CLS Brake quetions

[J4CKO]

I have a 2008 CLS 5.5, not an AMG so it has the normal brakes, the brakes are ok but expected better, suspect that they need a bit of fettling, I managed after a couple of stops from high speed to induce fade, something I have not experienced in a car in a long time, not horrendous but didnt want to push my luck any futher.

I am thinking a change of fluid and some new (Mintex) pads on the front may help, I am off for a couple of weeks from Friday so will have some time to do it, and the weather is improving.

Mine doesnt have the SBC brakes, so is it just a case of bleeding as per any other car using an Easi Bleed ?

What fluid do you recommend ?

Will that stop the fade ?

Disks are withing tolerance, but am I better getting new ones, they do have a small lip, dont really want to buy them if I dont need to, any suggestions if I do need them ?

Are the non AMG ones a bit underbraked as standard considering the power and weight of the thing ?

Any other suggestions ?

[J4CKO]

Also, anyone know what the size of the disk is, is it the same across all non AMG CLS's and E CLasses ?

And do the drilled/slotted disks make any difference, I replaced them on my 350Z and they performed really well but not sure if the normal ones would have done the same.

Edited by J4CKO on Sunday 13th March 21:21

[S8QUATTRO]

330mm front
300mm rear

Mintex textar pagid ferodo

Seem to be the standard set up, although there seems to be some options for 350mm discs when looking at ATE brand

Best check with a Merc dealer for oe refs and then you can cross refer to aftermarket numbers pretty easily..

[J4CKO]

Took the pads out yesterday, realised the ones I have bought are the wrong ones, they were a bugger to get out.

The caliper had "350" marked on it, couldnt seem to get a good reading by measuring the disk, could it have 350 mm disks, the pads were apparently he correct ones for the year/model but are way to small.

Will just see how I get on, can strip them down in no time now, took the pins out easy enough and cleaned them up and put a bit of copper slip on for next time.

When pads dont move easily int he caliper, would they tend to end up binding, the wheel wasnt turning smoothly, but once I did this it seemed much better.

Edited by J4CKO on Sunday 20th March 12:12

[J4CKO]

existing pads are 142 mm wide and the replacements are 120.

[ZX10R NIN]

I thought the 5.5 were 350mm discs but don't quote me on it I normally fit Pagids as their fast road/track day pads seems to resist fade but you do have to lavish a bit of copper slip on them from time to time better brake fluid will help as will some braided lines.

[J4CKO]

ZX10R NIN said:

I thought the 5.5 were 350mm discs but don't quote me on it I normally fit Pagids as their fast road/track day pads seems to resist fade but you do have to lavish a bit of copper slip on them from time to time better brake fluid will help as will some braided lines.

Cheers, Yeah, think you are right, says 350 on the caliper, but was struggling to measure the disk with it on as it it sticks out, so without it off its difficult to measure wheels are off for me to refurb today (2 weeks off work !) so will have another look, the Ebay seller that sold me the pads is being a little awkward but we shall see. The pads look of and freeing them up in the caliper seems to have helped a bit, I did put some copper slip on before I put them back as well.

Also, the next step is the CLS55, cant afford one yet but is that where you would go for the next step, there is one locally for under ten grand.

[ZX10R NIN]

Having had a 55k I have to say the power is intoxicating but I think the 63 is the better option with less bork factor. But oh the power there's nothing like it.

A map & some exhaust work & you 5.5 would be at around 440bhp plus you have the seven speed which is a nicer box, don't get me wrong the 5 speed is a good strong box a little slow but nothing a Weistec software upgrade can't fix but I think I'd save the extra £'s & get the CLS63 but if you need to scratch the AMG itch then grab a 55.

As you can tell I like both engines