[W126 Coupe] Brake upgrades

[Mike R.]

I put a set of ATE slotted rotors with some PBR semi-metallic pads (low/no
dust) on the front of my '87 560SEC years ago. After four laps on Laguna
Seca Raceway, the brakes were completely gone but it turned out to be old
brake fluid that boiled. New fluid and the brakes have been great ever
since. Don't overthink the problem - these are great cars and don't need
much improvement. While Brembo's would look great under there, you really
don't need much better than what is already under there unless you're going
racing. 

I had some problems with rear brake noise with metallic pads and it was
suggested to remove the lip on the outside edge of the rotor that results
from the pad wearing off metal from the rotor. I ground it off and went out
to test brakes. I got the brakes hot enough that it blued the newly exposed
metal on the outside edge of the rotor but I didn't even get any brake fade.
I've since put on new stock (unslotted) rotors and Pagid pads on the back.
No noise and the car stops great. 

If I get another chance at a track day, I would put in new brake fluid and
let her rip.

Later,
Mike R.
(702) 494-8056
-----Original Message-----
From: mbcoupes-bounces at mbcoupes.com [mailto:mbcoupes-bounces at mbcoupes.com]
On Behalf Of Sam Sisic
Sent: Friday, August 12, 2005 2:47 PM
To: mbcoupes at mbcoupes.com
Subject: [W126 Coupe] Brake upgrades

Daryl,

Thank you for the very informative comments!  Great web site by the way
too!!
I would love to see a brake system developed for the SEC... Doesn't need
to be extreme because these are not race cars, they are just great
driving automobiles!
As many people are upsizing the wheel diameters for these cars and
installing lowering springs, which are definite improvements to an
automobile without much room for improvement, brakes would be a natural
progression.
I don't think the stock brakes are bad at all, considering they are
confined to a 15" dia. stock wheel, aside from the incredible amount of
dust they generate on the front wheels and not much to look at with a
more open type wheel upgrade.
It would be great to see the dust minimized and braking improved with an
appropriate handsome brake kit.
I would definitely be interested in seeing the 560SEC on your "What Big
Brake Systems are currently Under Development?" list!

Sam
Chicago