Possible alternative front rotors for w208 CLK55 AMG

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 don't know if anyone has tried this here before.....
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.
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 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......
Trending Topics
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Are you still using the aftermarket rotors? I see you were happy with them 6months later, how about 12months? Where did you find them?
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!
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.
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.
**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.
Last edited by Johawk79; Apr 28, 2012 at 02:21 PM. Reason: new info











