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OWNER - OttoB
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I haven't studied the prices much on Silver Arrows. But a good advice for winning auctions is to remain calm and just monitor the bid development towards the end. Then I place my max automatic bid 12 seconds prior to the end time. Then it is no chance for others to overbid manually, but if somebody has placed a higher automatic bid already it goes anyway - but you never know.
a) Even though no one chimed in as to the value of the calipers other than Dave mentioning that at $650, they were incredibly priced and was surprised no one had bought them;
b) yet, I completely forgot to increase my bid amount from the asking price of $650 (see earlier here where I stated I am a busy dude with work) and it was important for me to get them now as opposed to later;
c) 4 other bidders jumped on board on the item as of yesterday;
d) I won the auction for them at $535 plus $25 shipping!
They were meant for my car, I guess and thank you for the link. They're going straight to become powder coated in red! Now tomorrow, I have to hunt down the remaining parts for the conversion and I'm sure I'll be asking for help here!
b) yet, I completely forgot to increase my bid amount from the asking price of $650 (see earlier here where I stated I am a busy dude with work) and it was important for me to get them now as opposed to later;
c) 4 other bidders jumped on board on the item as of yesterday;
d) I won the auction for them at $535 plus $25 shipping!
They were meant for my car, I guess and thank you for the link. They're going straight to become powder coated in red! Now tomorrow, I have to hunt down the remaining parts for the conversion and I'm sure I'll be asking for help here!
Good on ya! Loadsa thread here on this set up just search "silver arrow" .
I bought everything after pricing out AutohausAZ and bmwmercedesparts.com. I wouldn't have been able to do it without Dave's generous help with his time and incredible knowledge. I will keep the forum posted on the car's progress soon but it'll all be contingent upon my mechanic's progress on the other 2 at his shop currently!
I have checked around on hidden antennas, and the aftermarket types attached to the inside of the window doesn't work well. But severel Mercedes' has an OE hidden antenna in the trunk:
http://forum.roadfly.com/threads/8970829-Hidden-satellite-radio-antenna-installation
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_from=R40&rt=nc&_nkw=Mercedes+trunk+antenna
It is important to have the entire set-up with wiring and amplifier. However, I don't know whether those systems will communicate with other radios than OE.
-a-
Try parts.com for SLK calipers since their prices are close to what I get from my delaer after discount.
When I checked SLK calipers P030 package 6 pots they were about $550 each BRAND new (it also makes me feel about this upgrade). When the used set goes for crazy and unreasonable amount of $$$. Anyway you are going to buy a new rotors so there is ABSOLUTELY no point to look for a used set.
You can ontain rear ones from different car rather than SLK.
So basically
1) buy brand new front appx. $1150
2) new rotors depends 360/340mm for the front and plus rear
3) rear USED calipers.
I think this is the best and logical plan .
Actually I was surprised when I found out that SA especially silver calipers are appx. $300 more each caliper than SLK/CLK P030. So the only and real difference is in the price of rotors . Appx. $900 for P030 compare to $200 for SA
You can pay over $2k for the SLK front brakes that require cutting/cobbling, or spend the same amount for the StopTech kit that is a true bolt-on, AND engineered to work specifically with the 500E. Again... I'm just not seeing the attraction to the AMG stuff. :?:
You must look at the total cost of the kit, not just one component of the kit. While the SA calipers may be more expensive, the SA rotors are drastically cheaper. You can install an SA kit on all four wheels for ~$1500 (approx), meanwhile the SLK kit is $2250 for fronts only, estimated ~$3000 for all four SLK calipers+rotors. That's twice the cost of SA!
http://www.stoptech.com/products/big-brake-kits
I do not think so , most likely production/development expenditure cost was lower due to fact that the 6 pot caliper body itself is used on most of the 55/63/65/600biturbo cars with the different brackets. While SA was made specially for SL R129 , body is almost the same with other cars (S600 W220 , C32/C55 W203 etc, but the back part of the caliper is different which much more expensive to producedevelop than the small adapter bracket which is utilized on newer AMG today. )
However, this is my guess ...
I m waiting for rotors now and then I will figure out if SA is good or not (if snow do not hit MN soon )
That's correct Roman, the production volumes do probably dictate the pricing on SA vs AMG. The AMG calipers are all made by Brembo and the same platform/design are used on a number of car types! I have now 3 sets of "AMG-calipers" (1 front, 2 rear) + I've had 8-pot fronts in house, and none of them has a MB or AMG part number stamped, they all have the Brembo PN only.
You can see identical Brembo caliper set-up between a number of sportscars, including high end cars. The calipers can be identical but with specific brackets, and the different brands have their own concept on brake pumps, pad compound and discs, which can result in noticable different brake power from car to car - which is discussed in test reports in car magazines too.
Except from the SA brakes, the only complete bolt-on brake upgrade I have seen for the 036 to date is MOVIT. Everything else besides those two brands requires custom work and brackets. Enclosed some pics I got from Bernard in Germany at the time I was in contact with MOVIT.
-a-
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SA are Brembo too , but with the specific back part for R129 only . By the way it really explains theory : when I checked SA caliper it was appx. $800 but the same caliper for S600 W220 I believe was $380 , both of them made by brembo. The S600 calipers goes to other vehicles as well while SA only for R129 .
I saw Bernard silver 124036 which is BRABUS on Mayabch BRABUS wheels so that one has a HUUUGE brakes , i think you can stop plane with them.
As indicated, I went ahead with the SA upgrade. I paid $560 for the calipers on the very same link posted above, $45 for Bosch brake pads from AutohausAZ, and then the 2 control arms at $355.68 each for OEM as well as the 4 rotors (340mm 334mm up from and 300mm out back) at $95 also each from bmwmercedespats.com, thus totaling from them $1,038.35. But overall and counting, is $1,643.35. I also bought 2 sets of Brembo decals from Ebay totaling $8.00 since I am going to powder coat the calipers from black to red. But, based on everyone else's reactions to the upgrade, I am sure to be pleased with the result.
Thank you again for your help on this.
As to the hidden antenna, I think that rather than attempting to rebuild my original (twice) and buying a universal one (twice), I will just spend the $250+ (I think) on a OEM Hirschmann and be done. I don't want satellite radio, and I don't want any antenna that only works with the stereo that came with the car, as most modern MB's have. So, one more item to throw in the list!
Thank you again for your help on this.
As to the hidden antenna, I think that rather than attempting to rebuild my original (twice) and buying a universal one (twice), I will just spend the $250+ (I think) on a OEM Hirschmann and be done. I don't want satellite radio, and I don't want any antenna that only works with the stereo that came with the car, as most modern MB's have. So, one more item to throw in the list!
I forgot to point out that Dave brought to my attention the fact that there had been several individuals experiencing difficulties with the LCA's made by Febi, hence the cost increase out of my pocket for choosing OEM LCA's... BUt, you do things right once, and then no worries so we'll see what happens.
It seems we got three or more people including myself currently getting a SA kit
I saw your car online somewhere and boy I love your wheels , idk about the brand but they looks really cool and fits car and color of the car
Lemforder only makes the early LCAs. They do not make the late LCA's which are required for the Silver Arrow brake upgrade.
Lemforder only makes the early LCAs. They do not make the late LCA's which are required for the Silver Arrow brake upgrade.
in that case TRW's are available for also half the price (TRW is OE Quality)
I do not agree that TRW is OE quality. This has been recently documented by GSXR, in a side by side comparison with OE MB replacement parts.
http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?4858-Late-LCAs-OE-vs-TRW
Did you happen to read this comparo?
Cheers,
Gerry
http://www.500eboard.com/forums/showthread.php?4858-Late-LCAs-OE-vs-TRW
Did you happen to read this comparo?
Cheers,
Gerry
Believe me, I'd like to find an acceptable substitute for the late LCA's, but right now there doesn't appear to be anything available. The Febis had been ok in the past, I have a set on my wife's 500E now from about 2007 that have not yet shown signs of failure. But as noted on the other threads both on this forum an PeachParts, the recent Febis need to be watched closely for premature ball joint wear.
Since I got the TRWE late LCA's, which are supposed to be OE, then they are available. This back and forth with TRW is giving me a headache...I would like to put this to rest and get a definitive answer. My recent purchase from the Mercedes Center was for OE late LCA's which have no other markings aside from the TRWE B and D stamps and as per Dave, I got the corect OE LCA's.
From what I see, TRW and TRWE are not the same LCA's and if TRWE are bought through the dealer or the Mercedes Center, one is expecting to get OE LCA's - is this correct?
From what I see, TRW and TRWE are not the same LCA's and if TRWE are bought through the dealer or the Mercedes Center, one is expecting to get OE LCA's - is this correct?
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Steve, the difference is you bought OE "Genuine Mercedes" LCAs, which are the real deal, no issues, no concerns. These appear to be made by TRW based on the stamped logos.
TRW has an aftermarket division which also sells a late LCA under the TRW brand name. However, as my other thread shows, these aftermarket TRW LCA's ARE NOT the same as the LCA that TRW (apparently) manufactures for Mercedes.
TRW has an aftermarket division which also sells a late LCA under the TRW brand name. However, as my other thread shows, these aftermarket TRW LCA's ARE NOT the same as the LCA that TRW (apparently) manufactures for Mercedes.
My wife's 1995 wagon has a new pair of MB OE late LCAs, installed about 3 years ago now. I can check this out over the weekend to see if I can find TRW logos on them (or another logo). Where is the logo located? Would I be able to find it with the LCAs on the car?
It's stamped on the outer edge by the ball joint, should be facing down... as seen in the photo below.
Appears to be: "TRW
2409"
It seems we got three or more people including myself currently getting a SA kit
I saw your car online somewhere and boy I love your wheels , idk about the brand but they looks really cool and fits car and color of the car
When I first saw the car listed for sale by Andre 3 years ago this Thanksgiving on eBay, I immediately felt I had to have it... I have never seen another one with what I consider are so many tasteful upgrades on a 1992- from the lowered, sinister stance, to the wheels, '94 hood, no 2 two-tone paint, smoked turn signals + cool interior... There are some other good looking ones out there, but I still lust after my car every day I see it and wouldn't want to "upgrade" or change it for anything - something that every car I own makes me feel once its been customized to my taste (although Andre did most of the heavy lifting).
yours is EXACTLY what my wife's wagon has, Vookster. There was no TRW or TRWE moniker.
I am saddened to say that this past week, the car exchanged hands to a new owner, but to someone whom I've known for 4 years... The time had come to part ways after nearly 3.5 years and I still love the car, but decided to go to another direction by way of an XJR, a vehicle that has always appealed to me. The new owner, from the very first day he saw me pulling up in it at the Miami shop he works at (Porsche's, mostly), he's always liked the car. So the other day when I pulled up to the shop to check on the project they've undertaken with my 965 and told him about the possibility of selling it, he bought it on the spot. He's a gear head like most of us here and I know the car will be in good hands. I'm sure he'll eventually chime in to the forum, although not much to do on the car...
Found out after the fact that the MB dealership I bought the SA rotors from had erroneously sent me all 4 rotors measuring the same size, so the replacement front ones will be installed in the car soon. Other than some other stuff, the car is complete and in relatively good shape. From time to time, I'll check in here but I want to thank everyone for their help and input over the years... Always truly appreciated.
Sincerely,
OttoB
Found out after the fact that the MB dealership I bought the SA rotors from had erroneously sent me all 4 rotors measuring the same size, so the replacement front ones will be installed in the car soon. Other than some other stuff, the car is complete and in relatively good shape. From time to time, I'll check in here but I want to thank everyone for their help and input over the years... Always truly appreciated.
Sincerely,
OttoB