OK, this is a tough one. I went to my tech to schedule an appt. for brake lines, rotors and pads (upgrade to 400E rotors/calipers). He says he believes the master cylinder is the same and doesn't need changing out. The question I have is which is likely to give the best bang for the buck - the 400E brakes under the stock 15 hole 15" MB rims, or the 300E brakes under 16" MB 8 hole or 5 hole AMG monoblock style rims? The bigger brakes would obviously give me lots more stopping power, but the bigger rims would allow more cooling/less fade on the standard brakes, and more rubber on the road. I have a budget, and can't do both brakes and rims - the obvious solution to the question. Any ideas?

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JCE
87 300E, 65k miles
Smoke Silver

[This message has been edited by JCE (edited 06-05-2000).]

JCE:

Unless you plan on upgrading your powerplant (read: more HP), I'd stick with the stock 300E brakes and go for the wheel/tire combo. I think there's more bang-for-the-buck in performance AND looks. Not only will you increase your stopping power with the new rubber, but you won't believe the improved handling. You can then upgrade your brakes at a later time with sport pads and maybe SS braided lines.

My 2-cents.

Brian

Unless you are doing some heavy street driving Or racing I would stick with the stock brakes. Try activating the ABS system & see if you really wan't more brakes.

Hi John,
If you add bigger brakes you'll be on ABS quicker which will make you want bigger tires. (dirty little upgrade cycle no? j/k) Anyhow, your best bet is to get some more aggressive rubber on the car and try things from there. The Sportline suspension should really be able to take advantage of the grippier rubber. The stock 300E brakes are pretty stout so they should be up to the task of street driving. If you were going to do some heavy duty racing then the brakes might be wise, but for 99%+ of the time you'll get more benefit from the tires/wheels.

That said, Monoblocks may not be the best option for a M103 motor'd car. You'll actually get better performance, ride, braking, etc by getting the lightest wheel that provides the best brake cooling. (keep that unsprung weight down) Talk to Luke from Tirerack (wheels/tires forum) for specific recommendations there.

Hope this helps...Lee

Thanks all for the feedback - I am going to have the stock brakes redone next week, and will talk to Luke re: some light rims.

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JCE
87 300E, 65k miles
Smoke Silver

Dear JCE,
As an inexpensive (I know it's relative) enhacement for your brakes why don't you consider simply swaping out the pads for some carbon-kevlar racing pads. I did this on my SLK and got a noticeable improvement along with the added side benifit of no brake dust. Be careful to stay away from "ricey", fly by night, pad companies. I go with Porterfield Racing. They can be found on the web at http://www.porterfield-brakes.com and they have applications for almost all Benzes.

Just a thought on how you can affordably do both upgrades, I know I hate to wait and save up for anything, especially if I can have it NOW! Later. Paul.