What front calipers will fit an SLK32 AMG

[dan f]

Hi.
I want to change my front calipers for something a little more 'showey' (sp?)
What calipers (if any) from the MB parts bin will straight swap with what I have now?
I love how my brakes work, but on an AMG I think the calipers should be a bit more distinctive than they are on the SLK32.
Any ideas anyone?
Cheers,
Dan.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Aren't the front calipers glossy silver/grey with AMG logo? That's how they are on the C32 (four pot). Admittedly the rears are very standard looking - probably because they're a standard part!!

I doubt you'll find show-ier looking calipers from other non-AMG models. You'll need to look towards other AMGs, which will mean it starts getting very expensive!! May be cheaper to consider an upgrade from Brembo, AP, etc if you'll consider non-MB branded parts. I think the MB/AMG calipers are Brembo anyway.

The latest 63 AMGs have a new design caliper it seems, but whether they'll retro-fit on an SLK32 I'm not sure. I'll do some digging around when I'm home.

 

[dan f]

Hi.
Front calipers on the SLK32 are not the same as the C32 ones.
I don't want to buy a new set of brakes, just change the calipers for the shiny ones one the C32 or whatever will fit. Preferably a straight swap.

Later,
Dan.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Dan. Been doing a bit of research...

Looking at the full road test on both cars, it looks like the SLK32 has 334mm ventilated cross-drilled discs at the front, and the C32 has 345mm ventilated cross-drilled discs at the front. So it seems the discs are a different size. Rears are the same.

Got me scratching my head now why they wouldn't use the same brake calipers? Surely there must be a reason.

However the front wheels appear to be the same size on both cars at 7.5jx 17in (not sure about offset). So the wheels should accomodate a slightly large disc - I wonder if there's something else that would get in the way?

Now it looks like this chap on ebay is breaking a C32 estate - I wonder if he has the discs and calipers?

 

[Howard]

Can someone not look up the calipers on the EPC to see if they are different ?

 

[stats007]

Part numbers and prices (+VAT)

R170 SLK32 AMG

Calipers

A0014209283 (left) £239.23
A0014209383 (right) £239.23

Discs

A2104212312 £44.25

Pads

A0034202120 £38.62


W203 C32 AMG

Calipers

A0024201983 (left) £184.43
A0024202083 (right) £184.43

Discs

A2034210912 £59.34

Pads

A0034205820 £49.34

 

[dan f]

Hi Stats007.
Big question:
Are they interchangable?
I know the calipers are at the back of the disc on the C32, but do they fit on the same brackets?
Cheers all hopefully we will get to the bottom of this.

Dan.

 

[dan f]

Hi.
Also weird that the C32 discs, that are apparently larger, are cheaper than the SLK32 ones.
What does this mean?

 

[GrahamC230K]

I doubt you'll find show-ier looking calipers from other non-AMG models. You'll need to look towards other AMGs, which will mean it starts getting very expensive!! May be cheaper to consider an upgrade from Brembo, AP, etc if you'll consider non-MB branded parts. I think the MB/AMG calipers are Brembo anyway.

I don't think there is such a thing as cheap brakes especially from the names mentioned above.

A straight swap AMG caliper is your best hope. You can get custom brackets made up by engineering firms for approx £130 if it comes to it.

Good luck.

 

[GrahamC230K]

Hi.
Also weird that the C32 discs, that are apparently larger, are cheaper than the SLK32 ones.
What does this mean?

The w203 is heavier I expect or at least capable of carrying more weight being a saloon, although I doubt the SLK is particularly light.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I don't think there is such a thing as cheap brakes especially from the names mentioned above.

Me neither, brake upgrades are often scary expensive, but I hadn't expected the AMG kit to be as reasonable as suggested above (not really something I'd fancy paying for though!!)

 

[dan f]

Looking at the full road test on both cars, it looks like the SLK32 has 334mm ventilated cross-drilled discs at the front, and the C32 has 345mm ventilated cross-drilled discs at the front. So it seems the discs are a different size. Rears are the same.

Hi.
The front discs on the SLK are not cross drilled so something isn't right about the road test you read...
Later,
Dan.

 

[stats007]

I doubt they will fit - to be honest I'd question why the calipers are a fair bit more expensive on the R170 than the W203.

Caliper position is usually to do with weight balance or cutting costs on length of brake hose.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I'll re-check I was flying on aito-pilot whilst typing - also watching tv and reading that old copy of Autocar ...and I'm male, so maybe I was asking for trouble!!

 

[stats007]

Hi.
Also weird that the C32 discs, that are apparently larger, are cheaper than the SLK32 ones.
What does this mean?

It means you've read the post wrong .

The C32 ones are more expensive.

 

[dan f]

Part numbers and prices (+VAT)

R170 SLK32 AMG

Calipers

A0014209283 (left) £239.23
A0014209383 (right) £239.23

Discs

A2104212312 £44.25

Pads

A0034202120 £38.62


W203 C32 AMG

Calipers

A0024201983 (left) £184.43
A0024202083 (right) £184.43

Discs

A2034210912 £59.34

Pads

A0034205820 £49.34

Ok, maybe it is me, but this definitely looks like the R170 parts are more expensive.
??

 

[stats007]

Dan, I think it's you - the discs are cheaper on the R170!

 

[dan f]

D'OH! My bad!
I meant calipers....
Long day yezdee.........

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I'll re-check I was flying on aito-pilot whilst typing - also watching tv and reading that old copy of Autocar ...and I'm male, so maybe I was asking for trouble!!

Found a photo of the brake set up on an SLK32.

More info on www.SLK32.com regarding replacing stock brake pads with aftermarket ones, but not about upgrading the discs/caliper. May be of some use though.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Seen these and thought of you...

Says SLK fitment but not whether R170 or R171. Presumably they have something suitable for both. A touch pricey even in the US - but nice kit...