Is there a huge difference between 116 and 126 brakes on a W123?
Is there a huge difference between 116 and 126 brakes on a W123?
In other words, would I install the 116 brakes and end up wishing I'd waited for the 126s?
CID Vicious
10-22-2009, 06:31 PM #1Just as the title asks. Are the 126 brakes noticeably better than the 116 brakes when installed on a W123? My passenger side caliper is starting to leak, and the rotors are in less than great shape. I'm thinking of asking for a loan from my boss to just get a 300SD for the bigger brakes, wheels, tires, and motor. I can get my car's front tires to beg for mercy going around the local traffic circle at a reasonable pace, much less a mountain road, and I'm running a mixed set of aluminum and steel wheels right now anyway. However it will probably be easier to get him to order me a new set of calipers, rotors, and pads, and I understand that the 116 brakes are essentially a bolt on deal, correct? Or does one need brackets and all that from the junkyard?
In other words, would I install the 116 brakes and end up wishing I'd waited for the 126s?
ForcedInduction
10-22-2009, 06:40 PM
#2
A 300SD (116 and W126) won't have bigger brakes, just vented. No real advantage to them unless you're having brake fade issues from heat.
I realize that they're vented, and I want vented brakes, just wanted to know what issues I'm going to run into in getting them. I live in a mountainous desert area and I don't want to run into any fade issues on a mountain road with no guard rails. Plus it's really no difference in cost for the replacement parts, so if I can upgrade, I will.
However, if I'm going to need bigger wheels for clearance I might as well just get a 300SD parts car and get my wheels and engine at the same time. I also need to look into getting tires soon, so all of these issues are coming to a head at the same time.
Ah, late 126 brakes are the larger ones, got it.
CID Vicious
10-22-2009, 07:22 PM #3I thought one had to run 15s when running 126 brakes? No size difference at all between them and 116 brakes?
I realize that they're vented, and I want vented brakes, just wanted to know what issues I'm going to run into in getting them. I live in a mountainous desert area and I don't want to run into any fade issues on a mountain road with no guard rails. Plus it's really no difference in cost for the replacement parts, so if I can upgrade, I will.
However, if I'm going to need bigger wheels for clearance I might as well just get a 300SD parts car and get my wheels and engine at the same time. I also need to look into getting tires soon, so all of these issues are coming to a head at the same time.
Ah, late 126 brakes are the larger ones, got it.
81-85 W126 brakes are bolt-in if you're ordering new parts.
ForcedInduction
10-22-2009, 07:38 PM
#4
Larger wheels are needed when using brakes from a 1986+ w126 (a 300SDL).
81-85 W126 brakes are bolt-in if you're ordering new parts.
(10-22-2009, 07:38 PM)ForcedInduction Larger wheels are needed when using brakes from a 1986+ w126 (a 300SDL).
81-85 W126 brakes are bolt-in if you're ordering new parts.
Yes, First generation w126 (1981-1985) is the same rotor diameter as the w116 and w123. The second generation w126 (1986+) are larger diameter.
The w126 rotors are a like 25-30 buck more then the w123s. But for rebuilt calipers, the w123 are like 15 buck more then the w126.
Definitely worth the upgrade for your type of driving.
On a side note, I have a good used set of first gen w126 Bendix calipers that I would like to unload. PM me if interested.
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Gota love Mercedes Diesels!
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DeliveryValve
10-22-2009, 07:50 PM #5(10-22-2009, 07:38 PM)ForcedInduction Larger wheels are needed when using brakes from a 1986+ w126 (a 300SDL).
81-85 W126 brakes are bolt-in if you're ordering new parts.
Yes, First generation w126 (1981-1985) is the same rotor diameter as the w116 and w123. The second generation w126 (1986+) are larger diameter.
The w126 rotors are a like 25-30 buck more then the w123s. But for rebuilt calipers, the w123 are like 15 buck more then the w126.
Definitely worth the upgrade for your type of driving.
On a side note, I have a good used set of first gen w126 Bendix calipers that I would like to unload. PM me if interested.
.
Gota love Mercedes Diesels!
.
if you want to eventually upgrade to ABS as well, you'll have to swap the spindles and use the newer hubs as well....the newer hubs have the ABS tone wheel i nthem and use a larger (I think, def diff size) seals and wheel bearing setup ...that's what I did, but I have yet to pull a whole ABS setup from a junker... once I do that I'll take pics/post writeup...
anyway, another thing to keep in mind if that seems like something you'd wanna do in the future.
W123 Mods: 4 speed ** manual climate control ** '85 Kalitucky intake ** manual windows & full tint ** Euro headlights retrofit w/bixenon projectors ** 4 brake light mod ** Vogtland 50mm drop front & Lesjofors S600 drop rear springs ** 16" rims ** late w126 brake spindles, rotors & calipers ** full suspension rehab ** Bilstein HDs ** AL129X alternator & 1/0 starter and charging cables ** 300GD clutch/flywheel ** AFCO 80103N radiator & Earl's 41610 oil cooler ** custom block-off plate, remote oil filter & t-stat ** MW IP w/ tomnik's 6.5mm 'Holly' elements **
S124 Mods: 400E Rear subframe ** SL600 Brakes ** Late 300E 210mm diff ** SLK230 6 speed ** 17" CLK rims ** Vented RF Fender ** Facelift Hood, Headlights, and Lower Cladding **
OBK# 62
SurfRodder
10-26-2009, 06:46 PM #6for the later model front setup (86+ w126), you can use your stock hubs and bolt the larger rotors to them and bolt the larger caliper to the stock spindle...larger vented rotors will require larger wheels, as stated before...
if you want to eventually upgrade to ABS as well, you'll have to swap the spindles and use the newer hubs as well....the newer hubs have the ABS tone wheel i nthem and use a larger (I think, def diff size) seals and wheel bearing setup ...that's what I did, but I have yet to pull a whole ABS setup from a junker... once I do that I'll take pics/post writeup...
anyway, another thing to keep in mind if that seems like something you'd wanna do in the future.
W123 Mods: 4 speed ** manual climate control ** '85 Kalitucky intake ** manual windows & full tint ** Euro headlights retrofit w/bixenon projectors ** 4 brake light mod ** Vogtland 50mm drop front & Lesjofors S600 drop rear springs ** 16" rims ** late w126 brake spindles, rotors & calipers ** full suspension rehab ** Bilstein HDs ** AL129X alternator & 1/0 starter and charging cables ** 300GD clutch/flywheel ** AFCO 80103N radiator & Earl's 41610 oil cooler ** custom block-off plate, remote oil filter & t-stat ** MW IP w/ tomnik's 6.5mm 'Holly' elements **
S124 Mods: 400E Rear subframe ** SL600 Brakes ** Late 300E 210mm diff ** SLK230 6 speed ** 17" CLK rims ** Vented RF Fender ** Facelift Hood, Headlights, and Lower Cladding **
OBK# 62
I think I'm going to try and convince my boss to get me a 300SD and pay him back - I'd like to find one with a messed up trans for cheap, I want it for the motor, wheels, and brakes.
While we're on the subject, are the springs on a 126 compatible with a 123? Seems to me like heavier car = stiffer springs and as far as I know the suspension setup is the same only wider track.
CID Vicious
10-27-2009, 02:58 AM #7I was wondering about that - my 82 240D has wires going to the hubs, if it were a later car I'd swear they were for ABS, but as I understand it these never came with it. So what are they for?
I think I'm going to try and convince my boss to get me a 300SD and pay him back - I'd like to find one with a messed up trans for cheap, I want it for the motor, wheels, and brakes.
While we're on the subject, are the springs on a 126 compatible with a 123? Seems to me like heavier car = stiffer springs and as far as I know the suspension setup is the same only wider track.
Part # 126.35007SL & 126.35007SR from Tire Rack.
Combined these with rebuilt calipers from an '81 300SD.
This allowed for the use of the stock 14" wheels.
I also used Hawk HPS Street brake pads from Tire Rack.
Part # HB207F.580.
These are on a 81 240D and a 85 300TD.
Around town braking is marginally improved. The real difference is when I load down the wagon with the roof rack to go camping, or on a long trip. I have carried 35 gallons of extra WVO, gear, and 3 passengers. One heavy ass load! You will see a vast improvement in your stopping ability.
The wires you are talking about are for the front brake pad sensors. Nice feature. If they have not been replaced in a while you should replace them. They are cheap. I think I paid $1.00 each for them from Autohausaz. Part # 1405401217
I have done this conversion using Powerslot vented rotors.
Part # 126.35007SL & 126.35007SR from Tire Rack.
Combined these with rebuilt calipers from an '81 300SD.
This allowed for the use of the stock 14" wheels.
I also used Hawk HPS Street brake pads from Tire Rack.
Part # HB207F.580.
These are on a 81 240D and a 85 300TD.
Around town braking is marginally improved. The real difference is when I load down the wagon with the roof rack to go camping, or on a long trip. I have carried 35 gallons of extra WVO, gear, and 3 passengers. One heavy ass load! You will see a vast improvement in your stopping ability.
The wires you are talking about are for the front brake pad sensors. Nice feature. If they have not been replaced in a while you should replace them. They are cheap. I think I paid $1.00 each for them from Autohausaz. Part # 1405401217
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