Upgrading discs and pads of a C124 E320

[mercboiuk]

After previously asking about my C124 E320's brake specs and now knowing my discs and pads haven't got much life left, I've decided to consider upgrades.

Many years ago, when I investigated pad upgrades, I read a little on Green Stuff Pads, but I know nothing about upgraded discs.

SO:

I wish to consult the learned people of MBClub UK.
You all recently offered VERY useful advice regarding suspension and drive train components, so you guys and gals are my first port of call for this subject

Are Green Stuff pads still available for my car?
Also what upgraded discs are available for my car, which will improve heavier and higher speed braking during road use.

Rather than a full brake upgrade, right now I'm just looking at upgrading the discs and pads only.

Further to any recommendations, would you also be able to tell me where I can buy the items?

Many thanks in advance.

Darren

 

[carat 3.6]

Green stuff pads are on ebay for your car, as well as drilled or grooved discs.

I have greenstuff pads in my 300e-24 and they are better than the standard pads, however upgrading the discs gave no improvment over the standard vented ones.

If you want powerfull brakes, get hold of the setup from a r129 sl500. It is a bolt together conversion and a big improvment.

 

[trapperjohn]

Try some of these if you are just doing the discs and pads.

Goodridge Mercedes 200/300 (All Models)(W124) Braided Brake Kit Lines Hoses | eBay

I have Pagid Discs and Pads all round and the braided hoses above. Stops on a tanner with thrupence change. No break fade whatsoever. This on my 300D 24V saloon.

Because I do a fair bit of towing with my estate I have four pot calipers fitted to that. Also again excellent breaks.

 

[kth286]

Mercedes 124's were never short in the braking dept. you have 4 pot calipers on the front.

Perhaps you are comparing the performance with some of your other more exotic cars which are heavier and need better brakes.

The one problem area with older 124 brakes is that the rear calipers tend to seize.

So, whilst most of the braking is done by the front, it is amazing how poor the brakes may feel without the proper help of those fully working rear calipers.

Look at those first.

Go for a spirited drive and use the brakes a lot at high speed and when you get back see if there is a smell of burnt pads from the rear, due to 'sticking on' calipers.

 

[mercboiuk]

Mercedes 124's were never short in the braking dept. you have 4 pot calipers on the front.

Perhaps you are comparing the performance with some of your other more exotic cars which are heavier and need better brakes.

The one problem area with older 124 brakes is that the rear calipers tend to seize.

So, whilst most of the braking is done by the front, it is amazing how poor the brakes may feel without the proper help of those fully working rear calipers.

Look at those first.

Go for a spirited drive and use the brakes a lot at high speed and when you get back see if there is a smell of burnt pads from the rear, due to 'sticking on' calipers.

Thanks for your reply, kth286

I have to admit, that the 4-pot brakes are pretty good, and I may be too used to the stopping power of the Audi I use regularly - so a bit guilty there
However, I do regularly drive the Coupe in a spirited fashion (that's not to say I thrash her, though!).
Norfolk has some fantastic roads which I regularly use.

I know my rear brakes are in good condition, with no sticking is evident
What is evident, though, is that the brakes can start to over heat on the road with a enjoyable long route. So while the 4-pot set up is good, there's room for improvement. With the discs and pads on their way out, it's the perfect time to experiement

Darren