys said under normal driving they should last 300,000 km and under more 'aggressive driving' they will still last well over 150k, or so they said. Based on what others online and the service manager said, the steel rotors and pads will last much much less and will probably cost more if you are replacing them 4x as often as the CC equipment. Of course this is all academic as there really isnt any real world numbers on either a sedan or wagon from the last couple of years to confirm. If you can swing the upfront cost, then I say go for it.
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 417
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From: Everett, WA
14 E63S Wagon, 16 GTS Edition1 (Sold), 17 SL450 designo edition
A service rep at my local dealer said the Carbon brakes are noisy when cold and as how most of my driving is local and the car will be my daily driver I decided not to order them.
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Rural NoVA
'14 E63S, '13 G550, '06 E320 cdi, and a bunch of other stuff.
Are you going to be doing track days frequently?
Do you care about unsprung weight?
Under what circumstances is your friend using the CCBs? Would someone ever spend $9K on an option and then offer up that it was money not well spent? Does this other driver have significant seat time with a similar car with the standard brake setup?
Personally, I see this as a pointless option on a 2+ ton luxury sedan. For a track car? Maybe. There aren't many heavily-tracked cars that weigh 2 tons. For good reason.
You get gold-colored calipers and can say that you have "upgraded" brakes. Will they realistically perform *any* differently that the traditional setup while cruising around Southern Florida? Probably not.
I do think that it's difficult to have meaningful discussion about a brake system without knowing who's using them under which circumstances.
$0.02
*Edit* I have no firsthand experience with the W212 equipped with the CCB package. I've stepped into the binders on my new car and found them to be surprisingly good. In terms of pedal feel, progression and stopping power. Street use only. My car might only see one hot session on the track during its life with me.
Do you care about unsprung weight?
Under what circumstances is your friend using the CCBs? Would someone ever spend $9K on an option and then offer up that it was money not well spent? Does this other driver have significant seat time with a similar car with the standard brake setup?
Personally, I see this as a pointless option on a 2+ ton luxury sedan. For a track car? Maybe. There aren't many heavily-tracked cars that weigh 2 tons. For good reason.
You get gold-colored calipers and can say that you have "upgraded" brakes. Will they realistically perform *any* differently that the traditional setup while cruising around Southern Florida? Probably not.
I do think that it's difficult to have meaningful discussion about a brake system without knowing who's using them under which circumstances.
$0.02
*Edit* I have no firsthand experience with the W212 equipped with the CCB package. I've stepped into the binders on my new car and found them to be surprisingly good. In terms of pedal feel, progression and stopping power. Street use only. My car might only see one hot session on the track during its life with me.
Last edited by ace10; Sep 29, 2013 at 08:29 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 46
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From: Miami
11 X5M / 05 Gallardo
I just finalized my order WITH them. After researching and asking some AMG reps from Germany that were at my dealer last week, I went for it. The AMG guys said under normal driving they should last 300,000 km and under more 'aggressive driving' they will still last well over 150k, or so they said. Based on what others online and the service manager said, the steel rotors and pads will last much much less and will probably cost more if you are replacing them 4x as often as the CC equipment. Of course this is all academic as there really isnt any real world numbers on either a sedan or wagon from the last couple of years to confirm. If you can swing the upfront cost, then I say go for it.
He also told me that when they do the track events CCB are much better then the standard brakes and he also mentioned if I didnt plan of tracking it wouldnt be nessary, but I do plan to do a few events per year and I think the CCB would be great to have. Orginally MB listed the CCB as a $12,8XX option
and now the price has droped to $8,950, so that got my attention. But I also agree with the other poster that the E63S isnt the ideal car for track events but Im figuring why not. Also love the looks and one of my biggest frustrations are brake dust and on the CCB its almost nonexistent. The only hard part I have todo is explain to my wife why I need $8,950 in brakes...lol
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Miami
11 X5M / 05 Gallardo
Are you going to be doing track days frequently?
Do you care about unsprung weight?
Under what circumstances is your friend using the CCBs? Would someone ever spend $9K on an option and then offer up that it was money not well spent? Does this other driver have significant seat time with a similar car with the standard brake setup?
Personally, I see this as a pointless option on a 2+ ton luxury sedan. For a track car? Maybe. There aren't many heavily-tracked cars that weigh 2 tons. For good reason.
You get gold-colored calipers and can say that you have "upgraded" brakes. Will they realistically perform *any* differently that the traditional setup while cruising around Southern Florida? Probably not.
I do think that it's difficult to have meaningful discussion about a brake system without knowing who's using them under which circumstances.
$0.02
*Edit* I have no firsthand experience with the W212 equipped with the CCB package. I've stepped into the binders on my new car and found them to be surprisingly good. In terms of pedal feel, progression and stopping power. Street use only. My car might only see one hot session on the track during its life with me.
Do you care about unsprung weight?
Under what circumstances is your friend using the CCBs? Would someone ever spend $9K on an option and then offer up that it was money not well spent? Does this other driver have significant seat time with a similar car with the standard brake setup?
Personally, I see this as a pointless option on a 2+ ton luxury sedan. For a track car? Maybe. There aren't many heavily-tracked cars that weigh 2 tons. For good reason.
You get gold-colored calipers and can say that you have "upgraded" brakes. Will they realistically perform *any* differently that the traditional setup while cruising around Southern Florida? Probably not.
I do think that it's difficult to have meaningful discussion about a brake system without knowing who's using them under which circumstances.
$0.02
*Edit* I have no firsthand experience with the W212 equipped with the CCB package. I've stepped into the binders on my new car and found them to be surprisingly good. In terms of pedal feel, progression and stopping power. Street use only. My car might only see one hot session on the track during its life with me.
My budddy who had them on his 2013 said he would never have bought the CCB, but the dealer gave him a great deal since it was a car they needed to move. But he mostly drives to the office and ocasionally 1/4 mile track use, and he said after having them he would definitely consider getting them again. He said he didnt realize how great they were just off a test drive.
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Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 270
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From: Chicago, IL
993, 2014 E63 Wagon
If you track the car at all, clearly you have plenty of budget to justify the costs. I have a track-prepped 993 and a BMW race car and can't even possibly imagine taking an E63 on track. But I would ONLY track it with CCB, no way would I use the factory steel rotors! No way! I've seen more than enough brake failures on heavy cars (I do a lot of Audi club events).
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Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 42
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From: NH
2015 E63s, 2012 E63-all done , Saab 9-5 Aero (2) Honda CBR 929-sold
I dont have them on my car, but at the AMG driving academy (spring of '12), many of the cars we drove(sls, cls, e63) were equipped with cc setup. Every time we changed cars, I looked for one with the cc brakes, since I had never experienced them. Got a chance to drive E63 with them, and also with standard setup 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 setup, since I will never be tracking this car. regards , tom
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 317
Likes: 7
From: Montreal, Canada
'19 GLC 63S, '17 911 TTS Cabrio, '16 Viper TA2.0, '15 E63S (sold),'12 Harley CVO 2212cc
Wondering what is the weight saving of the Carbon brakes over the standard ones?
On MB's site they refer to it as a 40% weight saving, but do not mention exact weight of either system. Since this is unsprung weight it should also helpwith both ride and acceleration, but enough to be noticable ?
On MB's site they refer to it as a 40% weight saving, but do not mention exact weight of either system. Since this is unsprung weight it should also helpwith both ride and acceleration, but enough to be noticable ?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 46
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From: Miami
11 X5M / 05 Gallardo
Wondering what is the weight saving of the Carbon brakes over the standard ones? On MB's site they refer to it as a 40% weight saving, but do not mention exact weight of either system. Since this is unsprung weight it should also helpwith both ride and acceleration, but enough to be noticable ?
When I wrote this post I was on the fence about getting the CCB, but after reading the posts and talking to a close friend of mine who had a 2013 E63 with the CCB I decided to got for it. So far I've had the car for 3 months and I LOVE MY CCB, they are fantastic!! The standard brakes are great but the CCB's are better, 70-75% less brake dust and they feel incredible during hard breaking, they look awesome with those giant rotors. Also many people mentioned they don't work well until they warn up but I have not noticed the need to warm them up, they work great even cold, also so far zero brake squeal. Also my buddy with the 2013 told me once you own a car with the CCB it's hard to go back to the standard brake set up. I couldn't agree more.
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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 344
Likes: 1
'12 E63 Wagon
The funny thing about CCB is that my experience leads me to believe its actually the opposite of the conventional wisdom.
You want CCB for the street and occasional track driving, but significant track driving would lead you to order a car without them.
There's only one way to wear them out (within the scope of even 10 years of ownership) and that with heavy track use.
When I track the Z06, I get to play in a pretty good run group. Most of the guys who play at that level (I'm not that great of a driver, but the Z is just such a weapon) have replaced their CC rotors for steelies.
I'm told that newer CC setups (gen n+1, where n is whatever I could afford) offer better track durability, but I haven't heard about many folks experiencing that yet.
You want CCB for the street and occasional track driving, but significant track driving would lead you to order a car without them.
There's only one way to wear them out (within the scope of even 10 years of ownership) and that with heavy track use.
When I track the Z06, I get to play in a pretty good run group. Most of the guys who play at that level (I'm not that great of a driver, but the Z is just such a weapon) have replaced their CC rotors for steelies.
I'm told that newer CC setups (gen n+1, where n is whatever I could afford) offer better track durability, but I haven't heard about many folks experiencing that yet.
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 139
Likes: 3
GL, E63
The funny thing about CCB is that my experience leads me to believe its actually the opposite of the conventional wisdom.
You want CCB for the street and occasional track driving, but significant track driving would lead you to order a car without them.
There's only one way to wear them out (within the scope of even 10 years of ownership) and that with heavy track use.
When I track the Z06, I get to play in a pretty good run group. Most of the guys who play at that level (I'm not that great of a driver, but the Z is just such a weapon) have replaced their CC rotors for steelies.
I'm told that newer CC setups (gen n+1, where n is whatever I could afford) offer better track durability, but I haven't heard about many folks experiencing that yet.
You want CCB for the street and occasional track driving, but significant track driving would lead you to order a car without them.
There's only one way to wear them out (within the scope of even 10 years of ownership) and that with heavy track use.
When I track the Z06, I get to play in a pretty good run group. Most of the guys who play at that level (I'm not that great of a driver, but the Z is just such a weapon) have replaced their CC rotors for steelies.
I'm told that newer CC setups (gen n+1, where n is whatever I could afford) offer better track durability, but I haven't heard about many folks experiencing that yet.
not only wearing them, the CCB can be damaged by hard objects like rocks.
If 9k is nothing to you, surely go for it.
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 46
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From: Miami
11 X5M / 05 Gallardo
This is what I've heard too. They swap the steel rotors if they have CCB. Because the steel is much cheaper to replace, and the CCB is too expensive to replace. not only wearing them, the CCB can be damaged by hard objects like rocks. If 9k is nothing to you, surely go for it.
Again the standard brake set up is great but I also figured if i got the standard brakes I would have todo a complete brake job at least once during my 3 year lease and with the CCB I wouldn't need todo a brake job during my lease term.
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Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 139
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GL, E63
In my case I leased the car for 3 years and I may do 4-5 track days while I own the car but most of my use will be street driving. As for the possibility of damaging a rotor, yes that's a risk but the odds of damaging all #4 are slim.
Again the standard brake set up is great but I also figured if i got the standard brakes I would have todo a complete brake job at least once during my 3 year lease and with the CCB I wouldn't need todo a brake job during my lease term.
Again the standard brake set up is great but I also figured if i got the standard brakes I would have todo a complete brake job at least once during my 3 year lease and with the CCB I wouldn't need todo a brake job during my lease term.
if you do, brakes are included.
if not, paying 40% of 9k vs a steel brake job, may be worth it.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 46
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From: Miami
11 X5M / 05 Gallardo
Agreed but CCB generally last at least 60-75 miles ( I've heard in some cases even longer depending on how you drive) before they require changing. Again In my case car will be back to MB well before that.
Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 80
Likes: 1
From: TN
2019 GLC 63
My AMG rep told me that the rotors should last the life of the car under normal use, or up to 300,000 km. The pads will obviously need to be replaced before then. When I asked the service guys how often the steelies need to be replaced and he said every 50k or less and its about 5k to do a steel brake job, I figure I may even save money in the long run if I only have to replace pads a couple of times while I own the car...just my .02
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Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 317
Likes: 7
From: Montreal, Canada
'19 GLC 63S, '17 911 TTS Cabrio, '16 Viper TA2.0, '15 E63S (sold),'12 Harley CVO 2212cc
Per MB site :
AMG Carbon-Ceramic braking system
Optional / $8,950
Specially developed brakes cut weight and offer excellent braking performance on the track. Gold-painted calipers feature "AMG Carbon Ceramic" logos. Harder, longer-wearing carbon-fiber-reinforced ceramic discs endure extreme heat and loads, for even shorter stopping distances and higher fade-resistance in high-performance driving. The two-piece floating discs are larger up front (15.8 inches), with higher total braking force, yet 40 percent lighter, to enhance suspension and steering response
So for someone like me who plans to keep the car 4-5 years and do 75-80K with an occasionnal track day and drag strip fun, this option starts to make sense considering the dayly benefits of : better braking force, less fade, less brake dust, less unsprung weight for better accel and ride, steering response. Saving the cost of a $5k steelie replacement at 50K miles, and the WOW factor when a car guy notices those Gold calipers and you mention that it comes with the Carbon Ceramic option : Priceless!
AMG Carbon-Ceramic braking system
Optional / $8,950
Specially developed brakes cut weight and offer excellent braking performance on the track. Gold-painted calipers feature "AMG Carbon Ceramic" logos. Harder, longer-wearing carbon-fiber-reinforced ceramic discs endure extreme heat and loads, for even shorter stopping distances and higher fade-resistance in high-performance driving. The two-piece floating discs are larger up front (15.8 inches), with higher total braking force, yet 40 percent lighter, to enhance suspension and steering response
So for someone like me who plans to keep the car 4-5 years and do 75-80K with an occasionnal track day and drag strip fun, this option starts to make sense considering the dayly benefits of : better braking force, less fade, less brake dust, less unsprung weight for better accel and ride, steering response. Saving the cost of a $5k steelie replacement at 50K miles, and the WOW factor when a car guy notices those Gold calipers and you mention that it comes with the Carbon Ceramic option : Priceless!
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 900
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From: Montreal, Canada
2008 Saab 93 TurboX SC (BSR stage 1)/2014 E63 S Wagon (Rebellion Tuned/Renntech Sport Mufflers)
I cant wait to be able to comment on these things... once car gets here eventually in the next couple of months/year/decade...
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 317
Likes: 7
From: Montreal, Canada
'19 GLC 63S, '17 911 TTS Cabrio, '16 Viper TA2.0, '15 E63S (sold),'12 Harley CVO 2212cc
My current lease comes up in Oct, but still undecided between ordering an S sedan or Wagon?
Will get a quote from Silverstar and Boucherville
Last edited by SilveRT8; Apr 10, 2014 at 11:49 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 900
Likes: 9
From: Montreal, Canada
2008 Saab 93 TurboX SC (BSR stage 1)/2014 E63 S Wagon (Rebellion Tuned/Renntech Sport Mufflers)
Yes I reordered with Laval since I have a good relation with salesman and director. They worked hard to find a quick PO for build but it's still a couple of months away from my driveway!
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 723
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From: Calgary, AB
2014 E63 S
BTW I booked for the tremblant 2 day this fall... you going?
