[W126 Coupe] BRAKES

[samsisic at comcast.net]

Hi Andy,
Not a dumb question at all...
Let me add a few more non-dumb questions just to give some perspective.
Does the SEC NEED bigger wheels and tires?
Does the SEC NEED lowered suspension?
Does the SEC NEED a huge 6L V12 motor in it?
Does the SEC NEED a better flowing exhaust?
Does the SEC NEED a better sound system?
The answer to all these questions is most likely NO...
All of this becomes very subjective at some point.
I think all of the above can IMPROVE the potential of this amazing automobile.
I personally found that larger wheels/tires and lowered suspension are a huge improvement.
Also, Technology has come a long way in 20 years...
If the SEC was built today, I'm almost certain it would have all of the above mentioned improvements.
If they could only keep the "DESIGNERS" away and leave it to the engineers!
With that in mind, what Mercedes did 20 years ago is quite incredible!
When it comes to brakes, what they were able to shoehorn into a puny 15" dia. wheel is about as good as they could do.
This is a powerful and heavy car and those stock brakes work VERY hard. You could tell by all the dust on your front wheels shortly after you just washed the car. ;-) They are good for about 3 to 4 consecutive hard stops from high speed. After that, a great opportunity to meet your maker... If you think there are idiots on the Autobahn, come to the states for a while. HA! They don't know the meaning of the left lane!! Here it's used for sightseeing!
High-tech brake pad compounds and high-tech brake fluids will improve this, but there is nothing that will come close to improving braking than a larger moment torque arm gained by larger rotors. 
You can go to this site where they have an interesting write up on "Why Bigger Brakes?". It's a good read not only on bigger brakes, but all brake components. 

http://www.revolutionbrake.com/why-big-brakes.html

DO NOT BUY anything from them... Just read. ;-)

This is something I opted to do given the larger 18" wheels & tires on my car.
Tires have a lot to do with it too. The best brakes in the World aren't worth a damn if you can't translate the grip through the tires to the pavement.
No one will ever complain about too much braking...
Besides, the stock brakes look absolutely silly in there!! :-)

Cheers,
Sam
Chicago, 88' 560 SEC US








> > 

> > On Mon, Jun 23, 2008 at 4:03 PM, Andrew Sporner 

> > wrote: 

> > 

> > I know this is going to sound like a dumb question so please forgive this in 

> > advance. 

> > 

> > I have a completely stock '82 500 sec. I drive this car at speeds of 

> > 200-240 Kph 

> > on the autobahn for up to an hour in stop start traffic (idiots 

> > decided that they want 

> > to pass only when they see you coming!) and I have had terrific brake 

> > service from 

> > my car. 

> > 

> > What is the advantage -- especially in the USA where the speed limit 

> > is enforced? 

> > 

> > Sincerely 

> > 

> > 

> > 

> > Andy Sporner 

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