I'd like to thank Buzby for all the precious info on the upgrade from 278mm to 300mm front discs!
My V40 1.6 D2 was equipped with the smallest disc brakes so, when it was time to change the front pads, I decided to upgrade from 278mm discs even if they were not so worn. With Buzby's advice I was able to get all the necessary parts and to do the swap myself, thank you!
I opted for original ATE products, choosing 300mm standard discs and ceramic pads. This last choice is due to the fact I always disliked oem pads generating so much dust on the rims! Having already tried other ceramic pads on another car and being satisfied with them, I dediced to give a try to ATE ceramic version.
For the caliper mounting brackets I initially looked at some breakers but they only sold complete front brakes (calipers, discs and brackets) so the price was not interesting. Then I asked to my local Volvo dealer (in Italy) in order to buy new caliper brackets but Volvo has a "strange" policy on such parts because it's mandatory to return your used brackets otherwise they will charge you an extra cost. Volvo price is about 70 EUR for 1 bracket plus 60 EUR as extra fee (always for 1 piece) as I didn't have old 300mm compatible brackets to return, so also this option was not good for me.
I managed to find an online seller from Germany for oem Volvo parts, price for each bracket was 58 EUR plus shipping but looking at customer reviews I noticed too many complaints on their service so I decided to avoid them.
Then I though it was a good idea to search at Bildelsbasen, the Scandinavian marketplace for used parts mentioned by Buzby. I was lucky to find a couple of caliper brackets coming from a T2 model with only 7,000 kms so they were pretty new!
About ATE discs and pads I'd report thay I have bought them from Profiteile, an online seller from Germany with the lowest price I was able to find. This seller was mentioned here by a forum member so I thought it was a good option. I waited 10 days to get my parts but sincerly I was a bit worried not receiving them as communication with this shop is really poor. They claim to ship withing 2-4 working days for available parts but I never received a confirmation message about shipping. I wrote several times to their customer support and they replied only in German with standard useless messages. Only after complaining with them several times and asking for a refund I was able to get a shipping date and a tracking number. As said, parts arrived but I'd not suggest to buy from them.
Now about the 300mm swap: the difference from old 278mm is noticeable as with larger diameter discs, greater is the force available to stop the wheels. I also like ATE ceramic pads as they generate less dust but with the same oem pads feeling. After the initial bedding procedure and gentle braking for the first 500/600 kms, I made a long trip on my last holidays where I drove on highways, mountain and b-roads and the new brakes performed well. Cold bite with the ATE ceramics is good, comparable to original pads and I never experienced fading effects; stopping from higher speeds is better thanks to the greater diameter discs but, in my opinion, ceramic pads are prone to less fade due to more stable "high" temperature coefficient friction.
Now my rear rims are dirtier as they have still the original discs and pads, waiting to be replaced with the rear ATE kit.
For everyone interested in doing the swap, please notice you need at least 16" wheels. D2 "eco" and other models with oem 15" rims will not fit with 300mm discs.
