gas-man

it is time for my GL 320 to have new brake pads and rotors. It lasted for 49,000 miles +. I do have a question. has anyone changed the OEM rotors with cross drilled/slotted rotors. I have seen in one of the vendors here they carry Brembo and another brand which I cannot remember. Brembo was twice the price of the other brand but the same price for the OEM parts if I buy from the dealership. Has anyone put on these type of rotors and what is your experience? Is there ant difference in performance w/ regards to the brake system?
Thanks for the input.

gas-man

Anybody here have placed a cryo-treated brake rotors? I have been looking for an aftermarket brake rotors and found frozenrotors.com. They have the rotors for the GL 320, it comes in OEM regular rotors and also slotted (brembo). They do not recommend crossdrilled as it warps easily.
Any opinions as well on porterfield brake pads compared to centrix pads as a some of you are using. Thanks.

StevethePilot

I've seen those brake rotors before as well, and they look pretty cool! (No pun intended.) But it looks like you're the guinnea pig! Let us know how it go.

STP

dariof

I had the "frozen rotors" on my F-250 4x4 diesel. Awesome rotor, which will last for 100K miles of towing....who knows how many miles of non-towing miles it will last, but I would think almost double that.

I know I had 70,000 miles on my "frozen rotors and pads" when I sold the truck. The rotors were still perfect (no warping at all), and the pads still looked new. The F-250 is heavier than the Gl's, which means the rotors are working harder on the Ford trucks.


When my MZB, or any other vehicle needs rotors, I am going with the "frozen rotors" and their brake pads.

Fourdiesel

Before I would go with cryo-cooled rotors I would like to see some independent test results of stopping distances (horsepower dissipation) with the rotors mounted on comparable vehicles. There is always an engineering trade-off in brake design: hydraulic pressure, friction, ability to dissipate heat, brake life, cost, and handling effects are just a few. Mercedes engineers make very careful choices in this area and are backed by MUCH experience and data. The question I would want answered is: What are the trade-offs in going to a longer lasting rotor? And are the changes worth it for the way I drive?

It does not necessarily follow that because the Ford F250 is heavier its brakes work harder. Bigger rotors, better heat dissipation, pad composition etc all affect the result. It is true that if the Ford had GL brakes on it they should wear quicker, but it doesn't!

dariof

All good points. If I still have my MZB when it needs new rotors, I will go with the "frozen Rotors" and let everyone know how I like them. I suspect they will be just fine, but I doubt I will get that far with this Mzb.

Having said that, I am looking at the new 2010 Dodge 2500, 4 door, 4x with the Cummin's engine.

I realize I am not an SUV type truck person, but would rather have a real truck. I've done the Chevy Diesel, then the Ford Diesel, now it's time for the Dodge.

I would then add Amsoil oil filtration systems, 5" turbo back exhaust with larger air filters, larger tires/rims, tranny oil coolers, bed liner, electric tonneau cover, etc.

stonecliff

Does anyone know what the minimum brake rotor thickness spec is for the GL?

ksdprasad

can we fit both front and rear with bigger front rotors/pads? is it improves braking? anyone tried brembo as replacement?

reddog

Front: new = 32mm. Wear limit = 29.4mm.

Rear: new = 22mm. Wear limit = 19.4mm.

gas-man

I guess I will be the "one". I will be ordering it tomorrow. They told me there is usually a 5 day turnaround on this items. Although they have already suggested the slotted which they order from brembo, I will still ask if they can order the crossdrilled/slotted also from brembo. They carry another brand which is royalty rotors but do not recommend them for the suv as the base rotor is not of good quality. They recommend brembo or from OEM mercedes. More money but I guess worth it as it is for safety.
I have researched a little about these cryo treated rotors as wells as metals. The trade off I guess is longer lifespan of the metal itself. they are saying it will last 3x more than the regular rotors. they recommend though not to use ceramic brake pads, recommends carbon base pads, ie. carbon/kevlar. I got this idea from a friend of mine who is a gun fanatic, he sends his guns/barrels to a company in AZ for cryo treatment. I asked him why and told for longer lasting metal life. He also uses it on his brake rotors. He buys aftermarket and sends it to the company for treatment, $45/rotor + shipping. I dont have time for the turnaround time of more than a week so I figure to look for someone carrying the product and saw frozenrotors.com.
I will be ordering from porterfield pads as well. I have good experience with those pads before.

gas-man

before I order does anyone know what the front rotor size for the 2008 GL 320 CDI, is it 330 mm or 350 mm or 373 mm?
thanks

reddog

The EPC shows different rotors depending on the chassis number and wether your vehicle has the "Code U28" option which, I believe, has to do with 18 or 19 inch wheels. You may want to check with your local MB parts dept.

ksdprasad

mine also needs replacement, nowadyas i feel little reduce braking responce from my rotors. anyone did replaced with brembo? and having both back also with bigger front rotors?

lkchris

If use EPC and enter your VIN, the system will only show you the correct parts.

http://epc.startekinfo.com

texas008

Good to know. Thanks