Brake pads Carbotech or OEM Mercedes
I recommend Carbotech brake pads. Expensive af but last twice as long and are better than just about any other pads out there.
I literally just did the rear rotors/pads and front pads for my amg GTS last week. I found that MBpartscenter.com had the best price that are OEM. Only 1k per rotor (compared to the dealer who wanted 1700 each). I also got porterfield R4S pads from pelican parts. They are considered streetable/track pads. I didn’t change the front rotors yet, but if I were to I would get them from FCP euro at $500 each rotor. My mechanic charged me $500 for install and a brake fluid flush
Carbotech is the way :) Seriously though, I have XP-12 front and XP-8 rear on my Elise and had XP-12 on my Focus ST and they are great. Tried the Hawks on one car, and hated them. Downside of the carbotech is the insane squealing on the street.
Second the recommendation for the Carbotech 1521 compound, good choice for the street.
I've had very good results using Carbotech pads. Their street pad compount 1521 is comparable to OEM but without the brake dust and their various XP track pads have been very consistent and predictable.
I have the 1521’s, and will add another data point - less initial bite, great modulation. No dust, No noise. Overall I’m happy with them, but will continue to experiment - next round of braking components - floating/2 piece rotors and new calipers.
I have used the Carbotech 1521 pads for a while and have been very satisfied. They are also made in the USA.
I consider my W204 C63 visceral, even if not analog. The 6.2 V8 makes all kinds of nasty noises you would not expect from a Mercedes and it howls all the way up to 7200rpm, which may not be that high, but still impresses me given the size of the engine. The car is quick, noisy and has the brakes to back it up.
Stock pads are terrible for longevity. They have to do too many different things from factory, buy a set of aftermarket to your needs. I had a set of Carbotech which lasted 50k in the front and over 60k in the rear, with aggressive driving.
I tried the carbotech 1521 to try to get silent street pads with better bite but no dice, it’s the same as the OEM akebonos
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