2004 Mercedes-Benz Brabus K8

Even More Power for the Mercedes E 55: Brabus K8

With Brabus K8 performance tuning power output jumps to 530 bhp while peak torque increases to 572 lb-ft. With an acceleration time of just 4.3 seconds for 0 – 62 mph and an electronically limited top speed of 200 mph the E 55 sedan and wagon achieve performance on the level of purebred sports cars. The Brabus K8 performance kit for the supercharged V8 engine with 5.5-liters displacement comprises high-performance metal catalysts as well as modifications to the supercharger drive with the help of a custom vibration damper and new pulley for improved looping of the belt drive.

Power yield of the modified supercharged engine – like the five-speed automatic transmission and the custom Brabus rear self-locking differential lubricated exclusively with ARAL high- performance lubricants – is extraordinary: Instead of standard 476 bhp the engine delivers 530 bhp at 6,400 rpm. Even more impressive is the peak torque of 572 lb-ft at just 3,000 rpm. Upon customer request Brabus also offers a rear axle shortened by 6 percent for the E 55. With its integrated self-locking differential it improves traction and driving dynamics.

For further optimization of directional stability at high speeds the Brabus designers developed a carbon lip for the front spoiler which is attached to the production bumper of the E 55. Its aerodynamic counterpart in the rear of the sedan is the custom-developed Brabus spoiler lip for the trunk lid, which reduces lift on the rear axle at high speeds.

The extreme top speed of the Brabus-tuned E 55 necessitates modifications to tires, suspension and brakes. The electronically limited top speed of 200 mph becomes possible by mounting Michelin Pilot Sport 2 high-performance tires with 19-inch diameters. The tires in sizes 255/35 ZR 19 in front and 285/30 ZR 19 on the rear axle are mounted on multi-piece Brabus Monoblock VI light-alloy wheels in size 8.5Jx19 on the front axle and in size 9.5Jx19 in the rear.

The large wheels offer space for the installation of the Brabus high-performance brake system with its 12-piston fixed calipers and vented and cross-drilled mega-sized discs measuring 375 x 36 mm on the front axle. The rear axle features vented and cross-drilled 355 x 28 mm discs with six- piston fixed calipers. The efficiency of the Brabus brake system was documented in a test conducted by the German car magazine 'sport auto': From 125 mph the E 55 with Brabus high-performance brakes came to rest after precisely 135.7 meters – exactly 18.7 meters sooner than with production brakes.

To further increase the impressive driving dynamics of the E 55 Brabus developed a special control module for the semi-active air suspension. It lowers the ride height by some 20 millimeters. Brabus sport sway bars reduce body roll and improve turn-in.

The range of exclusive Brabus interior accessories includes genuine-carbon sill plates with illuminated Brabus logo, ergonomically shaped sport steering wheels and a speedometer with 225 mph scale.

For upgrading the COMAND system Brabus offers the integration of a DVD changer and an Internet platform which is operated with the controls of the COMAND system. An optional DVB-T television tuner allows TV reception in areas exclusively served by digital broadcasts.

Upon request the company-own upholstery shop creates especially exclusive Brabus interiors crafted from a combination of especially soft yet durable Brabus Mastik and Alcantara leathers.