Tom T

it is time to replace my front rotors and pads for my 2004 e320. i am going with the porterfield pads but still have a problem deciding on the front rotors. any suggestion (on both regular and cross-drilled)
thx

Benz-O-Rama

Get OEM (or OEM spec Zimmermans) and thank me later. Search my horror story threads about aftermarket rotors. I went through 3 different sets before finally coming to my senses and coming back home to OEM. If you must have aftermarket, Brembo is where you want to go.

http://www.europartsdirect.com

sosh

I would go OEM with the pads also.

tashakes

Yep, I went with OEM and could not be happier. Yes I wanted some nice looking cross drilled ones, but in the end, reading about all the problems with aftermarket rotors convinced to go OEM

vettdvr

OEM pads/ Rotors for me also!

michaeljon

Brembo isn't really after market is it? my 2005 E500 with brembos but is marked as mercedes.. i assume all are.

michael.

HIRABI

OEM....think about it...when you need to stop, you don't wanna be thinkin twice...!!!!!

220S

Yeah, no reason not to go with the OEM rotors. Esp if you are planning on getting drilled rotors. Big problem with drilled is that if not done correctly and on inferior steel, they will develop stress cracks. When I used to track my Porsche, I would use slotted rotors, not drilled (like all race prepped cars) for that reason. Slotted still gives the same benefits of drilled but with less potential fatigue issues. Although slotted will wear pads quicker (drilled won't so much and are fine for street use esp in the wet.)

Inferior aftermarket rotors can also warp easy under heat stress.

No sense in look for cheap when it comes to your binders, imho. They're just about the most important part of the car (good brake components that allow for only very minimum fade is what helps win races.) Stick with OEM, imho.

bchalou

220,

Is there a specific way to tell if you have OEM rotors? I bought mine used and would like to check.

Thanks,

BC

220S

I haven't had to switch out my original OEM rotors on the E63 yet, but on the Porsche the part number will be stamped on either the vented end of the rotor or on the inside of the hat. There will also be the minimum thickness number stamped on it, too. It may also say Brembo (Brembo supplies both Porsche and MB; at least AMG.) Check the MB part number for rotors for your car and see if it matches.

topspin4hand

I got Porterfield R4-S pads installed with Porterfield drilled rotors in August 2008 and have no performance problems. Btw, you will LOVE the drastic decrease in brake if this is the 1st time that you've gone with a non-OEM brake pad.
I've said it before that I would've paid double for the brake pads to get rid of the dust.