Brake system optimization for
BMW & Mercedes
A more powerful braking system isn't just for the racetrack. Anyone who lowers their vehicle, increases its power output, or regularly participates in track days should also upgrade their braking system accordingly. At Friedrich AMS in Eglisau, we plan and install brake system upgrades for BMW and Mercedes, from sport brake pads to complete big brake kits.
Friedrich AMS recommends brake upgrades based on diagnosis – not according to a catalog. No part is installed that is not necessary.
What we offer
Sport brake pads
Higher temperature stability and better metering compared to standard brake pads, for everyday driving and track days
Sport brake discs
Perforated, slotted, or both: better heat dissipation, less fading under load
Big Brake Kits
Larger discs, multi-piston fixed calipers for maximum braking performance, ideal for M models and AMG.
Steel braided brake lines
More direct pedal feedback thanks to pressure-resistant lines, noticeably better than standard brake hoses.
Brake fluid change with racing fluid
Higher boiling point for track day use, prevents vapor bubbles.
Brake caliper overhaul & painting
Visual and functional upgrade, especially noticeable on lowered vehicles.
When does a
Does upgrading the brake system make sense?
The standard braking system from BMW and Mercedes is designed for normal road use: reliable, durable, and suitable for everyday driving. However, as soon as the vehicle is driven on a racetrack, has significantly increased performance, or is regularly driven in a sporty manner, the standard system reaches its limits: reduced braking power when hot (fading), a spongy pedal feel, and increased wear are typical signs.
An upgrade is worthwhile if:
You regularly participate in track days or club sport events and the standard exhaust system deteriorates under load.
Your vehicle's performance has been increased – more horsepower requires more braking power.
You have installed large rims and there is space for a larger brake system.
Your vehicle is lowered and you want visually matching calipers or larger discs.
you want to replace the standard brake pads or discs and upgrade to a sport level at the same time.
If you experience a spongy pedal feel – braided steel brake lines provide immediate relief.
you regularly drive uphill or tow a trailer with long braking phases
Our recommendations: Brands & Products
Brembo – world market leader in brake discs and calipers, OEM supplier for BMW M and Mercedes AMG
EBC Brakes – wide selection of sport brake pads and discs for every application
Ferodo Racing – proven racing brake pads with excellent thermal stability
ATE / TRW – reliable OEM quality for value-preserving upgrades
Goodridge – Stainless steel braided brake lines in original equipment manufacturer (OEM) quality
Friedrich AMS recommends brake upgrades based on diagnosis – not according to a catalog. No part is installed that is not necessary.
Sport brake pads: more bite, more stability
Brake pads are the first and easiest step in a brake upgrade. Friedrich AMS distinguishes three categories – tailored to the application.
Street sports surfaces
Sport brake pads for everyday use offer more bite in normal driving conditions, a shorter bedding-in distance, and slightly better heat resistance than standard pads. They are easy to modulate when cold and even better when warm. There is no increased disc wear or abrasion issues on the road. The sensible choice for those who drive more sportily but don't participate in track days.
Street sports
and track day pads
For vehicles used both on the road and on the track: brake pads with high heat resistance (up to 750 °C), good cold braking performance for the road, and maximum performance at operating temperature on the track. These pads may produce more brake dust and noise on the road – an acceptable compromise.
Which brake pad brands does Friedrich AMS use?
Everyday drivers with sporting ambitions
who want to make their vehicle noticeably more dynamic without completely sacrificing comfort
Track day and club sport drivers
those who want to get the maximum performance on the racetrack and need a precisely tuned setup
Deep fans
who want to give their BMW or Mercedes that certain something visually
Drivers with worn-out standard shock absorber technology
where a sports suspension is a more sensible investment than the standard replacement
Brake disc upgrade & Big Brake Kit
When are larger brake discs a good idea?
Larger brake discs have more mass and therefore greater heat capacity. They absorb braking energy without overheating as quickly.
This is particularly relevant during long braking phases on the racetrack. Friedrich AMS checks whether larger discs will fit in the existing wheel arch and can be registered in accordance with the MFK (Swiss vehicle inspection).
Oversized standard windscreens – upgrade with minimal effort, MFK-approval straightforward
Oversized standard windscreens – upgrade with minimal effort, MFK-approval straightforward
Sport discs for street and track day: Brembo, Zimmermann, EBC
Big Brake Kit for BMW and Mercedes
A Big Brake Kit (BBK) combines larger brake discs with a more powerful brake caliper, often with multiple pistons, for more even pressure build-up and better heat distribution.
Friedrich AMS installs Big Brake Kits in compliance with MFK regulations and provides honest advice on whether a BBK justifies the additional effort compared to high-quality pads and discs.
steel braiding
Brake lines for more direct pedal feel
Standard rubber brake lines expand slightly under pressure – especially at high temperatures. The result: a spongy, indirect pedal feel. Stainless steel braided lines are pressure-stable and provide a more direct, consistent, and reliable pedal feel. Friedrich AMS installs stainless steel braided lines with proper MFK (Swiss vehicle inspection) approval – not without it.
Noticeably more direct pedal feel, especially during sporty driving.
Lower thermal expansion than rubber hoses
MFK-compliant with registration – Friedrich AMS does it correctly
Recommendation: always change the brake fluid together with the brake fluid change.
DOT 4 vs DOT 5.1
Boiling point and track day
DOT 4 has a dry boiling point of 230 °C and a wet boiling point of 155 °C. DOT 5.1 has a minimum dry boiling point of 260 °C and a wet boiling point of 180 °C. For everyday use, DOT 4 is sufficient. For track day use, Friedrich AMS recommends DOT 5.1 – and changes the fluid before each event, regardless of when it was last changed.
Brake fluid: the underestimated factor
Brake fluid is hygroscopic: it absorbs water from the air and thus loses its boiling point. Even a water content of just 2–3% can significantly lower the boiling point. On the racetrack, where brake temperatures reach 400–600 °C, this means the fluid boils, vapor bubbles form in the system – and the brake pedal goes to the floor.
Brake fluid change interval
Normaler Strassenverkehr: alle 2 Jahre oder 40'000 km
Before every track day: a fresh change is mandatory.
After intensive sports activity: check if a change is necessary.
Friedrich AMS performs brake fluid changes with bleeding – correctly, without air bubbles
Bremsen-Check vor dem Trackday
01
Bremsbeläge: Restdicke, Verschleissbild, Eignung für Rennstrecke
02
Bremsscheiben: Dicke, Riefen, Risse, thermische Verfärbungen
03
Bremsleitungen: Zustand, Risse, Expansion – Stahlflex empfohlen
04
Bremssättel: Funktion, Kolben-Leichtgängigkeit, Leckage
05
Bremsflüssigkeit: Siedepunkt prüfen, bei Bedarf wechseln (DOT 5.1)
06
Handbrake: Function and adjustment
07
Complete braking system: ISTA/XENTRY diagnostics for fault codes
Ready for honest premium service?
Appointment upon request. We will respond.
within 24 hours on working days.