C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

Warping rotors left right and center

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Dec 3, 2009 | 04:37 PM
  #1  
c240classic's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
2007 cls63 AMG
Warping rotors left right and center

I am on my 4th pair in about 5000 kms of driving. I seem to be only warping the driver side rotor everytime. It seems to happen after my first emergency braking or about 1500 kms of driving. I am replacing pads everytime as well. Rotors are OEM. I am bedding the pads in right even though mercedes says no break in needed. Hub surface is clean , have tried winter wheels and summer and same problem is happening on both. Any advice will be appreciated. Oh and wheels are torqued correctly everytime.
Reply
Old Dec 3, 2009 | 04:57 PM
  #2  
samaritrey's Avatar
Super Moderator
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
there is another thread that is still active that has the same problem worth a look.
Reply
Old Dec 3, 2009 | 08:51 PM
  #3  
jokerswld34's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
05 c230 kompressor SS 6MT & 07 BMW 335i
i started the other thread that was just referred to. conclusion, time for some new calipers. the dealer did extensive tests on my system, including run-out, pressure and mechanical. turns out, one of the pistons on my driver side caliper is slightly sticking, intermittently, and as a result, generates enough heat to warp the disc after either a bed-in procedure or a panic brake scenario 9thus every 1000 miles or so). i went through 4 sets of OEM rotors and pads to discover this problem, and now am purchasing a BBK to insure this doesnt happen again. Best bet, have someone examine the pistons, take the car for a drive, inspect again and take a temp reading for both fronts, drive again, then remeasure temp. you will either notice a difference in temp per side, or you will physically see your caliper piston lagging. i would also check your bearings and hub for proper surfacing and function, as well as your lug nut torque. otherwise, i think you are experiencing the same problems as me, and now you have to decide whether to upgrade, replace the problem caliper, or rebuild. definitely have it looked at extensively first, but unfortunately i don't think its going to be good news. good luck and if you have any questions, im all ears. thanks to everyone who helped me on my problem.
Reply
Old Dec 4, 2009 | 12:30 AM
  #4  
daiso''s Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 194
Likes: 1
2005 c230 sport, k7 gsxr
I think i have this problem too... i am on my 2nd set with in a year, crazy shaking at higher speeds and pulsating at lower... how much are a new set of bbk's for our cars?
Reply
Old Dec 4, 2009 | 01:51 AM
  #5  
LILBENZ230's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
This is becoming a common problem it seems. I shared my experience in the other thread and so far, I'm good. But given that I've had trouble, I expect more in the future. Wonder how much stock calipers cost? Probably $50 for the caliper and $5,600 for the "MERCEDES-BENZ" lettering.
Reply
Old Dec 4, 2009 | 02:38 AM
  #6  
jokerswld34's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
05 c230 kompressor SS 6MT & 07 BMW 335i
BBK kits range from $2000 to $4000 depending on brand and number of pistons. stock 2 piston Brembo sport calipers cost $1000 each, which i was quoted from MB. if you have a caliper problem, think about an upgrade bc stock replacements are too damn expensive.
Reply
Old Dec 4, 2009 | 03:08 AM
  #7  
LILBENZ230's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
Originally Posted by jokerswld34
stock 2 piston Brembo sport calipers cost $1000 each, which i was quoted from MB.


Stock 2-piston Brembo calipers for C230 are $370 retail or $277.50 from getmercedesparts.com

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...layCatalogid=0

You were misled.
Reply
Old Dec 4, 2009 | 12:13 PM
  #8  
jokerswld34's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
05 c230 kompressor SS 6MT & 07 BMW 335i
Originally Posted by LILBENZ230


Stock 2-piston Brembo calipers for C230 are $370 retail or $277.50 from getmercedesparts.com

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...layCatalogid=0

You were misled.
actually, i was wrong. they quoted me about $1000 for 2 calipers. plus add in new rotors and pads, and of course labor. seems to me like a better idea for the long run to spend a little extra for a BBK and be done with it. i apologize for my error.

Last edited by jokerswld34; Dec 4, 2009 at 12:15 PM.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Dec 4, 2009 | 04:25 PM
  #9  
Glyn M Ruck's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

 
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
c240classic - where are you? Obviously not the US if you have a Classic.

Jokers - interesting input - I was seriously wondering if there was not a bad batch of OE rotors out there. Sounds like Buell was correct - Good learning.
Reply
Old Dec 4, 2009 | 09:47 PM
  #10  
ATL_MB's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From: Hong Kong/Charlotte
2010 C63
I am interested to know if you guys with the bad calipers / sticking pistons are changing your brake fluid regularly (or at all).
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2009 | 01:35 AM
  #11  
jokerswld34's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
05 c230 kompressor SS 6MT & 07 BMW 335i
yes. i changed my fluid every year, more or less, at Mercedes. dealer theorized that the increased rotational diameter of my brabus wheels, coupled with the 5mm spacers and extra horsepower, put a strain on my brakes and shortened their longevity. either way, time for an upgrade...
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2009 | 02:24 AM
  #12  
LILBENZ230's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
The extra horsepower should definitely not have over stressed the C230 Sport brakes. The brakes are overkill on the car.. very robust.
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2009 | 12:28 PM
  #13  
ATL_MB's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From: Hong Kong/Charlotte
2010 C63
OK - thanks. That is interesting. I agree that the C230 brakes are very good (I tracked mine without problems) and I am not sure how "using them more" would have impacted them, unless more (a LOT more) heat was getting into the calipers. That doesn't seem likely to happen with heavier wheels/tires (I don't see how the spacers would have much impact or the HP for that matter).

I drove my car HARD, mostly in the city, and never had any brake problems (I replaced pads and rotors a lot, but that was not a problem) for 65,000 miles (just sold it).
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2009 | 03:29 PM
  #14  
LILBENZ230's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
I have ownership history of Honda products, so the notion that the C230 (especially the 2005+ Sport) has weak brakes susceptible to damage from some additional horsepower or abuse seems crazy. My original rotors lasted 53,000 miles and through 2 sets of pads before they were shot.

The most demanding situation for my C230's brakes that I can recall happened about two months ago. There were 5 adults in the car and a full tank of fuel. I wasn't driving, had a DD because we had been out drinking. Anyway, the limit on the 4-lane we were on was 65 and we were doing 72ish down a long hill. At the bottom of the hill was a redlight that decided to change without enough time for us to make it. So heavy braking + full load + high speed. That situation would have undoubtedly spelled the end of the rotors for any of my previous Honda cars. The Benz brushed it off.

I also take my car to the mountains of NC about once a month, often times with a few passengers. Lots of demanding braking there, too, and never any fading. My last car was a Civic Si (2007) and I took it up there once. Cost me a set of brakes @ 15,000 miles. They faded terribly and were scorched and ruined when I returned, and not because I drove it any harder or faster than I do the C230.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2009 | 12:20 AM
  #15  
daiso''s Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 194
Likes: 1
2005 c230 sport, k7 gsxr
so any mechanic can check the caliper or do i have to go to the dealership?
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2009 | 06:59 PM
  #16  
jokerswld34's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
05 c230 kompressor SS 6MT & 07 BMW 335i
yes. any knowledgeable mechanic can check the calipers for you. if youre comfortable with an indy checking for u, it will cost a bit less. i had mine checked by a few mechanics who couldn't figure out the problem along with techs at MB. only until the shop foreman began assisiting did they find the root of the problem. if i were you, i'd spend the $150 +/- to get it diagnosed at the dealer but thats just my opinion.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:15 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE