Feedback: Non-BMW brake parts

[Severian]

Our car was due for some new rotors and pads. The shop quoted me roughly $830 parts and labor (at $90 labor per axle). Holy #@$%!! After finding out that their local supplier (dealer) was quoting them $110 for one front rotor, I asked if I could supply the parts and they just install them? He was cool with that. Thank goodness!

I purchased the following parts from PelicanParts.com. I was only interested in finding cost-effective replacements; I'm not an enthusiast and don't care too much about accessorizing. So as a consumer I intend to provide some feedback on these parts for your sake...if you're interested of course!

Oh! And my experience with Pelican Parts was outstanding. They processed the order the same day that I placed it. 4-Business-Day shipping was absolutely free, and the parts arrived on time.

Here are the parts I purchased (rotors, pads, and wear sensors):
34-11-6-757-750-M4
Front Brake Rotor, 318ti (1995-98), Brand: Ate
2 x $25 = $50

34-21-6-758-552-M5
Rear Brake Rotor, 318ti (1995-99), Brand: Balo
2 x $39.50 = $79.00

34-11-6-761-237-M4
Front Brake Pad Set, OEM, 318ti (1995-98) Brand: Ate
$45.50

34-21-6-761-238-M4
Rear Brake Pad Set, OEM, 318ti w/ M44 (1995-98) Brand: Ate
$34.50

34-35-1-181-338-M163
Brake Pad Sensor, Front, Brand: PEX
$11.25

34-35-1-182-533-M163
Brake Pad Sensor, Rear, Brand: PEX
$11.25

Total cost: $231.50
Original parts quote through local dealer: $650

We just drove the car home yesterday, so like I said I'll post an update later after we get a chance to test the new brakes.

Talk to you then,
-sev

[CirrusSR22]

That's the way to do it. :) Also, ATE and Balo are both OEM BMW suppliers. So, the parts you got from Pelican are quite possibly the exact same parts the dealer would have sold you.

[Severian]

Weeee! I like to hear that, CirrusSR22, thanks for the info.
:smile:

[GDB]

Yeah, the guys at pelican are great. I've done business with them a couple times and they were very helpful. Very good people.

[aceyx]

That's the way to do it. :) Also, ATE and Balo are both OEM BMW suppliers. So, the parts you got from Pelican are quite possibly the exact same parts the dealer would have sold you.
Not really; rotors that come from BMW are balanced one more time. It doesn't really make a difference below 90mph though.

They are TUV approved and kick the spit out of domestic parts anyday.

[stormos]

grrrr! reminding me of the sh1t load of ate boxes in my garage this thread

[CirrusSR22]

Not really; rotors that come from BMW are balanced one more time. It doesn't really make a difference below 90mph though.

They are TUV approved and kick the spit out of domestic parts anyday.

Didn't know about the balancing thing... Is it the dealer that does that, or BMW (after they recieve it from the manufacturer)?

[J!m]

BMW does it, then puts them into a "GENUINE BMW" box for your pleasure...

I think it's a good idea.

If you can find a balancer near you, it can be done to any rotor...

[Severian]

I'm completely happy with the brakes. They squealed a bit excessively at first, but since then they're great.