Brake dust shield - 230 or 250

[afibbe]

I didn’t know much about the 1966 230SL when I purchased it and I’m having fun discovering the car’s past. This winter is the front suspension. This week was the front brakes. I have replacement ATE that are in good condition.  The dust shield looks like the shield for a 250 I see online. Is this normal or did the past owner install 250SL spindle?

[stickandrudderman]

The 230 had smaller discs. Many cars have had the upgrade to 250/280 discs which involves new king pins and back plates.
The trouble is that unless you measure the discs before you start work you'd never know.

[afibbe]

Thank you. I am inclined to think that front suspension was modified with 250 parts. I know that the car has a 250 block.

Would you mind telling me what measurements I should have taken?

[dirkbalter]

The 230 break disks are 253 and the 250 / 280 disks are 273mm. The 230 originally had Girling calipers. The ATE however fit as well.
Hope that helps.

[mdsalemi]

Brake dust doesn't seem to be much of an issue on my Pagoda and never has been.
It was a big issue on my silver-painted 1979 BMW 320i steel wheels. I ended up with the front shields on that car, and still had to do some regular wheel cleaning.