View Poll Results: What color calipers?
Gold
15
7.18%
Red
66
31.58%
White
5
2.39%
Gunmetal
20
9.57%
Silver
60
28.71%
Black
43
20.57%
Voters: 209. You may not vote on this poll
BRAKE Pad, Rotors, & Calipers Discussion Thread (OEM, aftermarket, etc...)
Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
.......
You guys don't develop squeaking or anything, when you do it yourself? I love doing things DIY, I just really don't want squeaky brakes. Even Mercedes parts makes brake work cheap, if you DIY.
Any online sources to get OEM parts right from a site without having to call a dealer?
Any online sources to get OEM parts right from a site without having to call a dealer?
http://www.r1concepts.com/
Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 219
Likes: 1
From: Kansas City, MO
'05 C230K SS
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...layCatalogid=0
Anyone found a cheaper option?
Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
.......
That's exactly the route I'm planning for my fronts. The R1 rotors look cool, but I can't justify the significant additional expense for the looks/coolness factor over the much cheaper OEM's. Looks like they are $50.00 each for fronts from Mercedes-Benz Fort Lauderdale:
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...layCatalogid=0
Anyone found a cheaper option?
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...layCatalogid=0
Anyone found a cheaper option?
Those brakes are not only the "look" believe me
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,191
Likes: 7
From: Va Beach, VA
05 C230K SS (sold), 06 C55 (sold), 08 Yamaha R1 (sold), 16 X5M
the black and white is sexy...though with a black car and with the inner wheel well being as dark as they are, i'd personally like to see more of the caliper...though black with white lettering is a top choice of mine! whered you get yours painted? or did you do it yourself?
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
'07 GTI & '04 M3
the black and white is sexy...though with a black car and with the inner wheel well being as dark as they are, i'd personally like to see more of the caliper...though black with white lettering is a top choice of mine! whered you get yours painted? or did you do it yourself?
thanks! it is a lot of black, but it helps the letters stand out...and when they get filthy dirty, you can hardly tell until i wash the car, and then wash them through the spokes
I did it myself...it was easy, left them on the car, clenaed them and masked everything off. i used high temp primer/black paint/clear from autozone. the decals are from xenonmods.com...i was skeptical, but read on here that people were happy with them, so i tried them. the "mercedes-benz" decals were too large for the face of the caliper, so i cut off "-benz". 15k miles and everything is still perfect
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,518
Likes: 1
From: STL
W203 C230SS
Anyone with EBC front rotors?
i recently ordered all of the parts for a little bit of a brake upgrade- ebc slotted/dimpled rotors, ebc redstuff pads, ss brake lines.
the last of my order came in today- the front rotors. to my suprise they appear to be stockers with a coat of zinc to protect agains rust. not only are they drilled, rather than dimpled like they were supposed to have been- but they are both the same, just as the stocks (no difference between right and left). i've already got a pre-paid shipping label coming to return them. i've also got an email in to ebc to see what the deal is. they were advertised (both where i ordered and ebc's site) to be directional, slotted, dimpled. turns out, only the rears showed up like that. the part numbers on the package was right though. really wierd.
anyone else experience this?
the last of my order came in today- the front rotors. to my suprise they appear to be stockers with a coat of zinc to protect agains rust. not only are they drilled, rather than dimpled like they were supposed to have been- but they are both the same, just as the stocks (no difference between right and left). i've already got a pre-paid shipping label coming to return them. i've also got an email in to ebc to see what the deal is. they were advertised (both where i ordered and ebc's site) to be directional, slotted, dimpled. turns out, only the rears showed up like that. the part numbers on the package was right though. really wierd.
anyone else experience this?
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,518
Likes: 1
From: STL
W203 C230SS
i wasn't talking about stock. ebc's are supposed to be directional, right/left handed. it states that on their website and shows picture of which one goes on which side. their site also lists them as being dimpled/slotted- not drilled. the set i ended up with from ebc looks like the exact same thing i currently have, minus the zinc coating of course.
Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 197
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, NY
'03 C320 Sedan, '04 SAAB 9-3 Cabrio
No, not so (directional). I got ebc front rotors for my C class and they are slotted/dimpled AND directional. Any time you have slots or dimples, or drilled, it has to be directional. The OP was sent the wrong rotors.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 18,677
Likes: 9
From: OC
a quarter mile at a time
common misconception.
Cross drilling dosen't REALLY assist in cooling down your brake rotors. Cooling is a function of surface area and the tiny little drill holes don't add that much surface area to the rotor.
Brake rotors work by turning momentum into heat via friction. An important part of this is the ability to absorb that heat as it's generated. This is done by the mass of the brake rotor. More mass is better. This can be why dimples are better than drilling in some instances. Dimples remove less rotor mass than a drilled hole. Of course, on the 2005+ C-class sport sedans, the brake rotor is significantly oversize, so drilling or removing some rotor mass isn't a large concern.
I personally wouldn't get cross drilled rotors for the luxury sedans without upgrading to a larger rotor.
ok, i'm off my soapbox
Cross drilling dosen't REALLY assist in cooling down your brake rotors. Cooling is a function of surface area and the tiny little drill holes don't add that much surface area to the rotor.
Brake rotors work by turning momentum into heat via friction. An important part of this is the ability to absorb that heat as it's generated. This is done by the mass of the brake rotor. More mass is better. This can be why dimples are better than drilling in some instances. Dimples remove less rotor mass than a drilled hole. Of course, on the 2005+ C-class sport sedans, the brake rotor is significantly oversize, so drilling or removing some rotor mass isn't a large concern.
I personally wouldn't get cross drilled rotors for the luxury sedans without upgrading to a larger rotor.
ok, i'm off my soapbox
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,518
Likes: 1
From: STL
W203 C230SS
i agree with E. however- this topic is one of the many that can be debated all day long
the main reason i am concerned about it is because i want them to match. i bought an entire setup. since it's all new and the brand is the same on the front/rear rotors- they should look the same. in this case they don't. and for $300 for a set of stinking rotors- i want what i ordered
the main reason i am concerned about it is because i want them to match. i bought an entire setup. since it's all new and the brand is the same on the front/rear rotors- they should look the same. in this case they don't. and for $300 for a set of stinking rotors- i want what i ordered
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,263
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
C230 Coupe Rear pads, questions....
Hey guys, I'm trying to source the stuff to do my rear brakes.
I've had good luck with the front Akebono's so I'm thinking I'll go with those, which BTW, when I look it up I seem to get conflicting info on which one to use.
Tirerack specifies the eur873 but, Rockauto offers both the
eur873 and the eur779. I actually called Akebono...guess what, they're in Kentucky. Really nice people, and 'Kirby' the guy I spoke to, swears that the 779's are what I want.
Now that being said, I see a lot of people talking about R1 Concepts.
I see them selling pairs of rear rotors for
less than $30 !
This make me tend to believe that it's likely these are some cheap chinese knock offs. Nothing against the Chinese, but I don't personally want some cheap brakes parts that might fail on my car.
Then there's the package deals, drilled slotted rotors + ceramic pads for
120.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BENZ-...Q5fAccessories
Additionally I called and asked what brand the pads were,
they're Centric "Posi Quiet" pads.
I called Centric and asked about the country of Origin for their brake parts, and got a rather nebulous answer, like "some of it comes from China and some comes from other places".
Has anyone used these Centric and or R1 concepts products and can you provide an opinion?
I'd like to have the rear match my C32 brakes on the front, but not at the expense of quality, or having the rotors shatter.
ALSO all these mfg's keep referencing the "sport package" in determining which brakes to use.
I'm not aware of any differences on the rear brakes between models other than the AMG, so what the hell are they talking about?
The link from R1 specifies W203 2003 w/sport package...wtf?
I've had good luck with the front Akebono's so I'm thinking I'll go with those, which BTW, when I look it up I seem to get conflicting info on which one to use.
Tirerack specifies the eur873 but, Rockauto offers both the
eur873 and the eur779. I actually called Akebono...guess what, they're in Kentucky. Really nice people, and 'Kirby' the guy I spoke to, swears that the 779's are what I want.
Now that being said, I see a lot of people talking about R1 Concepts.
I see them selling pairs of rear rotors for
This make me tend to believe that it's likely these are some cheap chinese knock offs. Nothing against the Chinese, but I don't personally want some cheap brakes parts that might fail on my car.
Then there's the package deals, drilled slotted rotors + ceramic pads for
120.
Additionally I called and asked what brand the pads were,
they're Centric "Posi Quiet" pads.
I called Centric and asked about the country of Origin for their brake parts, and got a rather nebulous answer, like "some of it comes from China and some comes from other places".
Has anyone used these Centric and or R1 concepts products and can you provide an opinion?
I'd like to have the rear match my C32 brakes on the front, but not at the expense of quality, or having the rotors shatter.
ALSO all these mfg's keep referencing the "sport package" in determining which brakes to use.
I'm not aware of any differences on the rear brakes between models other than the AMG, so what the hell are they talking about?
The link from R1 specifies W203 2003 w/sport package...wtf?
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; Dec 10, 2008 at 02:40 PM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 18,677
Likes: 9
From: OC
a quarter mile at a time
Hey guys, I'm trying to source the stuff to do my rear brakes.
I've had good luck with the front Akebono's so I'm thinking I'll go with those, which BTW, when I look it up I seem to get conflicting info on which one to use.
Tirerack specifies the eur873 but, Rockauto offers both the
eur873 and the eur779. I actually called Akebono...guess what, they're in Kentucky. Really nice people, and 'Kirby' the guy I spoke to, swears that the 779's are what I want.
Now that being said, I see a lot of people talking about R1 Concepts.
I see them selling pairs of rear rotors for less than $30 !
This make me tend to believe that it's likely these are some cheap chinese knock offs. Nothing against the Chinese, but I don't personally want some cheap brakes parts that might fail on my car.
Then there's the package deals, drilled slotted rotors + ceramic pads for
120.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BENZ-...Q5fAccessories
Additionally I called and asked what brand the pads were,
they're Centric "Posi Quiet" pads.
I called Centric and asked about the country of Origin for their brake parts, and got a rather nebulous answer, like "some of it comes from China and some comes from other places".
Has anyone used these Centric and or R1 concepts products and can you provide an opinion?
I'd like to have the rear match my C32 brakes on the front, but not at the expense of quality, or having the rotors shatter.
ALSO all these mfg's keep referencing the "sport package" in determining which brakes to use.
I'm not aware of any differences on the rear brakes between models other than the AMG, so what the hell are they talking about?
The link from R1 specifies W203 2003 w/sport package...wtf?
I've had good luck with the front Akebono's so I'm thinking I'll go with those, which BTW, when I look it up I seem to get conflicting info on which one to use.
Tirerack specifies the eur873 but, Rockauto offers both the
eur873 and the eur779. I actually called Akebono...guess what, they're in Kentucky. Really nice people, and 'Kirby' the guy I spoke to, swears that the 779's are what I want.
Now that being said, I see a lot of people talking about R1 Concepts.
I see them selling pairs of rear rotors for
This make me tend to believe that it's likely these are some cheap chinese knock offs. Nothing against the Chinese, but I don't personally want some cheap brakes parts that might fail on my car.
Then there's the package deals, drilled slotted rotors + ceramic pads for
120.
Additionally I called and asked what brand the pads were,
they're Centric "Posi Quiet" pads.
I called Centric and asked about the country of Origin for their brake parts, and got a rather nebulous answer, like "some of it comes from China and some comes from other places".
Has anyone used these Centric and or R1 concepts products and can you provide an opinion?
I'd like to have the rear match my C32 brakes on the front, but not at the expense of quality, or having the rotors shatter.
ALSO all these mfg's keep referencing the "sport package" in determining which brakes to use.
I'm not aware of any differences on the rear brakes between models other than the AMG, so what the hell are they talking about?
The link from R1 specifies W203 2003 w/sport package...wtf?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,263
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Well maybe factory on the rotors, but fuggetabout the factory pads, they suck!
Ceramic is the way to go.
I went from replacing the fronts every
20-25K miles, to now I'm at over 50K miles, and they still have a ways to go, less dust and stop great.
Ceramic is the way to go.
I went from replacing the fronts every
20-25K miles, to now I'm at over 50K miles, and they still have a ways to go, less dust and stop great.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 18,677
Likes: 9
From: OC
a quarter mile at a time
tried EBC Redstuff fronts, didn't like them. I'll definitely try the Akebono's next time though
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
common misconception.
Cross drilling dosen't REALLY assist in cooling down your brake rotors. Cooling is a function of surface area and the tiny little drill holes don't add that much surface area to the rotor.
Brake rotors work by turning momentum into heat via friction. An important part of this is the ability to absorb that heat as it's generated. This is done by the mass of the brake rotor. More mass is better. This can be why dimples are better than drilling in some instances. Dimples remove less rotor mass than a drilled hole. Of course, on the 2005+ C-class sport sedans, the brake rotor is significantly oversize, so drilling or removing some rotor mass isn't a large concern.
I personally wouldn't get cross drilled rotors for the luxury sedans without upgrading to a larger rotor.
ok, i'm off my soapbox
Cross drilling dosen't REALLY assist in cooling down your brake rotors. Cooling is a function of surface area and the tiny little drill holes don't add that much surface area to the rotor.
Brake rotors work by turning momentum into heat via friction. An important part of this is the ability to absorb that heat as it's generated. This is done by the mass of the brake rotor. More mass is better. This can be why dimples are better than drilling in some instances. Dimples remove less rotor mass than a drilled hole. Of course, on the 2005+ C-class sport sedans, the brake rotor is significantly oversize, so drilling or removing some rotor mass isn't a large concern.
I personally wouldn't get cross drilled rotors for the luxury sedans without upgrading to a larger rotor.
ok, i'm off my soapbox
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Hey guys, I'm trying to source the stuff to do my rear brakes.
I've had good luck with the front Akebono's so I'm thinking I'll go with those, which BTW, when I look it up I seem to get conflicting info on which one to use.
Tirerack specifies the eur873 but, Rockauto offers both the
eur873 and the eur779. I actually called Akebono...guess what, they're in Kentucky. Really nice people, and 'Kirby' the guy I spoke to, swears that the 779's are what I want.
Now that being said, I see a lot of people talking about R1 Concepts.
I see them selling pairs of rear rotors for less than $30 !
This make me tend to believe that it's likely these are some cheap chinese knock offs. Nothing against the Chinese, but I don't personally want some cheap brakes parts that might fail on my car.
Then there's the package deals, drilled slotted rotors + ceramic pads for
120.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BENZ-...Q5fAccessories
Additionally I called and asked what brand the pads were,
they're Centric "Posi Quiet" pads.
I called Centric and asked about the country of Origin for their brake parts, and got a rather nebulous answer, like "some of it comes from China and some comes from other places".
Has anyone used these Centric and or R1 concepts products and can you provide an opinion?
I'd like to have the rear match my C32 brakes on the front, but not at the expense of quality, or having the rotors shatter.
ALSO all these mfg's keep referencing the "sport package" in determining which brakes to use.
I'm not aware of any differences on the rear brakes between models other than the AMG, so what the hell are they talking about?
The link from R1 specifies W203 2003 w/sport package...wtf?
I've had good luck with the front Akebono's so I'm thinking I'll go with those, which BTW, when I look it up I seem to get conflicting info on which one to use.
Tirerack specifies the eur873 but, Rockauto offers both the
eur873 and the eur779. I actually called Akebono...guess what, they're in Kentucky. Really nice people, and 'Kirby' the guy I spoke to, swears that the 779's are what I want.
Now that being said, I see a lot of people talking about R1 Concepts.
I see them selling pairs of rear rotors for
This make me tend to believe that it's likely these are some cheap chinese knock offs. Nothing against the Chinese, but I don't personally want some cheap brakes parts that might fail on my car.
Then there's the package deals, drilled slotted rotors + ceramic pads for
120.
Additionally I called and asked what brand the pads were,
they're Centric "Posi Quiet" pads.
I called Centric and asked about the country of Origin for their brake parts, and got a rather nebulous answer, like "some of it comes from China and some comes from other places".
Has anyone used these Centric and or R1 concepts products and can you provide an opinion?
I'd like to have the rear match my C32 brakes on the front, but not at the expense of quality, or having the rotors shatter.
ALSO all these mfg's keep referencing the "sport package" in determining which brakes to use.
I'm not aware of any differences on the rear brakes between models other than the AMG, so what the hell are they talking about?
The link from R1 specifies W203 2003 w/sport package...wtf?
The Sport pack gives you larger rotors back & front - biggest change front to what you have on your Sport models with Mercedes Benz on the calipre. But backs are also slightly larger than standard. I Imagine this is causing the confusion especially with imported stuff.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,263
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
I've got 2 giant gyroscopes on my front wheels.
You'd have to ride them pretty hard to get red hot.
I only experienced fade once, after driving fast and hard downhill for about 5 miles on a very steep road at the very bottom. Generally not considered a wise thing to do, but I can get away with it with the big brakes.
So, if mass is key, how do ceramic brake rotors work?
I would like to get drilled rear rotors if they are available.
I can't seem to find them other than, it seems,
R1 buying these cheap Centric disks, then drilling etc, and
plating them.
You put lipstick on a pig.....it's still a pig.
(As in junk in any form is still junk)
Then there's the EPC dimpled ones, but really, once again, am I just getting some dressed up junk?
I'm not saying the Centric stuff is junk, but no one seems to have any info yet.
I want quality, and I mean, 2 rotors for less than 40 bucks?
I suppose they might be ok....
I'd be nervous drilling holes in them, for sure.
I've heard it's a bad idea to drill a solid (as in not ventilated)
rotor. True or false?
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; Dec 11, 2008 at 09:17 PM.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
No doubt....the c32 rotors weigh a (approx) whopping 30 lbs. each.
I've got 2 giant gyroscopes on my front wheels.
You'd have to ride them pretty hard to get red hot.
I only experienced fade once, after driving fast and hard downhill for about 5 miles on a very steep road at the very bottom. Generally not considered a wise thing to do, but I can get away with it with the big brakes.
So, if mass is key, how do ceramic brake rotors work?
I would like to get drilled rear rotors if they are available.
I can't seem to find them other than, it seems,
R1 buying these cheap Centric disks, then drilling etc, and
plating them.
You put lipstick on a pig.....it's still a pig.
(As in junk in any form is still junk)
Then there's the EPC dimpled ones, but really, once again, am I just getting some dressed up junk?
I'm not saying the Centric stuff is junk, but no one seems to have any info yet.
I want quality, and I mean, 2 rotors for less than 40 bucks?
I suppose they might be ok....
I'd be nervous drilling holes in them, for sure.
I've heard it's a bad idea to drill a solid (as in not ventilated)
rotor. True or false?
I've got 2 giant gyroscopes on my front wheels.
You'd have to ride them pretty hard to get red hot.
I only experienced fade once, after driving fast and hard downhill for about 5 miles on a very steep road at the very bottom. Generally not considered a wise thing to do, but I can get away with it with the big brakes.
So, if mass is key, how do ceramic brake rotors work?
I would like to get drilled rear rotors if they are available.
I can't seem to find them other than, it seems,
R1 buying these cheap Centric disks, then drilling etc, and
plating them.
You put lipstick on a pig.....it's still a pig.
(As in junk in any form is still junk)
Then there's the EPC dimpled ones, but really, once again, am I just getting some dressed up junk?
I'm not saying the Centric stuff is junk, but no one seems to have any info yet.
I want quality, and I mean, 2 rotors for less than 40 bucks?
I suppose they might be ok....
I'd be nervous drilling holes in them, for sure.
I've heard it's a bad idea to drill a solid (as in not ventilated)
rotor. True or false?
Todd, Ceramic matrix rotors & the friction materials used with them require high temp to operate properly. They can tolerate enormous temperature so heat dissipation is less of an issue. With them the design challenge is minimising heat transfer to the bearings & brake fluid
Regarding drilled solid rotors - my bike racing experience tells me that drilling solid rotors is not an issue. Bikes all have drilled solid rotors - plasma coated in the case of Honda. Cast iron with Brembo. Carbon fibre matrix on MotoGP bikes are also drilled.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
Likes: 18
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
Todd, Ceramic matrix rotors & the friction materials used with them require high temp to operate properly. They can tolerate enormous temperature so heat dissipation is less of an issue. With them the design challenge is minimising heat transfer to the bearings & brake fluid
Regarding drilled solid rotors - my bike racing experience tells me that drilling solid rotors is not an issue. Bikes all have drilled solid rotors - plasma coated in the case of Honda. Cast iron with Brembo. Carbon fibre matrix on MotoGP bikes are also drilled.
Regarding drilled solid rotors - my bike racing experience tells me that drilling solid rotors is not an issue. Bikes all have drilled solid rotors - plasma coated in the case of Honda. Cast iron with Brembo. Carbon fibre matrix on MotoGP bikes are also drilled.
