Brake updating?

bejak · 10-02-2007

Hi!
I know that some replace stock brakes for performance types with larger discs and more powerful calipers.
Such modification is expensive and I wonder, what benefit does this do on standard type of driving?
My standard brakes on my SLK200K allows me to brake so hard that the ABS is activated. Therefore I asume that I then has used all available friction to the road. If replacing stock brakes for performance ones, that does not improve the maximum possible friction or? Wider tyres should do just that as I understand.

Any ideas of this?

**DansSlk** · 10-02-2007

Go for wider tires first mate since you very correctly point out your breaking traction with your current system.

A brake upgrade would only serve to decrease the time from brake activation to ABS engaging.

**alroumi** · 10-02-2007

Lighter weight wheels, less load on the brakes?

slktyperice · 10-03-2007

I think I would rank the following in terms of cost-effectiveness (ranked most bang-for-the-buck to least):

1. Better tires (something like Michelin PS2)
2. Wider wheels/wider tires (235 front)
3. Wider wheels/wider tires along with better brake pads
4. Lighter & wider wheels with better brake pads

I actually would not recommend any substantial brake system upgrade on the SLK200K since it's just not worth it to do so. Chances are that you'll be very happy with #2 or #3. #3 is where most people will be when they go through their first set of pads. Just don't go cheap on tires.

bejak · 10-03-2007

Thank's for your answers.
I will go for new wheels/tires first before considering any brake update.
Perhaps could better brake pads ad some positive effect also.

**DansSlk** · 10-03-2007

Improvements to anything that is not in direct contact with the road will serve to activate ABS sooner, so its best look at tires before anything else increase the contact patch as much as possible and invest in a good sticky tire compound.

10-02-2007	#1 (permalink)
bejak Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Sweden, West Coast Vehicle: 2004 SLK200K R171, aut, Iridium Posts: 145 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Brake updating? Hi! I know that some replace stock brakes for performance types with larger discs and more powerful calipers. Such modification is expensive and I wonder, what benefit does this do on standard type of driving? My standard brakes on my SLK200K allows me to brake so hard that the ABS is activated. Therefore I asume that I then has used all available friction to the road. If replacing stock brakes for performance ones, that does not improve the maximum possible friction or? Wider tyres should do just that as I understand. Any ideas of this?

10-02-2007	#2 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,799 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 235 Times in 180 Posts	Go for wider tires first mate since you very correctly point out your breaking traction with your current system. A brake upgrade would only serve to decrease the time from brake activation to ABS engaging. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

10-02-2007	#3 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,293 Country: Thanks: 300 Thanked 233 Times in 147 Posts	Lighter weight wheels, less load on the brakes? __________________ 06 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG 06 Porsche Cayenne S 07 Jaguar XKR Coupe' I use the Torque and keep the HP for my Steak Sauce!

10-03-2007	#6 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,799 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 235 Times in 180 Posts	Improvements to anything that is not in direct contact with the road will serve to activate ABS sooner, so its best look at tires before anything else increase the contact patch as much as possible and invest in a good sticky tire compound. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

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10-03-2007	#4 (permalink)
slktyperice Senior SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 114 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I think I would rank the following in terms of cost-effectiveness (ranked most bang-for-the-buck to least): 1. Better tires (something like Michelin PS2) 2. Wider wheels/wider tires (235 front) 3. Wider wheels/wider tires along with better brake pads 4. Lighter & wider wheels with better brake pads I actually would not recommend any substantial brake system upgrade on the SLK200K since it's just not worth it to do so. Chances are that you'll be very happy with #2 or #3. #3 is where most people will be when they go through their first set of pads. Just don't go cheap on tires.

10-03-2007	#5 (permalink)
bejak Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Sweden, West Coast Vehicle: 2004 SLK200K R171, aut, Iridium Posts: 145 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thank's for your answers. I will go for new wheels/tires first before considering any brake update. Perhaps could better brake pads ad some positive effect also.

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