New Brake rotor prep
 

I just received new brake rotors for my 1996 SL600. They came with a gray coating. It almost looks like primer. My question is does this stuff have to be removed and with what?

Yes it's best if you remove coating, it's there to keep rotor from rusting. You can remove with spraycan of brake cleaner. If you leave it on it will eventually burn/rub off.

According to the Parts Department personnel at our local Mb dealer it is not necessary to remove the gray coating. The brake pads will quickly remove it from the contact area. The gray coating will protect the rest of the rotor from rusting.

Thanks guys thats what i figures. i just wanted to confirm I wasn't going to

a) Start a fire.
b) Impregnate my new pads with anti friction goo.

Yes, the new coatings are designed to be left on. ATE is also using a similar coating on the Premium One discs.
I haven't had any issues thus far in leaving the coating:)

Jonathan