brake swapping 2.3-16 and 500e brakes

does anyone know if this is a direct swap...excluding the backing plates or does a special braket need to be made. The 190e 2.3-16 and 300e use the same spindle. I know the 400e brakes fit no problem.

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[Benzmac]

I believe the 400 and the 500E both use the same rotor. So I would think that aside from the aluminum calipers they are the same as the 400.

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Benzmac:
1981 280GE SWB
1987 16V
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
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PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

actually I did a little research.. the 400e uses the same pads but has a 295mm rotor. the 500e uses 300mm rotors.I know the 500e needs a 16 inch wheel...I guess if the 300-400-500-all use the same spindle/hub...it will fit...seems unusual for a german car co... who knows. I really appreciate the reply... maybe someone who race can help me out

[Lou Nielsen]

The early 500E's had the 300mm rotors with alloy calipers (these are very problematic). Later uprated brakes were from a 600SL. All are bolt on replacements. All are unnecessary for a 2.3-16 unless you have an EVO car and they already have larger brakes.

[Lee Scheeler]

The quick-fix for the 500E aluminum caliper problem was a swap to 500SL steel calipers on the original rotors. In model year 94' the E500 got the 600SL brakes. If you are running a 17" wheel you should be able to fit just about any of them under there. Avoid the aluminum calipers if you do go parts-bin raiding. I believe the 95 C36 used SL600 derived brakes as well though I'm not sure of the compadibility with W201 parts.

Hope this helps...Lee

well.. I appreciate all the reply's
what is the problem with the original 500e calipers?
I don't think by modern standards a 300mm front brake is all that large when you see what is on the market...I just need more stopping power

[David Hendy]

I am looking at a '92 500E. I asked the dealer if the car had had the brakes uprated, telling him that the early cars had aluminium calipers that were problematic. The dealer denied this was the case, and told me that according to MBUSA there was no uprating of the brake design.

What are the total facts of the case, so I can put this dealer right.

David Hendy

FOR EVERYONES INFORMATION: I tried putting the calipers on today. I have 16x 7.5 AMG AERO wheels. They calipers did not fit in the dimension where it hits the inside of the wheel face... not the outer rim... just barely misses. I was so bummed!!!! I guess it needs an 8 inch rim. Don't want spacers.


lots of effort wasted so far..... is that another name for project car?

[Lou Nielsen]

The original alloy calipers,rotors, and pads on my 92 500E were replaced under warranty twice before MBNA(now USA) authorized upgrading to 600SL components. These became std. on later model US cars.

[Michael]

My '92 500E had its calipers replaced in 1994 upon a complaint of squeaking...apparently the pistons hung up in the bores. I can't be sure there was a service campaign (given only about 1,000 '92 and '93 cars were affected), but unquestionably there is data in the dealers computer that details the retrofit. If anyone showed at a reputable dealership I'm sure they could get new calipers paid for by MBUSA.

Also, '92 and '93 wear special upgraded brake pads, because they squeled so bad with the originals. Appear to be the same pad, but with about 20% less material! They're quiet, though, so who cares? If anyone needs a P/N, let me know.

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Best regards, Michael
'92 500E
'88 300TE

[Lee Scheeler]

There WAS a problem with the early aluminum calipers. How "official" that problem was I'm not sure. Remember, there were not that many 92-93 500E's to begin with. (633 92's + 498 93's US sales) If 1,000 cars were affected I'd say it was a significant percentage. The larger steel 600SL calipers were never problematic to my knowledge. Most of the problems stemmed from the aluminum calipers not being as rigid as the steel counterparts.

Hope this helps...Lee

This brings up an interesting question though. I own a 93 190 2.6 and would like increased stopping power as well - the stock discs are puny. I don't think I need to go to brakes from the 600-series or anything, as there must be a "step up" that will add considerably more power. I don't know what that would be though. 300? 400? Will they fit the standard 15" rim? Does the factory sportline have upgraded brakes (they also use a 15" rim to my knowledge)? And to further the question, does this require new brake lines, boosters, ABS work, etc?

Yes, a lot of questions to be sure - but I hope you techs enjoy answering because I DO rely on this site for accurate info (never trust the dealer).

Thanks,
Matt

[mbdoc]

Since the 190E 2.3 16V used the same brakes as the 300E (W124), it's a easy swap. Almost any other swap would entail "larger" wheels.

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190E 2.3 ITS RACECAR

[Lee Scheeler]

Just a thought, the 400E used a 15" wheel as OEM and its brakes are considerably stronger than the normal 6-cyl hardware. (295mm rotors with dual piston calipers if memory serves) They were a VERY tight fit under the 15" wheels but they did fit. Not sure if there is similar offset/clearance on the 16v hub to do it without bigger/different wheels though.

Just an idea...Lee

[Lou Nielsen]

The 400E used 4 piston front calipers. These are a direct bolt on and will work with 15 " wheels. The problem you may encounter is with the master cylinder volume. The 4 piston calipers require greater fluid volume to activate. They may work but longer pedal travel and a soft feel may result. You may have to change out the master cyl. as well.