Upgrade brake rotors

[Robby Ackerman]

Can someone advise me of a better brake rotor to use on my wife's 1994 E320? Once a year (15,000 miles) I'm replacing the front rotors on my her car. They warp, the wear is negligible, and it isn't her driving style. Is there a rotor that will give her more than twelve months usage? Her driving is around town and trips and never on the track. So far we have used OEM rotors.

Her previous car was a 604 Peugeot, which she drove for 20 years and 600,000 + miles and never replaced the rotors.

I have a 190E 2.3-16 which I've driven on the track for the past four years and never once had to change the rotors (vented & slotted).

I've changed the rotors on my son's 124 wagon. What is it with the rotors on the 124s?

[Unregistered]

A while back, there was a thread on 124 brakes that discusses rotors and pads extensively. A lot of info came out concerning counterfeit parts, including brake pads made of wood, among other things. Just a thought, but do you have confidence in your parts source? My 126 with 156K is till running the same 4 rotors it came with in 1987. Are the rotors really warped, or are you feeling the pulsating ABS action?

[Allen]

On 94 & 95 E420's, brakes smooth 80k mi on each, no problems ever with rotors. Have used OEM pads.

[Robby Ackerman]

Good questions.

The rotors came from the Mercedes-Benz parts man at Tysinger MB, and I've been purchasing from the same man for 20 years. The rotors are MB OEM rotors. The pads, on the other hand, are not. They are the green "frog" kevlar pads. The pads could be the problem, though I've used them on my 2.3-16 without experiencing any difficulty.

Interesting comment about the 80K on your E420s. I'll check and compare the dimensions of if the 420 rotors. Also, I'll look for the discussion about 124 rotors and pads.

The ABS is inoperative and eclectically disconnected because the pump is bad. I hate to admit this, but the yellow light has been on now for two years. Last night I went online and got a price for a new ABS Unit and the engine wiring harness. These could be a couple good winter DIY jobs.

[Ferdman]

Robby, I suspect that the "green" brake pads aren't compatible with the MB OEM rotors ... probably causing them to overheat and warp. You may have less brake dust, but have the hassle of routinely replacing the rotors. Recommend using the MB OEM brake pads. I've got two 124 cars and the rotors last at least through 2 sets of brake pads without any warping.

[Robby Ackerman]

That makes sense. Bummer, well this gives me another winter project. I see I'm going to need some serious heat for my garage. :)

[GDTm©]

Brake 124/400 (http://www.gdtm.net/Brake/BrakeUpgrade.htm)

[Robby Ackerman]

Thanks! A picture is worth a thousand words.