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Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Brake Modifications

Brakes play a huge role in your Mercedes-Benz E-Class, if not the most important. And while the stock w212 brake components are high in quality, it's always a good idea to consider some higher quality options.

By Jerry Perez - May 29, 2015

This article applies to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class w212 (2014-Present).

Brake pads are those liners housed inside the brake caliper of each wheel. The brake system applies strong hydraulic pressure to the pads for them to grip onto the rotors, and slows down the a vehicle. You probably already know this. Needless to say, without them you may go fast, but you won't be slowing down anytime soon. As different companies on the market offer high quality aftermarket brake kits and components for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, each upgrade has different qualities that offer a better fit for your lifestyle and driving habits. Provided here is an overview of the possible brake modifications you can do for your w212.

Brake Modifications

Brake system components go through an enormous amount of stress every time you're on the road, even if you're just driving to the grocery store. Not only are the brakes exposed to the elements like rain, snow, and mud, but they also produce their own element—heat, which comes from high levels of friction necessary to stop your vehicle. For the reason that braking is one of the most crucial factors in driving, this compilation of brake options and upgrades serve to enhance the safety as well as performance of your E-Class.

Figure 1. W212 E63 AMG brake and wheel set.

Brembo Brake Kits

DIY Cost – $3,000-$9,000 for parts

Professional Cost – $900-$1,500 for labor; $3,500-$11,000 for parts

Skill Level – Moderate; requires special tools and automotive knowledge

The most popular of all aftermarket brake kits is Brembo's entire line of brake system components, which includes calipers, brake pads, rotors, and brake lines. These can be seen behind the wheels of almost any performance vehicle. For the Mercedes-Benz E-Class specifically, it is Brembo's GT Drilled Brake System. The pads that come with these kits offer an aggressive braking performance, while still being able to reduce the high friction-induced heat. Also, the well vented rotors and lightweight calipers only add to the reason why Brembo is known for its quality and performance products. Recommended for its aggressive braking performance.

Brake Pads

DIY Cost – $35-$180 per pair

Professional Cost – $400-$500 for labor per axle; $70-$260 for parts

Skill Level – Moderate; requires special tools and automotive knowledge

Performance brake pads are by far the easiest way to improve your braking performance without diving deep into your savings. Brake pads aren't only easy to install, but they're also a quick swap from your stock equipment. Brands such as Akebono, EBC, and Centric are the most commonly purchased brake pads for the E-Class. Out of those three, EBC makes a popular choice among the general Mercedes-Benz community for their different brake pad options and applications. Three types of pads are available: Yellowstuff, Greenstuff, and Redstuff (yes, those are their real names). For those track-day regulars, Yellowstuff pads are fast to bed in and offer the strongest bite. Greenstuff pads are made from softer organic compounds, making for a lighter feel when coming to a stop and reducing brake dust in the process. Redstuff ceramic pads sit in the middle. They are for the daily driver, offering medium harness material and the lowest amount of brake dust for faster vehicles. Recommended for its low cost and easy installation.

AMG Brake Set

DIY Cost – $3,000-$4,000 for parts

Professional Cost – $1,000-$1,500 for labor; $3,550-$4,550 for parts

Skill Level – Moderate; requires special tools and automotive knowledge

The AMG E63 brake system is Mercedes-Benz's own brand of performance enhancing brake power. Expensive as they are, AMG brake components offer a quality that's among the highest on the list. What's even better is their OEM fitment (making them easy to install), and application for street as well as track use. The combination of calipers, rotors, and brake pads offer low noise and vibration. In addition, they scream quality and finesse with AMG wheels. Recommended for its high quality.

Brake Rotors

DIY Cost – $90-$450 for parts

Professional Cost – $300-$500 per axle for labor; $150 to $600 for parts

Skill Level – Moderate; requires special tools and automotive knowledge

The brake pads create friction when pressed onto the rotors, but it's the rotors' decision on how much heat they can take. Therefore, material and design are a huge influence when it comes to the syncing of brake components. Slotted and cross-drilled performance rotors usually offer higher braking performance when compared to the smooth rotors used for daily driving. The reason is that the grooves as well as holes in the surface of the rotor help the heat dissipate and exit the rotor. If you want higher braking performance, new rotors are the way to go. Recommended for its high braking performance.

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