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Mercedes-Benz E-Class and E-Class AMG: Brake Modifications

Upgrading the brake system in your Mercedes-Benz E-Class can help reduce your stopping time and even increase the life of your braking system itself. The common parts to upgrade include brake pads, brake lines, calipers, and rotors; you'll likely notice a difference after upgrading just one of these parts.

By William Henderson - May 4, 2015

This article applies to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and E-Class AMG (2002-2009).

It’s true that the better you maintain your brakes, the longer they will last. But that doesn’t mean that you won’t need to replace your brake pads, brake lines, rotors, and calipers along the way. All of these parts wear down over time, regardless of your maintenance regimen. Replacing these parts as needed helps you keep your brake system operating optimally, and doing it yourself will save you a bundle.

Brake Modifications

Brake Pads

DIY Cost – $50-$200

Professional Cost – Expect to pay between $200 and $400 depending on the pads you get installed.

Skill Level – Moderate; You likely already have the tools you need for the job, but expect to spend upward of an hour to replace your front brake pads.

Installing ceramic brake pads can increase your ride’s stopping power, even if you don’t change anything in the brake system. For example, if you install Ceramix replacement brake pads – which are designed for aggressive street driving and are made of a ceramic and metal blend – expect a shorter braking distance, longer pad life, and lower dust levels. The composite material also helps reduce, if not outright eliminate, squealing and heat buildup. You also can buy and install manufacturer brake pads or aftermarket brake pads (which often cost less than the manufacturer’s brake pads).

Brake Lines

DIY Cost – $100-$225

Professional Cost – $200-$300

Skill Level – Easy; All you need are replacement brake lines and a flare nut or line wrench. Expect a mess, since you'll likely spill some brake fluid while removing and replacing the brake lines.

You can improve your car's braking system by installing brake lines that won't bend. Rubber brake lines expand when brake fluid enters them. The more the lines expand, the lower your brake fluid pressure and the longer your stopping time. Installing stainless steel brake lines eliminates this braking power reduction. Stainless steel brake lines have other benefits, too. They are often smaller in diameter, which helps to reduce or outright eliminate any chance of the lines getting tangled up in other components, and stainless steel brake lines are more resistant to rock-related or other types of damage.

Rotors and Calipers

DIY Cost – $150-$400

Professional Cost – $300-$500

Skill Level – Moderate; You likely have the tools you need, but you'll want to be comfortable making small adjustments while under your car.

Installing performance brake rotors will extend the life your braking system, keep your brakes running cooler, and decrease your stopping distance. Performance brake rotors usually don’t rust and help your car run more smoothly. As for upgrading the calipers, the higher the quality, the better the stopping power. You also can find calipers that help reduce friction, which also will help reduce stopping time. Need another reason to upgrade your calipers? You can find them in a number of colors, including black, silver, red, yellow, blue, and gold. Colorful calipers will stand out, especially if you mount large diameter wheels and low-profile tires.

It doesn’t matter that you likely can go your entire life without having to replace your calipers. If they’re going to be on display, you may as well replace your factory calipers, since they’ll rust over time. You also can find caliper covers in a number of colors if you’d rather stick with the calipers you have.

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