When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
CLS400 has a small brake with floating calipers (front and rear), and shares the same spindle as CLS550 so the same BBK in development can be an excellent upgrade for both 400 and 550.
Why we selected CLS for brake development? - It was motivated by CLS Customer - Chris who has been so persistent that leaded us to this...
Originally Posted by CLS Custom
I purchased my CLS because I wanted a big, yet powerful full-size luxury vehicle, that was still agile and sporty while providing comfort and safety. I love it so far, and it has certainly surpassed my expectations.
The all-wheel-drive is phenomenal, and the car drives, handles, and accelerates like a small sports car while being a full-size premium sedan. The car is great from the factory, but being that it is so big and heavy, yet so powerful and offers so much performance, that the factory brakes can become taxed easily. This is the only aspect of the vehicle that leaves something to be desired.
The stock brakes are the Achilles heel, of an otherwise surprisingly superb vehicle. By upgrading the factory CLS brakes to the custom Racing Brakes package we are putting together, I hope to transform the vehicle to have perfect attributes.
The increased braking performance will provide confidence under both normal and spirited driving, and positively affect all aspects of driving dynamics. The CLS will have its one and only problem solved! Upgrading the brakes of the CLS won't only make it a better and more rewarding car to drive, but will also make it a far more safe vehicle to drive. It's a win-win upgrade! I am sure we have all felt the weakness of the stock setup during spirited driving, and surprise stops.
The car is simply too heavy and accelerates too quickly for the stock brakes. An upgraded big brake kit will certainly make the car much safer, which is of huge importance to me. Confidence under braking is the only thing missing; I can't wait for this upgrade! Oh, and this big brake kit is noticeably lighter than the stock setup, which will reduce unsrung mass. So, this brake kit will make the car quicker and handle better too....I guess that's a win-win-win lol
And we believe other CLS owners might have the same concern on factory brake and expectation to better tune their brakes from just a simple brake pad replacement to lighter weight two piece rotors, complete brake kit or even carbon ceramic brakes we will have the complete brake upgrade line up.
Please follow this thread for further update.
Last edited by RacingBrake; 05-18-2016 at 09:40 AM.
The other reason we like CLS is it still retains the traditional rear drum brake as emergency (or parking) brakes.
Unlike most of other newer models (including all "S", GT S and ML63) are now equipped with electro-mechanical rear brake, which essentially is a traditional floating caliper w/an actuator to activate (push the pad) for parking. Not only they are ridiculously small in look and performance comparing to the front (like some huge 6 pot) but it also means if a hydraulic system is ever failed the parking (or emergency) function is also disabled.
Cars come with "independent" mechanical rear drum brakes not only is sound and safe but also facilitate easy upgrade to BBK with a caliper adaptor (below), to relocate the caliper (while the rear E-brake remains intact) but not those come with electro-mechanical rear brake.
Weight difference corrected. 40 lbs saving would have been for CCM rotors for an estimated weight of 13.4 lbs/ea. Saving 20 lbs each over stock 1pc iron.
This is how RB rear two piece rotor hats are made - With an iron sleeve for brake shoe so it's light weight (aluminum shell) yet retains the OE brake integrity for drum brake.
Most aftermarket rear two piece rotors are machined from aluminum only; without this e-brake provision like ours. So it's your protection to check the supplier before you buy.
Absolutely correct. As the drum emergency brake is independent to the primary hydraulic brakes so one can always use E-brake if hydraulic system ever failed, unlike electrical mechanical one that tie together.
Test fit front BBK with red 6 pot caliper and 390x36mm RB two piece rotors:
The prototype adaptor is made, and fitment is as expected with perfect alignment with rotor edge and centering around caliper.
05-11-2016, 09:16 AM
!,
?!!
