Brake rotor/pad suggestions

[vstolpner]

So tried searching around but just can't seem to find much in the way of recommendations for this, especially not something more than 3-4 years old.

I'm replacing my front brakes soon and wanted to get some recommendations from those of you who replaced yours already.

Pads:
I'm looking at Centric, ATE, Jurid, or Textar. All these brands are foreign to me however, so wanted to know how these compare to the OEM's?
I believe Jurid and Textar use the OE compound - but is that the old dusty compound or the new low-dust compound?

Rotors:
Again, looking at Centric (Cryo?) or Zimmermann (Coat Z?). Any other suggestions? And how do these compare to OEM's?


And I guess just a question with regards to the sensor - are most of the third-party sensors just fine or any brand better than another?


Thanks in advance - this is new to me and given it's brakes I want to do it right.

[kiloTHREE]

Depends on what you want.
I always go with Akebono euro ceramic pads. Used them on 3 cars thus far. Zero dust, but they don't have the oem initial bite (good or bad depends on you) but give them a rotation or two and the grip like whoa.

Rotors I would suggest brembo or zimmerman. Make sure to get coated or painted hats if you don't like the rust look. I've used both with great success, the painted brembo's are the bee's knees for painted hats.

Additional edit: zimmerman used to make rotors for bmw for many years, not sure if they still do.

[vstolpner]

The coatings on the rotors are just to prevent rust, right?

Regardless whether it's paint or some zinc coating

[kiloTHREE]

Originally Posted by vstolpner

The coatings on the rotors are just to prevent rust, right?

Regardless whether it's paint or some zinc coating

Yep, that and removal so they don't permarust to the hub.

[jaeezzy]

I have bought Zimmermann 'Z' coat drilled rotors and EBC yellow stuff. I've the rotors but still waiting on the pads and will be doing e90 M3 rear sway bar as well. Well update once I have them up on how they feel..

[fiehlsport]

OEM or Zimmermann (German) rotors. The OE pads are perfect on my 35i as well, no dust and no squeaks. I'd go that route, if it were me.

[Gamb1t]

vstolpner, since you are in Vancouver, you can check out germanparts.ca. They might have a number of brake pad/rotor products you can select from.

Are the rotors toast already?

Are you DIY-ing? Indie or BMW dealership?

[vstolpner]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm debating between the other brands because there's a good price difference and I'm not sure there's a noticeable performance advantage going BMW. For what it's worth I like that initial bite and I'm not racing so I don't want pads that need warm up.

I'll be DIY-ing. And the rotors have a bit of a lip already - about 1.5mm on the worst side, plus there are quite a few ridges on the surface which might make it worse. I haven't priced it out yet, but I figure I'f I'll be paying $100 to turn the rotors, I might as well add another $100 and get new ones.

I'll have to check out German parts, thanks for that. For now I've only been pricing it out in US retailers, besides the $550 CAD quote I got from the dealership.

[kiloTHREE]

Originally Posted by vstolpner

I haven't priced it out yet, but I figure I'f I'll be paying $100 to turn the rotors.

Ouch that sucks, 40 freedom units for a set of 4 down here.

[vstolpner]

Just noticed Brembo kit with rotors, pads and sensor for $220 US on Bavauto.com
Brembo vs Zimmerman+Textar - any thoughts?
And anyone deal with bavauto before?

[Njerts]

Originally Posted by vstolpner

Just noticed Brembo kit with rotors, pads and sensor for $220 US on Bavauto.com
Brembo vs Zimmerman+Textar - any thoughts?
And anyone deal with bavauto before?

The catch is that it will cost double to land them here in Canada

[vstolpner]

True... But doesn't 80% of Canada life within some 20km of the border? Or something like that..

I know it takes me less in gas to go across the border then I save when filling up, so I don't mind ordering to US on occasion.

[DUI Elite]

Performance Friction Z-Rated pads are my favorite pads to go with. I'm not sure if you'll find the fitment you need for x28's, but I'd imagine its a 394 pad in front and 396 pad in rear.

Stoptech Street Performance pads are also good from my experience.

For rotors just use Centric (aka Stoptech), Zimmerman or OEM blank rotors - the slotted / drilled stuff is a waste of $. It'll just crack the second you get any significant heat in them.

I also use ATE Typ 200 brake fluid.

edit: originally had recommendations for x35 brakes

[vstolpner]

Just had my brake fluid done as part of maintenance, but good to keep in mind, thanks.

And I wasn't planning on slotted or drilled - not going racing to reap any benefits.

Doesn't look like anyone's tried Brembo?

[jaeezzy]

Here's my zimmermann drilled disc & ebc yellow stuff pad.. to be honest I haven't felt any difference in the brake grip or the feel Just applying the handbrake now feels different.

[Gamb1t]

Was the sensor charge mandatory?

[vstolpner]

Originally Posted by Gamb1t

Was the sensor charge mandatory?

Only if the sensor got worn at all. If the pad never made it to the sensor then no need to change.

[jaeezzy]

Originally Posted by vstolpner

Only if the sensor got worn at all. If the pad never made it to the sensor then no need to change.

The service guy said if sensor is not changed then the car may not let him reset the brake pad wear readout in the computer. I thought bs. I told him that the brake light hasn't come off yet. I don't know if he didn't understand or sth but then again when I saw the condition of the sensor thought it was time and it wasn't giving out correct reading either. So, ended up changing the sensors as well.

[jinda]

Did you finish changing your front brakes?
Do you still have the original sets of rotors and calipers before you did the work?
How many miles does it have before you replace them?

I have a 2013 also that I just got 2 weeks ago with ~30k miles on it. So far, I dont see any issues with the braking but I just want to get some idea on the mileage.

It could still be too early for me as I replaced the front rotors and calipers on my previous car on its 70k miles.

[vstolpner]

I did finish mine. I ended up miscalculating the thickness of the rotors so I replaced then when I didn't need to. I'm at 45k mi.

Highly suggest taking an hour to disable the brakes and check the exact thickness of the pads and rotors. If it's just the pads that are getting thin, just replace the pads. Smooth rotors don't really need resurfacing.

Also, Textar ePad aren't nearly as good in braking performance as OEM.