Ok, I'm going to be as detailed as possible with this post, and I hope most will read it in its entirety. I purchased a CPO 2011 E550 with P1, P2, AMG package back in 2014. Purchased with 27000 mi, currently has 40000mi. After I purchased the vehicle, I realized the brakes were warped, returned to the dealer, and they replaced the front brakes at no cost. About a year and 5000mi later (car isn't a daily driver) I observed symptoms indicating the rotors were warped again (lots of vibration and shuttering feedback through the steering column and brake pedal when braking). I had my indy mechanic take a look at it and he said all four corners had warped rotors. I had everything replaced by my indy mechanic. Now here we are about 6 months and about 5000mi later and I'm experiencing the same issues with vibration during braking. Now let me go into further detail about the vehicle operating habits. I travel for work so the car is garage kept and "rarely" driven. Even when I am home, it's driven a few days per month because I have other vehicles. I drive VERY aggressively. Normal speeds of about 80mph when driven, and I usually get the vehicle up above 100mph at least once when I drive it. My indy mechanic explained that driving that fast and pumping the brakes (If I have to abruptly slow down because of traffic) causes the rotors to heat up too quickly which causes warpage. I wouldn't expect for a vehicle of this caliber to have "performance" issues as he explained. Ok, now for the tough questions. Has anyone ever experienced this? Either with a MB or any other vehicle make? Does that make sense to have warped rotors from hard braking at high speeds? If so, how can it be avoided? Better quality rotors (cross drilled & ventilated)? Ceramic pads? Drive like a granny? I don't know, but what I do know is that I've driven every car I've ever owned the same way, and I've never had these types of issues with brakes. Any help, guidance, or info on the issue would be greatly appreciated. If possible, I'd like focus to be placed on what could cause brakes to warp. Could it be because I don't drive the car often? Thank you all for reading this far!

 

If you look at some of the vehicle specific threads (GLC, W204, W205, etc) you can see tons of members are having issues with brakes. 5000 miles is too early for rotor issues.

I would want to see the rotors in question. Seems like everyone likes to blame warping rotors for any brake issues they got. With that said, how did your mechanic come to the conclusion the rotors are the root cause?

Did he measure the rotor run-out with a dial indicator or measure how parallel each face is? Or perhaps he just saw your rotors being a little worn and decided they needed replacement.

When was the last time your brake fluid was replaced with DOT4? There might be air in the line leading to a piston not moving at the same rate as others.

How are your pads wearing? I always replace rotors and pads at the same time so that they can bed in on a fresh slate.

 

My first set went at 2000 mile. The dealer replace them with alleged new and improved rotors. They lasted 6000 miles. I replaced them with Centric rotors and have 8000 miles on them with no sign of warping. Don't go OEM. They are on third the price of OEM as well. Cheaper and better, a rare concept!

 

Thanks Johnny C. My indy mechanic is very thorough. Has been around for over 20 yrs. only works Merc, Bimmer, and Mini. I'm sure he doesn't know "everything", and I'm sure all technicians don't, but I trust that he's thorough and completed all the things you mentioned. Everything was replaced free of charge (warranty item), and I had my fluid flushed with the last brake service. I'll be interested to see how my NEW brakes perform after a few thousand miles.

 

I still trying to wrap my head around on how you can be warping rotors so quickly. I could see if you were coming down a steep grade riding your brakes the whole way. I have a AMG with huge rotors, and trying to warp them would be a feat, as these things are well ventilated. You would have to put a lot and I mean a lot of heat in them in a very short period of time to warp them.

 

My first set of front rotors warped badly at 2000 miles while I was still breaking the car in! No fast stops, no overheating, no riding the brakes, nothing. They looked like potato chips when placed on a flat surface. The next set lasted about 6000 miles and the next set which were Stoptech are at 10k and going strong. OEM seems to be the issue here.

 

Maybe your calipers are sticking, there still applying friction on the rotor despite your pressing on the pedal. Also you should have your brake fluid flushed every two years.

 

It happened on a brand new car so none of that is a factor. When rotors were placed on a flat surface the warp was obvious so it is not a sticks pad issue either. It's a case of either bad rotor design or bad metallurgy. Two sets of OEM rotors lasted 2k and 6k miles while an aftermarket replacement is going strong at 10k miles and one third the price of OEM.

 

Well, I believe that you've found your answer.

 

Where did you buy the StopTech rotors? They're not listed on their website for front rotors.