95 E300D, trying to learn about the brakes and suspension parts

[Texasgeezer]

Sometime, probably in the next couple of months, I want to do some work on the brake system and suspension.

(1.) In looking at the w124performance.com website 'brakes' section and one of the Mercedes EPC websites, they both show the brake booster to have the same part # for the non-v8 w124's. Why wouldn't any of the brake master cylinders listed for earlier years bolt up to my booster? I would like to use one that has a repair kit available.

(2.) In reading about brakes it appears that a single piston caliper can be more reliable than multiple piston calipers and have about the same stopping force ( if the brake pad area is close to the same ). So is there much advantage ( stopping ability ) to going to the E320 rotor, caliper, and pads compared to the E300D's rotor, caliper, and pads?

(3.) Mercedes seems to be out of stock for my right front control arm. The few places that have one available have increased the part price quite a bit. That's part of the reason I've been looking at the E320 parts.

If I go to the E320 control arms, what other parts have to be replaced to have the E320 control arm fit properly. First glance shows the splash shield, rotor, caliper, pads.

The rear suspension is really confusing. New bushings appear to still be available from Mercedes. Which ones are good candidates for rebuilding? Do the 'smaller' arms use the same pair/part#s of bushings ( inner & hub )?

[Zulfiqar]

the larger brakes show their advantage when you do a lot of high speed stops - your E300 is nowhere near the capability of the E320 when it comes to speed and acceleration.

your factory brake setup is more than enough, a good upkeep on them should keep them in good shape for a long time.

I have rebuilt the rear suspension on both W124 and W210 (same parts for both) - buy the whole arms as its easier to do it, and dont forget to get the little metal bushings that are inserted into the rubber bushings and torque at drive height. -those little metal sleeves remove all slop.

[anziani]

And if you need pads, Akebono Europa are the way to go.
Anziani
'97 Cl600 66K