Brakes - W203 technical

[Tilly]

Just had a call on my tarox setup Bad news, they're saying they dont make any for my particular model and they would happily make some but would need my hubs at the factory in italy but its out of the question as its a daily driver. Can anyone confirm which other W203 mercs share the same hubs as mine, for example will a brake kit off a C350 fit my car? as they may make kits for the bigger engines

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

How about going for AMG calipers instead then? One of our new members - Flave I think? - has done just that and it looks great. Might pass as OEM too for insurance purposes.

I remember asking the insurance company if replacing the air filter on my Astra was classed as a modification, despite the fact it would not significantly alter the performance of the car - they said yes and the insurance would increase as a result. So I sold the filter without fitting it!!

IIRC they said any such change would be classed as a modification. I played devil's advocate by asking about high performance brakes - they said there's still an additional premium as the owner is likely to be driving harder, and therefore risk increases. A good point, as why else would you upgrade?

 

[Tilly]

Why else would I upgrade? My car doesnt physically stop! Insurance have given me the go ahead and said my insurance premium will not increase :bannana:

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

IIRC they said any such change would be classed as a modification. I played devil's advocate by asking about high performance brakes - they said there's still an additional premium as the owner is likely to be driving harder, and therefore risk increases. A good point, as why else would you upgrade?

Why else would I upgrade? My car doesnt physically stop! Insurance have given me the go ahead and said my insurance premium will not increase :bannana:

Sorry mate. I meant generally, why would someone upgrade their brakes if not to drive harder, rather than you specifically. I'd remembered you'd been having problems with the stock brakes from the beginning of the thread.

That said, if you're thinking of upgrading the suspension too??...

Great news that your premium won't increase - surprise me.

 

[miro]

Just had a call on my tarox setup Bad news, they're saying they dont make any for my particular model and they would happily make some but would need my hubs at the factory in italy but its out of the question as its a daily driver. Can anyone confirm which other W203 mercs share the same hubs as mine, for example will a brake kit off a C350 fit my car? as they may make kits for the bigger engines

Hey Tilly ..... if your brakes malfunction ..... sigh.

Just remember that non-oem parts can void your insurance too.

Is the hub a flange or a rotor ? All flanges are the same in all W203 cars. The rotors vary in size. Seems mindlessly lame that the factory can't afford its own set of rotors and flanges given that the cost of postage exceeds the value of the said stock items.

 

[miro]

Sorry mate. I meant generally, why would someone upgrade their brakes if not to drive harder, rather than you specifically. I'd remembered you'd been having problems with the stock brakes from the beginning of the thread.
.

I would go for a second bite with another dealer. Fundamentally the OEM brakes dont work. I don't see that as being a good foundation for a change.

My C32 brakes were bolt on, bleed and drive away.

 

[Tilly]

That said, if you're thinking of upgrading the suspension too??...

Great news that your premium won't increase - surprise me.

I want to at a later date but again when Insurance permits, for the time being its not too bad, to be honest it outhandles my last car ('03 plate BMW coupe) it has surprisingly good handling characteristics for a saloon but saying that I've never really driven smaller cars. When I hit 21 it opens up a whole new ball game so Bilstein coilovers with a subtle change in ride height, uprated roll bars and bushes and a good professional setup of the rebound and geometry I'm also toying with the idea of...

shiny shiny shoes :bannana:

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I'm also toying with the idea of...

[Williams and Whitehouse voice] Ooh, suits you sir! [/Williams and Whitehouse voice]

A fine choice