Possible alternative front rotors for w208 CLK55 AMG

[tpc0531]

Above is the possible alternative. I have ordered 2. If they don't work out, they go back. Below is the rotors that are on the W208 CLK55 AMG. Here are the differences so far..... Alternative does not have directional venting. (Neither has most performance cars I have owned in the past) Alternative is 4mm smaller in diameter. That is .079" less working surface on the outside. My current rotors have a worn lip at the edge greater than this distance - so it should not be a problem. Alternative is .3mm shorter that original rotors. (0.012") Alternative rotor thickness is .4mm greater in thickness. (0.016") Min thickness is LESS for alternative (more useful rotor) Hub and bolt patterns are the same Alternative bolt hole is 1.8mm larger in diameter - possible issue I will know more monday when they get in. Cost = $239 shipped to the house. BTW, they are crossdrilled. I don't know if anyone has tried this here before.....

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[Darin M.]

Not worth it. I tried the same with mine and decided the safety of my family wasn't worth saving the $200. Mercedes of Annapolis (MD.) has a website where the factory AMG rotors are $207 each.

[tpc0531]

Originally Posted by Darin M.

Not worth it. I tried the same with mine and decided the safety of my family wasn't worth saving the $200. Mercedes of Annapolis (MD.) has a website where the factory AMG rotors are $207 each.

If this does not work out I'll be ordering them from your dealership.

I have received the rotors. I will be verifying the dimensions this week. I found it interesting that the new rotors are directional.

I am interested in why you would find these rotors unsafe.

[tpc0531]

one issue so far: the bolt the positions the rotor is on the wrong side of the lug hole. Easy fix.

[Darin M.]

All the measurements are just a bit off but in almost every way.
Imagine hitting the brakes hard at 120 or so. Will you have peace of mind that everything is going to work as Mercedes designed it to?

[tpc0531]

Originally Posted by Darin M.

All the measurements are just a bit off but in almost every way.
Imagine hitting the brakes hard at 120 or so. Will you have peace of mind that everything is going to work as Mercedes designed it to?

Yes.

I understand why it would make you uncomfortable.

FWIW, I am an experienced engineer with 25+ years of building and racing cars. This is my first MB. It is an excellent piece of engineering.

I have the new rotors this evening. So far so good. The pads bedded in without issue and the car stopped quietly without any drama. It is raining and the ABS performed as expected.


More testing tomorrow to and from work......

[havok13154]

any update, good/bad??? where did you get them? how much did they cost?

[tpc0531]

They are working great. I was in a bind for time so I did not replace the pads. I would replace the pads at the same time next time. It just made the break in period longer with a little more noise. Everything is working well and quiet.

[neilbo75]

Originally Posted by tpc0531

They are working great. I was in a bind for time so I did not replace the pads. ...

It would be better to avoid the expression "in a bind" when discussing a modified brake.

[SamBoler]

Those look to be made by Centric/StopTech. I have been in contact with Kevin@AutoTalent.com about brakes which he recommended going with Centric/StopTech. He is very helpful and quick to respond.

[njgilligan]

Thanks for the tip on Merc of Annapolis. The price is now $213 for front rotors, but still ~$30 cheaper than Autohaus/everywhere else I've seen.

Are you still using the aftermarket rotors? I see you were happy with them 6months later, how about 12months? Where did you find them?

[Redw20855amg]

Get w209 rotors and w209 amg calipers!!! Car-Part.com or ebay has plenty for $150 per caliper but there upgrades...

[njgilligan]

I've heard different years of the 209 clk55 had different rotors and calipers, which one's would you recommend. Are 209 rotors compatible with 208 calipers?

[Redw20855amg]

Originally Posted by njgilligan

I've heard different years of the 209 clk55 had different rotors and calipers, which one's would you recommend. Are 209 rotors compatible with 208 calipers?

CLK55 calipers....no 209 rotors will not fit 208 calipers i have physically compared the two

[da_guitarist]

Originally Posted by Darin M.

All the measurements are just a bit off but in almost every way.
Imagine hitting the brakes hard at 120 or so. Will you have peace of mind that everything is going to work as Mercedes designed it to?

I have to interject here, since no one else hasn't.

I see the concern for family with slight variations in tolerances/dimensions

BUT HOPEFULLY THE FAMILY ISN'T TRAVELING AT 120MPH!

I'm sure Darin M doesn't really do such, just thought it was a rather funny example!

[da_guitarist]

Just as a note, I typically look for cheaper solutions than factory Mercedes/AMG expensive solutions. But I will say, the vented design of the brakes is very cool and functional. For me, it's worth the $$ to have the brakes.

BTW, I've got 50k miles on my current rotors (just since I owned it) and they're not worn out yet. Actually the same pads as well. And I've taken it to the track twice.

[njgilligan]

Yeah, I never thought of the CLK, especially an AMG, as a family car...

You make a good point about the stock brakes. As there aren't many options in the aftermarket, I think I'd be hard pressed to find a better alternative without upgrading calipers as well.

[Johawk79]

If you want to put the rotors from a 2003 CLK on your 2001 or 2002, you have to change the calipers and pads as well. It will work. I did the same swap on my car. It was actually cheaper to swap the calipers, pads and rotors from the '03 model than to replace the pads and rotors for the '01.


**EDIT**
The calipers can be from an '05 - '07 C-Class (non V8) or the SLK from 3/06 - '10 (non V8). Those calipers are availiable aftermarket no problem.

[GiZzO]

Best i've seen for the W208 is to get the OEM rotors and take then to frozen rotors for their special conditioning.

[Chappy]

Originally Posted by GiZzO

Best i've seen for the W208 is to get the OEM rotors and take then to frozen rotors for their special conditioning.

I did this. The rotors will last much longer this way.

[GiZzO]

Originally Posted by Chappy

I did this. The rotors will last much longer this way.

slotted, dimpled?

[Chappy]

Originally Posted by GiZzO

slotted, dimpled?

Neither.

[GiZzO]

Originally Posted by Chappy

Neither.

Feels like i've asked you this before, i knew the answer

Whats your take on dimpled or slotted from them? Was it not available when you had em done?

[Chappy]

Originally Posted by GiZzO

Feels like i've asked you this before, i knew the answer

Whats your take on dimpled or slotted from them? Was it not available when you had em done?

Honestly, I never checked. If I were to go to aftermarket I may look at those kind of options. No real need/desire at the moment.