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Thread: Are late 94-95 brake rotors different-sized than 96 and up rotors?

  1. #1
    Senior Member vixen_w202's Avatar
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    Are late 94-95 brake rotors different-sized than 96 and up rotors?

    When I put in my order for my high-performance brake stuff, I ordered around the framework that my car is a 1996. However, for some weird reason....my car was built in December of 1995 in Stuttgart and apparently, some of the parts from late 95 to January 96 changed and are not interchangeable. I ordered cross-drilled brake rotors for the front and rear based off the 96 and up model as well as pads. However, I am unsure now if the rotors I got will fit. I ordered off stillen, can provide part numbers from them if needed.

    Thanks guys.
    96 Black C280 (Black Vixen) - Sold/Retired 10/13

    I no longer own a w202 and I kick myself in the head every day for it...

  2. #2
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    Look up Brembo. They have something called OE replacement rotors. If they carry them for the 94-95 and 96 MYs the specs will tell you if the rotors are the same size.

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    Senior Member vixen_w202's Avatar
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    Trying to find a site that offers detailed specifications of the rotors Brembo sells for OE replacement, but I can't find anything other than places that sell them without much info.
    96 Black C280 (Black Vixen) - Sold/Retired 10/13

    I no longer own a w202 and I kick myself in the head every day for it...

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    1995- fronts: 11.18"x 0.86" vented rotor / Rears:10.94"x 0.36" non-vented rotor

    1996- Fronts: 11.34"x 0.98" vented rotor/ {Same as 1995 rear}

  5. #5
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    From 1996-2000 the front rotors never change on the C280. They are all 11.34" x 0.98" front rotors. 94-95 are 11.18" x 0.86"

    That covers all years C280 w202 cars- just those two sizes.

  6. #6
    Senior Member vixen_w202's Avatar
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    Thank goodness I didn't order the fronts quite yet!

    Maybe an option would be to have a machine shop (I have a few here) cross-drill the fronts that way it's balanced and it's not taking a risk ending with ones that are the wrong size. Is that a possible option?

    This is where I get super frustrated with my car: My car on the vessel ID sticker said it was sold as a 1996. However, so many parts on this car are from the 95 model year. Something tells me this was a 95 sold as a 96, because literally it says it was made in late December of 1995. Januray 1996 was when they switch of ton of things over to completely different parts. Like when I went to do my suspension kit....the car has a 95 suspension setup and I had to convert over to 1997 spring pads in order to run my lowering kit. It's so confusing at times....
    Last edited by vixen_w202; 05-27-2013 at 08:09 PM.
    96 Black C280 (Black Vixen) - Sold/Retired 10/13

    I no longer own a w202 and I kick myself in the head every day for it...

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    Brian, Here are two links to Napa for solid (non-drilled/non-slotted) front premium rotors. You'll have to measure your rotors on you car currently to make sure what size they are and match them to either of the ones below. Youa re right at the cutoff as we discussed so you will need to make sure which you need prior to buying them.

    1/1994-8/1995 (they claim Aug was the changeover month- but I do not trust that info. I know you told me your manufacturer date was 12/95 even though your car is a 96)
    These are the 11.18" x .86" rotors $57.49 each
    http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Ca...714_0129744036

    Then the later year larger rotors- 11.34"x .98" rotors $71.49 each
    http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Ca...765_0129744061

    It would be easiest to measure the rotor thickness. If it is very close to 1" thick then its the larter year rotor you need. The other one will be a tad thinner than 1"- it'll be closer to 3/4". It would be harder to try and measure the diameter since 11.18 and 11.34 are very close and the center hub is in the way of measuring- so just rry and measure what thickness you have. If they are thinner than 7/8" then you definately have the early ones. Remeber when you measure that the ones you currently have will have a little wear and will be thinner slightly than new tolerances.

    Dean
    Last edited by Vetruck; 05-27-2013 at 09:19 PM.

  8. #8
    Senior Member vixen_w202's Avatar
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    Confirmed with the dealer; I am running 96 front rotors and pads. That helps me out a lot.
    96 Black C280 (Black Vixen) - Sold/Retired 10/13

    I no longer own a w202 and I kick myself in the head every day for it...

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