cyclonetrain

Hey, I just got my 2003 C230 Sport Sedan 6-Speed, and its been awesome. I do need to replace the worn-down front brakes and pads though, but I'm 99% sure it has the wheels and brakes from the C32 AMG on there. I want to make sure I get the right rotors, so should I order the C32 rotors or the C230 rotors? I took a look and the back of the Calibers have "brembo" embossed on them. Here's a picture of the brakes I took when I was installing my fancy H&R Coilovers because the suspension was worn out too, thanks!

Keithb

That looks like the C32 front caliper. Measure the rotors, iirc they are 345mm for the C32. Check the rears as well, they are 300mm for the C32 and 290mm or smaller for anything else.

tommy

I agree - they look like C32s, though I believe also that they were included on normal C classes at some point as well.

Brembo makes most, if not all, of MB brakes, so that's no help.

CoupeCrazy03

Yes those are most definitely C32 brake calipers. To make sure just see if you have 4 pistons I think the calipers Tommy is referring to that are standard on the newer 203's are two piston. The size rotor you will need is 345mm, Zimmermann is the brand you should look into. Hope this helps any.

ND2020

I think my calipers look the exact same, minus the AMG logo and paint. Aside from checking the part numbers, is it just a visual difference between a two piston vs four ( two bolts vs four )?

I'm due for brakes.

CoupeCrazy03

Here is the pic of the calipers that come on the 2005 c classes:

CoupeCrazy03

The 4 piston calipers are considerably bigger than the 2 piston, in terms of performance though I cannot give a full review but the bite is considerably harder compared to my stock single piston calipers

LILBENZ230

Those were added by the previous owner. Tommy is right that these brakes did appear on the C230, but that was for 2004.5.

ND2020

Thanks for the explanation, thats clears things up then. I knew 4 piston brakes were larger, but wasn't sure if their was a smaller look alike to the ones the OP posted. Good to know I've got the 4 piston brakes : )

cyclonetrain

Sweetness, always nice to have better parts swapped in before you buy, thanks guys.

CoupeCrazy03

No problem good sir! Welcome to the forum by the way

FrankW

04.5 has the same caliper, but some has different rotor size. The rotor size are casted on the back of the caliper. make sure you order the correct rotor.

mtnman82

^+1 - on one of the arms of the caliper you will find a number cast onto it (either 230 or 245 I believe) - this will tell you which size rotor you need. I *think* the pad sizes are the same, but you'll need to check. I have some pics posted in a thread from a couple years ago...

Also, as a double-check, you shold measure the diameter of the rotor and make sure the rotor you're buying is the same.

Viper98912

There's a 330mm rotor diameter version and a 345mm. The later is on the AMG.

C230 Sport Coup

Those are C32 calipers for sure. You can see the 4 pistons, they have the inverted torx or Allen, not
extruded like the ones on the 2005 sedans.
I've replaced my pads enough times to say YES absolutely they are
C32. Go with Akebono pads, they last forever!!!!! Like I have 100K on them.
Get new rotors and pads.
Stock POS's last about 20K.

hanknum

Yeah, like everyone else has said, they look like C32 4 piston calipers.

I've got these on my '02 C320 wagon and I too need to replace the rotors and pads. I'm going to go with the Akebono ceramic pads. Please let me know where you get your pads and rotors if you get a good deal.

Kreuzfeuer

Jumping in on this, simply because I am upgrading to the C32 fronts and the SRT shares the same rears.

Needing ideas on pads/rotors, I had Akebonos on my last car and they were great on the street but a bit soft for track use... faded on third lap. Got lots of life out of those things though...

Considered the Zimmermann rotors but the best price I could find was ~$550 a set on Ebay, and some have complained of rust. R-1 Concepts is an obvious choice, and likely what I'll end up with.

MBfinatic

Were do you buy those calipers at! I saw someone said they are $700... I cant find them anywere..

cyclonetrain

I just installed rotors from an Italian company called Pilenga. $100 each for the rotors. Exact same drill pattern, stopping power, etc as the ones were on there. I'm pretty sure they're an OEM supplier for Brembo. I also used StopTech pads, $80. Great so far!

C230 Sport Coup

Thru a dealer or part.com or other online dealers, like
getmercedesparts.com

Part number have been posted numerous time by myself and others.
Total setup is about a grand.
Pads, rotors, calipers, sensor + tax and shipping.
Caliper and rotors weigh about 90lbs.
That was one heavy box. Rotors weigh 30+ lbs each.

T

tommy

Keep checking the classified here and on other forums; C32 owners upgrade to bigger brakes, and sell their stock units; you might get lucky.

Javvy

can the c32 4pot calipers be installed on a stock C280...2007....I mean on the stock 16" wheels or does it need to be 17" and higher.......

tommy

I believe 17" + only.

I do have a question of my own. Has anyone tried the spare with C32 brakes, even possibly with a spacer? Need tires in about a month and a half, and have to think about new summer rubber. Hoping to do bigger rear tires, but am concerned about what happens if I get a flat. If the stock spare won't fit up front, it would probably be smarter to stick with the same size tire all around, so that I could rotate a tire up front from the rear, then put the spare on the rear. Other option would be to carry a C7 rim in the hatch, but I'd like to avoid that.

Keithb

I bought OEM C32 calipers from here recently http://www.oediscountparts.com/partl...?siteid=215242

They were around $330 per caliper iirc.

Kreuzfeuer

Sounds great man, thank you.

Are the rears on the C32 drilled? I don't believe so, I've looked at numerous C32 listings on Autotrader and never see them having drilled rotors in the rear... Zimmermann offers a matched set (drilled f/r) but you pay the Zimmermann tax

I've seen Pilenga rotors mentioned on here with decent feedback, I'll try to source some.