E-Class (W212) 2010 - 2016: E 350, E 550
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Replace solid rotors with vented rotors to avoid warp?

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Old Jan 6, 2025 | 04:23 PM
  #26  
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E430
Originally Posted by Rickman30
Not true, just the opposite.

I was warned by colleagues to NOT try to help, or give opinion, too many desktop experts. Oh there are some brilliant minds here, and I thrived on helping. but if some of you would rather enjoy your folly. Knock yourself out.

he needs slotted rotors for best performance and semi mettalic pads not ceramic like oem. IF u want best braking performance. I’m a Mercedes tech!
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Old Jan 6, 2025 | 04:30 PM
  #27  
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Originally Posted by Gutentight11
he needs slotted rotors for best performance and semi mettalic pads not ceramic like oem. IF u want best braking performance. I’m a Mercedes tech!
If you say so...

Every mechanic worth his salt, knows every car is different and every driver is different, there are no silver bullets that accommodate everyone.

Last edited by Rickman30; Jan 6, 2025 at 04:35 PM.
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Old Jan 7, 2025 | 06:58 AM
  #28  
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The front rotors are vaned/ventilated. Drilled/slotted rotors aid in bite because they clear away brake dust/gas these days. The vanes scoop cool air in and unless youre racing or braking with a trailer downhill with something way too heavy, the only way you can warp rotors is if they're that thin which is still rather unlikely.

If you want a brake upgrade, go to Rockauto. Match the Brembo rotors and whatever ceramic pad you prefer. I like the Brembo NAO ceramic, Powerstop, and Dynamic Friction Company (basically Centric)
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Old Jan 7, 2025 | 08:59 AM
  #29  
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2011 E550 | M273 | 4Matic NA | W212
Im using Brembo's NAO in the front and the dusting is CRAZY.

Switching to Powerstop Pads and rotors in the next month or 2.
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Old Jan 7, 2025 | 09:14 AM
  #30  
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Originally Posted by Zynthe
Im using Brembo's NAO in the front and the dusting is CRAZY.

Switching to Powerstop Pads and rotors in the next month or 2.

Of course you know the rotor is not what is making the dust.......could just swap the pad (and get the rotors faced).
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Old Jan 7, 2025 | 09:24 AM
  #31  
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2011 E550 | M273 | 4Matic NA | W212
Originally Posted by OldManAndHisCar
Of course you know the rotor is not what is making the dust.......could just swap the pad (and get the rotors faced).
Yes i know rotors dont cause the dust. But I think one of my fronts are glazed as once it heats up to temp, if I step on my brakes a certain way they start squealing. Also at high speeds and brake I feel wobble. All these indications make me want to switch it up as the rotors on the vehicle was on before I purchased the car (i only switched to the brembo pads).
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Old Jan 7, 2025 | 10:36 AM
  #32  
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Originally Posted by ChrisHimself
The front rotors are vaned/ventilated. Drilled/slotted rotors aid in bite because they clear away brake dust/gas these days...
Correct. Folks are interchanging terms, which is confusing. Stock rotors are ventilated (and cross-drilled on Sport models). I have cross-drilled front and rear on my SL and front on my C350 Sport. I do use Dynamic Friction ceramic pads to reduce brake dust, and they work really well. But I don't track either car.

Originally Posted by ChrisHimself
...I like the Brembo NAO ceramic, Powerstop, and Dynamic Friction Company (basically Centric)
These are great options and hard to beat for the price.
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Old Jan 13, 2025 | 08:29 AM
  #33  
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Originally Posted by CaliBenzDriver
Thank you Rick for all these precious pointers.

I think weve overlooked the adjustable loose front wheel bearings! It makes the loose wheel and disk shake.

The calipers sliders are mounted on the spindle and the disk is connected to hub by 2x ADJUSTABLE bearings.
  • Driver side bearings gets looser
  • Pass. side bearings gets tighter

It's a Mercedes...
Thanks,
but bearing tension is included with checking Hub Runout. If bearings are not adjusted properly, hub runout will be inconsistent due to excess play. Over tighten will results in increased friction.
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Old Jan 13, 2025 | 12:06 PM
  #34  
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loose bearings

Originally Posted by Rickman30
Thanks,
but bearing tension is included with checking Hub Runout.
If bearings are not adjusted properly, hub runout will be inconsistent due to excess play. Over tighten will results in increased friction.
Yes, people expect the hub runout to be the actual rotor warping... not only!

I am sure you've seen shops that cut rotors with a leathe mounted in place of caliper, ouch.

I was amazed when I realized how much freeplay had accumulated in my loose driver side bearing.

It's like everything in Mercedes systems: one issue is used to develop another. Loose bearings cause uneven rotor wear pattern.
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Old Sep 16, 2025 | 12:46 PM
  #35  
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Originally Posted by FireFox31
Hello, is it possible to replace the front brake solid rotors with vented rotors? I have a 2016 E350 4Matic wagon with Luxury trim. It's not a Sport so I'd like to be sure the upgraded rotors will fit. The solid front rotors have warped and I'm wondering if vented rotors would remain cooler and not warp. I'd likely get non-Mercedes brand rotors, such as Zimmermann. Thanks.
I know that this is an old thread, however I just stumbled across it. The answer is absolutely.

I just changed out my OEM rotors and brakes because of brake judder issues every couple years. I have a MY 2017 E300 Luxury model with 17” rims which you don’t see often these days

I ended up going with Power Stop Evolution Z23 Front and Rear Brake Kit-Drilled/Slotted zinc plating coated Rotors & Carbon Ceramic Brake Pads. They have 342mm or 360mm, mine was the 342 mm.

Primary Focus: Excellent daily driving, commuting, light performance upgrade.



Target Vehicles: Broad range of cars, trucks, SUVs, and crossovers that are used for everyday transportation. This kit is for drivers who want a significant step up in performance, cleanliness, and quietness compared to their vehicle's original factory brakes.



Brake Pad Compound: Carbon-Fiber Ceramic formula. This is a very popular, balanced compound.



Benefits of the Z23 Kit:



Improved Stopping Power over Stock: The carbon-fiber ceramic pad formula provides a noticeable increase in braking effectiveness and a more confident pedal feel compared to most standard original equipment (OE) pads.



Very Low Dust: This is a major benefit for maintaining clean wheels. The ceramic compound is specifically formulated to produce substantially less brake dust than semi-metallic pads, keeping your vehicle's wheels cleaner for longer periods.



Virtually Noise-Free Operation: Engineered for quiet performance, the Z23 pads, typically paired with multi-layer rubberized shims, are designed to minimize squeaks and squeals common with some aftermarket or performance brake pads.



Excellent for Daily Driving Comfort: It offers enhanced performance without sacrificing the smooth, predictable feel desired for everyday driving, stop-and-go traffic, and general commuting.



Corrosion Protection: The drilled and slotted rotors included in the kit usually feature a zinc plating or similar coating. This helps protect against rust and corrosion, extending the lifespan and maintaining the appearance of the rotors.



Complete Bolt-On Solution: Designed as a direct replacement, these kits typically include everything needed for installation: brake pads, drilled & slotted rotors, and premium stainless steel hardware clips.













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