Front Brakes - Has anyone tried cryo treated rotors?
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
Yes, I've used Cryo-Treated rotors from Porterfield when I was racing an Acura Integra back in the 90's.
The Integra was basically an overweight Honda Civic, with a twin-cam motor, and woefully undersized brakes.
Prior to going to the cryo rotors, I would warp a set of rotors in 2-3 sessions (30minutes each).
After swapping to the cryo rotors, I could get a full season out of a set of rotors (combined with PFC Red pads)
So, yes, they do perform as advertised.
However, the W212 does not have undersized brakes (especially at US speeds), so I don't believe that they're required.
I swapped out our rotors with the pads at around 85k miles, but only as a preventive measure - they weren't cracked or warped.
That being said, you're not driving a Benz because you wanted to the cheapest car you could find.
So if having a better widget installed provides more confidence/reassurance, then I say go for it (but it's not really necessary).
The Integra was basically an overweight Honda Civic, with a twin-cam motor, and woefully undersized brakes.
Prior to going to the cryo rotors, I would warp a set of rotors in 2-3 sessions (30minutes each).
After swapping to the cryo rotors, I could get a full season out of a set of rotors (combined with PFC Red pads)
So, yes, they do perform as advertised.
However, the W212 does not have undersized brakes (especially at US speeds), so I don't believe that they're required.
I swapped out our rotors with the pads at around 85k miles, but only as a preventive measure - they weren't cracked or warped.
That being said, you're not driving a Benz because you wanted to the cheapest car you could find.
So if having a better widget installed provides more confidence/reassurance, then I say go for it (but it's not really necessary).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,363
Likes: 1,012
'11 E350, '11 E550, '98 M3, '95 E320
Seems most replacement of rotors on the W212 is due to brake pulsation, not necessarily wear. Is it poor rotor design, pad material, combo...
We’ve done many rotor replacements with these drilled rotors because there was pulsation. In addition, often the backside of the rotor is heavily grooved and the holes plugged.
We’ve done many rotor replacements with these drilled rotors because there was pulsation. In addition, often the backside of the rotor is heavily grooved and the holes plugged.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
Where are you planning to source these rotors for an E350? Or are you having this done to a set of rotors? When this thread got mentioned I looked into it but didn't find any parts for these cars.
Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 117
Likes: 13
From: Take two of these and call me in the morning
2015 E-Class
They aren’t indestructible, they are consumable items that WILL wear down with the constant friction. I have 4 Vettes and a pair of Zs that I track, cryo on rotors is a tad silly for the track since rings are constantly being replaced & if cryotreating saved rotors then I would gladly run them. Rotors literally start cracking apart after so many aggressive runs and heat cycles, cryo might extend the life a tad but track use is very harsh on brakes. Now, Cryo on spindles, hubs, shafts, rear ends etc is an excellent but on rotors, as someone else said, kinda gimmicky since rotors are throwaway parts generally. I have a cryoed rear in the Dana 44 for my C4, pretty beefy and strong.
Anyways, with regular maintenance and for general street use some nicely zinc coated rotors are perfect as is. If you want to truly upgrade rotors then move to a 2 piece rotor with truly directional veins or ofcourse a BBK. I have seen my rotors glow red & cook powdercoating on wheels at the track, but never on any of my street driven cars, and yes I sometimes beat them on the streets, so in my humble opinion, it’s an unneeded expense for a street ride.
Did you want them to simply last longer? If you’re looking for improved braking then a nice aggressive carbotech or Stoptech street pad will do the trick!
