Brakes
Front big brake conversion notes for the A70 Supra using early Mercedes W220 S500 calipers and 330 mm rotor options.
Published 2026-07-04 22:33:45 · 54 views
Important: use Mercedes S-Class W220 S500 calipers from 1998 up to December 2001. From January 2002 onward the caliper changed. Later calipers may also fit, but this guide does not confirm them.
Quick overview
| Base car | Toyota Supra MK3 / A70 front axle |
|---|---|
| Calipers | Mercedes W220 S500 four-piston front calipers |
| Confirmed early caliper references | A0014208283 (left) and A0014208383 (right) |
| Rotor diameter | 330 mm |
| Best rotor choice | Mercedes V-Class rotor — aligns best and does not need spacer washers |
| Hub rings | 60.1 mm (Supra hub) to 66.6 mm (Mercedes V-Class rotor centre bore) |
| Critical install detail | Bleed nipples must face upward after mounting the calipers |
Main parts needed
| Part | Notes | Part number / reference |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes W220 S500 calipers | Use the 1998 to 12/2001 type. Check that 330 is cast/marked on the caliper body. | A0014208283 (LH) / A0014208383 (RH) |
| Brake pads | Several equivalent pad numbers exist. Confirm fitment for W220 S500 before ordering. | A0044200420 |
| Rotor option 1 | Nissan 350Z rotor. Needs about 9 mm of washers/spacers for caliper alignment. | 350Z front rotor |
| Rotor option 2 | Mercedes R-Class R350 rotor. Needs about 4 mm of washers/spacers. | A1644211312 |
| Rotor option 3 (recommended) | Mercedes V-Class rotor. Best option because it aligns correctly without washers. | 4474210012 / Brembo 09.C064.11 |
| Hub centric rings | Needed with the V-Class rotor. | 60.1 mm to 66.6 mm |
| Brake lines | Stainless lines were used here. The Mercedes calipers do not use banjo bolts like the Supra. Exact confirmed line application still needs confirmation. | To be confirmed |
| Brake pad pin / clip hardware | Useful when buying used calipers with missing hardware. | A0019915260 (reported OEM reference, verify before ordering) |
| Anti-squeal shims | Optional, Mercedes OEM anti-squeal pads/shims. | A0004210047 x2 |
| Caliper rebuild kit | Optional, order two kits if rebuilding both calipers. | A0004219486 x2 |
| Caliper bolts | Exact bolt reference still pending verification. The photographed bolt/washer reference below may help, but treat it as unconfirmed until checked. | Pending verification / possible ref. A1244210571 |
| Brake fluid | Required after opening the brake system. | DOT fluid suitable for your setup |
Rotor choices and fitment
| Rotor | Reference | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan 350Z | Front rotor | Works, but needs roughly 9 mm of washers/spacers behind the caliper. |
| Mercedes R-Class R350 | A1644211312 | Works, but still needs roughly 4 mm of washers/spacers. |
| Mercedes V-Class | 4474210012 / Brembo 09.C064.11 | Recommended. Best option because it aligns perfectly with the caliper and does not need washers. Although it is a 5x112 rotor, it fits over the Supra 5x114.3 studs because Mercedes uses larger stud holes. |
Why the V-Class rotor is preferred: fewer or no washers means less stack-up, less chance of flex and a more solid pedal feel. That is why this guide recommends the V-Class rotor first when available.
Installation steps
- Safely lift and support the car.
- Remove the original front calipers and rotors.
- Clean the hub face properly with a steel brush so the new rotor sits flat.
- Check the dust shield. You may need to bend or trim part of it for clearance. Try bending before cutting.
- Install the hub centric rings if using the V-Class rotor.
- Mount the chosen 330 mm rotors.
- Mount the W220 S500 calipers. If you are using 350Z or R350 rotors, add the required washer spacing for alignment.
- Make sure the bleed nipples are facing upward. If the nipples point down, the calipers are on the wrong side and bleeding will not work correctly.
- Install the brake pads and any missing pad retaining hardware.
- Install the brake lines. Do not assume AE86 rear brake lines will fit — the rear line advice from some videos does not apply here.
- Bleed the brake system thoroughly.
- Check for leaks, wheel clearance and rotor/caliper alignment before road use.
Practical notes
- You do not need to grind the calipers for this swap according to this setup.
- Double-check that the caliper has the correct 330 marking on the side.
- The Mercedes V-Class rotor is the cleanest solution because it avoids caliper spacing washers.
- The Mercedes calipers and your line setup may differ depending on the donor parts. Verify thread/seat type before ordering custom lines.
Complete shopping list
| Qty | Part | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 LH | Mercedes W220 S500 caliper | A0014208283 |
| 1 RH | Mercedes W220 S500 caliper | A0014208383 |
| 1 set | Brake pads | A0044200420 |
| 2 | V-Class rotors (recommended) | 4474210012 / Brembo 09.C064.11 |
| Alternative | R-Class R350 rotors | A1644211312 |
| Alternative | Nissan 350Z rotors | Front rotor |
| 4 | Hub centric rings | 60.1 mm to 66.6 mm |
| 1 set | Pad pin / clip hardware | A0019915260 (reported OEM ref, verify) |
| 2 | Anti-squeal shims / pads | A0004210047 |
| 2 | Caliper rebuild kits | A0004219486 |
| 4 | Caliper bolts | Pending verification |
| 1 set | Brake lines | Custom / stainless, exact confirmed application pending |
| 1 | Brake fluid | As required |
Final checks: verify wheel clearance, rotor seating, brake line routing and fluid leaks before driving. After the first short test drive, re-check all fasteners and inspect for rubbing or uneven pad contact.