Caliper type for a 240D question.

[cracker4570]

What type of calipers do I select when ordering them? Is it ATE or Bendix? Does it matter?

Thanks,

Scott

[dieseldiehard]

an answer to that depends, it depends on whether you want to get rebuilt calipers or new. If rebuilt you generally have to return a core unit of the same type as you receive. Some suppliers selling rear calipers do not follow this requirement though, you buy them outright. Fronts generally you return the core same as you ordered.
If you're interested in which is better, ATE is well regarded as being superior over Bendix.
You should use the same type left and right however, don't mix them. You may want to order new caliper bolts in case you don't have any blue locktite buy some or buy some caliper bolts with locktite alreay on them (blue stripe).

[rwthomas1]

I had Bendix and when they became troublesome I could only get ATE so thats what I put on. At one point I had ATE on the right front and Bendix on the left. No issues. Braked fine, no pulling. The only way there would be a difference in braking performance would be if either ATE or Bendix had different sized pistons that would produce more or less brake pressure than the other respectively. This would cause a difference in clamping pressure and the car would likely pull. Since I can't imagine MB would spec two different pistons from each manufacturer and if they did it would lead to confusion in service centers, I believe the "don't mix ATE/Bendix" is an old wife's tale. Currently I have ATE on the front and Bendix on the rear, again no issues. Get what you can afford and don't worry about it. I like the ATE but if all you can get is Bendix dont' lose any sleep over it. RT

[dieseldiehard]

Bendix and ATE calipers look different and use different locking pins so I would hesitate putting both types on any of my cars (speaking of front or rear specifically). I meant to indicate don't mix on the same axle, this is something I see from time to time someplace (old wive's tale web site I believe).
As for front to rear it doesn't matter what calipers you use.
Iincidentally some pad manufacturers make a different pad for front calipers depending on whether its for Bendix or ATE. D311 for Bendix and D254 for ATE ('85 W123 300D)
There must be a reason?

[t walgamuth]

i have mixed them with no problem. if the pad part numbers are different i would look at the pads and compare. if they are the same shape and same size and if the pin holes are in the same place then i wouldnt worry about any other minor variations. maybe the difference is a provision for wear sensors. which are nice to have but it works fine wo them.