Rotors and Pads

[schussey]

I went to get my brakes checked out today, and it turns out that I need new front and rear pads and rotors. For OEM BMW parts, it would be over $600 to do this, so I have decided to go with aftermarket parts.

As far as rotors, I think I am set on going with Zimmerman. But should I go with slotted or drilled? I have heard of drilled rotors cracking, but also have heard that the way Zimmerman manufactures their drilled rotors prevents this?

Also, as far as pads go. Pagid? Hawk? EBC? :?:

[ClubSport]

$600?! Wow. Rotors and pads all around should total about $300 in parts. Slotted or drilled rotors don't really offer any advantages, esp on the street. And they tend to eat pads faster.

I'd check out bimmerworld.com for pads and rotors. The rotors should be about $75 a pair, but you might want to get them at the dealership to save on shipping, cause they're heavy.

I hear Hawk HPS and Axxis Ultimates are good on the street.

[1996 328ti]

Skip the drilled. The only upgrade I would recommend are vented rotors unless you already have them. Vented rotors are in +4/98 builds. You would need new calipers though.

One difference with some aftermarket rotors <I think> they are not balanced like OE BMW rotors are. I had a set of Balo on the rear and they did not have small grooves for balance as the OE BMW ones had. Maybe I just didn' tnotice it.

I can't recommend the Axxis Ultimates enough for the street.
They are quiet, hardly dust and stop great. No experience with the Hawks.

[2ndBimmer]

Im redoing all my brakes soon. Ive purchased BavAutos vented upgrade kit, OE rear rotors, ATE super blue fluid, and Porterfield R4S pads as recommended by J!M.

Im also redoing the suspension at the same time. Bilstein sport shocks and BavAuto springs.

Ill let you all know how it goes.

[schussey]

well the $600 is with labor included. I think I will go with Zimmerman vetned though, then do all the work with my dad to cut labor fees

[96cali]

I went with Bavauto vented rotors up front ($150/pr) and pagid pads. By doing this I was not changing the compound of the pad too much so I could get by only doing the fronts. I cannot compare to Hawks or Porterfields but they sure as hell dust a lot less than stock (though Pagid does make some OEM pads), have never squealed and also cost about 1/3 as much I think. So all in all I bucked up for the rotors, went with less dust economical pads and can always upgrade my rears to slotted too cuz Bavauto makes em unlike most.

[motorsport]

dont do it at a shop do it yourself its easy

[Jeff Spooner]

check AUTOPARTSWORLD.COM they have the Zimmerman crossed-drilled for $64.19 each and a wide selection of pads. most are $35-$75. Dont forget to get new sensor wire also. total parts should be around $225.

[1996 328ti]

You only need a sensor if the old one is bad.

[bmwpwr]

I have powerslot rotors and Hawk hp plus. I can run around a track all day long, no fading at all

[robcarync]

i got some mintex pads from bavauto...havent put them on yet. i still have to get rotors. ill probably just get the same replacement rotors.

anyone know if mintex are good...bavauto just said they dont create much break dust...and that made my decision between pagid and mintex.