CLK55 AMG Rotors ... replace after 2 hours on the track?
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Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Arlington, VA
04 CLK55, 86 BMW 635CSi, 02 Dodge Dakota
CLK55 AMG Rotors ... replace after 3 total hours on the track?
This weekend I took my new CLK55 AMG (4800 miles) to Summit Point for two days of "performance driving school." I had 6 sessions on the track, 30 minutes each; always with an instructor in the car. Nothing radical!
On Monday the brakes were feeling and sounding like I needed new pads. Off to my friendly dealer.
Today I'm told that the heat build-up trashed the rotors. The local dealer/service-guy says that the car isn't designed to run a track. I find this VERY hard to believe! Isn't the AMG on a par with M3's in terms of their performance capabilities. THe rear brakes were also scarred, according to them; but probably didn't absolutely need replacement.
Is it possible the rotors were defective? How could this have happened? I'm shocked. And $800 poorer!
How hard should I push Mercedes on this, do you think?
I'd appreciate your collective advice.
On Monday the brakes were feeling and sounding like I needed new pads. Off to my friendly dealer.
Today I'm told that the heat build-up trashed the rotors. The local dealer/service-guy says that the car isn't designed to run a track. I find this VERY hard to believe! Isn't the AMG on a par with M3's in terms of their performance capabilities. THe rear brakes were also scarred, according to them; but probably didn't absolutely need replacement.
Is it possible the rotors were defective? How could this have happened? I'm shocked. And $800 poorer!
How hard should I push Mercedes on this, do you think?
I'd appreciate your collective advice.
Last edited by Mike_Virginia; Nov 18, 2003 at 05:38 PM.
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From: Sunny South Florida
1995 Jaguar XJS Convertible
Brakes/Rotors are supposed to last 20,000 miles.
Did he say the pads were worn? Warped rotor?
Next time, I would refrain from sharing details with the dealer (e.g., the fact that you were on the track). It is none of their business.
Did he say the pads were worn? Warped rotor?
Next time, I would refrain from sharing details with the dealer (e.g., the fact that you were on the track). It is none of their business.
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From: Las Vegas, NV USA / London, UK
GL320CDI / C63 Edition 507 Coupe (EDP) / E63 S (on order) / G500 / Smart Brabus
W209/W203 AMG cars do not have very good brakes.
The first problem is that the rotors are one piece solid. (Note that W202/W208 AMG brakes are not like that.)
The second major problem is that the rotors are made in only a left-hand application. That means there is a rotor for the left side... and a left side rotor for the right side. So that rotor does not cool properly.
Thirdly, the swept area and pad contact area are not that large. Again, compare with W202/W208/W210 AMG brakes.
Search on mbworld for past discussions on the left/right problem, and comparisons of brakes.
Conclusion: AMG brakes are now just for looks and low cost. Be glad that your rotors cost under $70 a piece, while the older AMG brake rotors were $400 each initially (now down to a bit above $200).
-s-
The first problem is that the rotors are one piece solid. (Note that W202/W208 AMG brakes are not like that.)
The second major problem is that the rotors are made in only a left-hand application. That means there is a rotor for the left side... and a left side rotor for the right side. So that rotor does not cool properly.
Thirdly, the swept area and pad contact area are not that large. Again, compare with W202/W208/W210 AMG brakes.
Search on mbworld for past discussions on the left/right problem, and comparisons of brakes.
Conclusion: AMG brakes are now just for looks and low cost. Be glad that your rotors cost under $70 a piece, while the older AMG brake rotors were $400 each initially (now down to a bit above $200).
-s-
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 24
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From: Arlington, VA
04 CLK55, 86 BMW 635CSi, 02 Dodge Dakota
$70 for rotors???
they can't be that low, can they? I didn't think the German's made ANYTHING for only $70!!! And if so, how do we get to $800 for (front only) rotors and pads?
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Originally posted by dtkw
Does it mean even with AMG cars, they are cutting corners?
Does it mean even with AMG cars, they are cutting corners?
The brakes on street cars are not supposed to stand up to track duty. Even aftermarket parts go quick in track work. Porsche's carbon fiber upgrade might be an exception to this rule.
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From: WOT somewhere in the Bay Area
1951 Caterpiller D6
I know of 2 CLK55s (208 and 209) that have been on the track several times without brake problems. Both drivers allowed their brakes to cool for several laps before stopping and did not allow the pads to have extended contact on a stopped rotor. Not following both of these steps will cause pad material to build up and cause hot spots on the rotors which trashes them.
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From: San Francisco, CA
1996 C36 AMG, 1995 Volvo 850 Turbowagon
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: San Francisco, CA
1996 C36 AMG, 1995 Volvo 850 Turbowagon
be glad ur calipers are not trashed too... jon here (used to be here...haven't seen him in a while) had a c32 and after track...rotors were cracked at the oles and his caliper was toasted a nice gold color
