Brake rotor tech question
 

The stock rotors on my C230 are solid disks. I would like to know if the vented rotors from a C280 will work on my car. I have 16" MB sport rims, so clearance shouldn't be a problem. I understand that the C280 rotors are a larger diameter, but are they a different thickness than the C230? Will they work with the C230 hub and calipers? Are there disadvantages to using the larger rotor in front? (such as messing up proportioning valve settings, handling during braking, etc?) Thanks as always for any tech help!

JCE, I just went through this with my euro 230E and decided to stick with the solids but I will come back to it in the future....

The vented rotors (same diameter for me) fitted well and the calipers also fit well, the problem for me was the brake proportioning valve and I think there is something called a meter gauge also. This part didn't seem that expensive from what I could tell for a W124 but I couldn't be bothered. The reason for the new valve is that the vented disk are thicker, I ended up warping the vented disk I got because I did not upgrade this part.

If your rotor has a smaller diameter you may also need the caliper mounting hardware or the caliper itself from the C280. The C280 caliper may compensate for the new diameter without having to change the mounting hardware.

Another thing you should be worried about is the venting of the brakes. You may need the c280 front bumper to give adequate venting to the rotors.

Hope this helps some...hopefully you can compare notes with somebody who has a c280, good luck:D

John, couldn't help but ask - does this mean that you got your transmission issue resolved?

Paul:

The only resolution on the trans from MBUSA was that they support their dealers and area reps judgement and decision that they will an intermittent failure is only real if it happens when they see it, but they will 'consider' goodwill repairs 'within a reasonable time frame' if they ever see it slip or if it fails. :mad: The dealer is refunding the Heritage extended warranty I purchased on their recommendation to specifically cover the trans (for issues they now say aren't covered!). I am going to set aside the warranty money as a trans repair fund, and will be back in their face each time it slips for as long as I keep the car. If it resumes slipping, that may not be for long.

On the brakes, thanks for the info, Yal. I wondered about doing the C280 rear rotors as well as the fronts just to get past the proportionig valve issue. The C230 has a vent in the front bumper that goes through to the wheel well in front of the tire - I assume it is for cooling but I suppose it could be an air pressure balance type of vent to reduce wheel well turbulance. It shouldn't be hard to extend this around to add airflow over the caliper/rotor assembly.

Phil in Fastlane told me that the C280 brakes would be an expen$$$ive conversion, but that they carry an ATE VENTED power disk rotor for my model, which would solve my problem. He said the parts chart said they would fit, but to double check with MBDoc or Donnie. I'll email them and see what they say.