Hey Guys:
I own a silver 2000 w210 e55 with about 144k on the clock. I purchased the car form the original owner whom of which I know. The car has basically been pampered and serviced at the dealer its whole life.
My close friend/boss loved my car so much, I convinced him to purchase one. I found him a 2002 e55 designo edition (dark brown/camel interior) with about 105k. After a dealer inspection, i flew to Kansas to pick up the car and drove it back to KY.
One huge difference that I noticed right away was the brakes. The 2002 brakes felt amazing and were a lot more sensitive/powerful than mine. My 2000 has a inch or two of dead space (in the pedal) before the brakes engage and when they do, it is gradual and does not feel very strong. I will also mention that I feel as if I have to use extra force when pressing the pedal and the 2002, I did not.
When I first purchased my car (2000), I questioned the braking power. But I had them checked (everything normal) and I eventually just got use to them. After driving 2002, It raised questions. As far as I know, there are zero differences in the braking systems in the facelifted e55's.
I will give you a little info on each car as I compared them:
2000 e55with weaker brakes)
-Brake system stock/OEM- has been serviced by dealer
-Brake fluid good
-Front pads-need to be replaced soon. 20+% left? Sensors have not gone off.
-Rear pads good...maybe 40+%?
-Rotors OK all around. Meets thickness requirements. No vibration.Tiny lip on fronts but still ok.
2002 Designo e55
-Brake system stock/OEM (mechanic's words)
-Brake fluid was really dirty
-Front pads very low. Sensor has not gone off. Mechanic said recommends pads/rotors.
-Rear pads are good. Not sure of the percetage but i would imagine over 50%. My mechanic said they are not as worn as mine*
What had me scratching my head is that the 2002 had dirty fluid, worn front pads, and still felt a lot better than mine?? What could this be?
-Maybe that I have moisture in my lines?
-Maybe that my rear pads are more worn down than his? We both have low fronts. Is it possible since all four of mine are worn, the pedal has to travel more?
-I guess it could be possible that the 2002 has updated brake lines but I doubt it.
I am having trouble figuring it out. Not only is there a difference in the pedal travel. But there is also a vast difference in braking power and sensitivity.
Is there a differences in the '00 and '02 braking systems?
Recommendations? Where to start? How is your braking performance?
I know that I could flush the fluid, change all four pads and rotors, add SS lines, etc, etc to investigate the issue but I wanted to get your opinions and obviously didn't want to dump tons of money into the brakes without asking first. Thanks a lot for reading and giving your opinions.
BTW: It has been awesome driving the two and comparing little things. A couple of differences I noticed and or was aware of:
-MPH read out on screen
-One touch Sun roof
-2002 Alarm siren is MUCH louder than mine???
-2002 beeps when you lock and unlock the car?? (Norway setting?)
Thanks again for the help!
I own a silver 2000 w210 e55 with about 144k on the clock. I purchased the car form the original owner whom of which I know. The car has basically been pampered and serviced at the dealer its whole life.
My close friend/boss loved my car so much, I convinced him to purchase one. I found him a 2002 e55 designo edition (dark brown/camel interior) with about 105k. After a dealer inspection, i flew to Kansas to pick up the car and drove it back to KY.
One huge difference that I noticed right away was the brakes. The 2002 brakes felt amazing and were a lot more sensitive/powerful than mine. My 2000 has a inch or two of dead space (in the pedal) before the brakes engage and when they do, it is gradual and does not feel very strong. I will also mention that I feel as if I have to use extra force when pressing the pedal and the 2002, I did not.
When I first purchased my car (2000), I questioned the braking power. But I had them checked (everything normal) and I eventually just got use to them. After driving 2002, It raised questions. As far as I know, there are zero differences in the braking systems in the facelifted e55's.
I will give you a little info on each car as I compared them:
2000 e55with weaker brakes)
-Brake system stock/OEM- has been serviced by dealer
-Brake fluid good
-Front pads-need to be replaced soon. 20+% left? Sensors have not gone off.
-Rear pads good...maybe 40+%?
-Rotors OK all around. Meets thickness requirements. No vibration.Tiny lip on fronts but still ok.
2002 Designo e55
-Brake system stock/OEM (mechanic's words)
-Brake fluid was really dirty
-Front pads very low. Sensor has not gone off. Mechanic said recommends pads/rotors.
-Rear pads are good. Not sure of the percetage but i would imagine over 50%. My mechanic said they are not as worn as mine*
What had me scratching my head is that the 2002 had dirty fluid, worn front pads, and still felt a lot better than mine?? What could this be?
-Maybe that I have moisture in my lines?
-Maybe that my rear pads are more worn down than his? We both have low fronts. Is it possible since all four of mine are worn, the pedal has to travel more?
-I guess it could be possible that the 2002 has updated brake lines but I doubt it.
I am having trouble figuring it out. Not only is there a difference in the pedal travel. But there is also a vast difference in braking power and sensitivity.
Is there a differences in the '00 and '02 braking systems?
Recommendations? Where to start? How is your braking performance?
I know that I could flush the fluid, change all four pads and rotors, add SS lines, etc, etc to investigate the issue but I wanted to get your opinions and obviously didn't want to dump tons of money into the brakes without asking first. Thanks a lot for reading and giving your opinions.
BTW: It has been awesome driving the two and comparing little things. A couple of differences I noticed and or was aware of:
-MPH read out on screen
-One touch Sun roof
-2002 Alarm siren is MUCH louder than mine???
-2002 beeps when you lock and unlock the car?? (Norway setting?)
Thanks again for the help!