Zimmerman/Akebono?

[Frupal]

Just had an oil change at the dealer and was informed that my right rear brake pads were down to 4 mm, but the left remained at 8mm. Odd! I should think they would wear more evenly? Anyhow. They wanted $592.00 for the one set of pads - installed. Naturally, I declined. They did not recommend replacing the rotor.

The car has 65,000 miles. I was thinking that I might as well replace rotors and pads. The original BMW parts are like $530.00 (!) whereas the Zimmerman/Akebono kit comes in at about $300.00.

Do y'all have any experience with the Zimmerman/Akebono? Also, is it wise to replace the rotors, or should I just do the pads?

I appreciate your feedback!

Robin

[arucano]

I use the Akebone pads on the rear brakes of my M6 and they work fine (with less dust)
I have used Zimmerman rotors on my E39 without and problem.
The uneven wear of the pads from one side to the other can be due to stability / traction control. Check the contact surfaces with the caliper for free movement when replacing the pads.

[Frupal]

I went over my receipts and discovered that the dealer replaced the rear pads about 24,000 miles ago (under warranty), but turned the rotors instead of replacing them! I didn't know they still did that.

In any event, I'm going to replace them along with the pads. Probably with Zimmerman/Akebono if I don't hear differently from y'all about them.

[Opie55]

BMW (and all makers) specify a minimum thickness for rotors before they need to be replaced. So yes, they can be turned if they are still above the minimum. It's not nearly as common a practice as it used to be. As for the uneven wear, that's a lot of difference. I'd have whoever does the work check the operation of the calipers carefully. The one on the "thin" side may be sticking a bit, or the one on the "thick" side may not be working as intended because of air bubbles in the fluid on that side, or both. Also, as stated above, make sure all the slides points are well lubricated. I think some mechanics don't pay a lot of attention to that step.

[arucano]

The minimum thickness is stamped on the hub of the disk.
I think they are rather conservative unless you are tracking the car.

[Luftpost]

My Experience: The Akebono pads on my E39's offer a lot less dust with some loss of brake effectiveness when compared to OEM pads, not significant, but noticeable. The Zimmerman rotors are a good brand and work as advertised. The minimum thickness is stamped on the rotor, so anyone turning them can reference this or an online database.

When the time comes, I will do the same as you plan.

It is my understanding that BMW recommends that the slides not be lubricated. This is from Sreten. Someone with a maintenance manual can verify, however online search references this as well.

L

[SWFLf10]

I’ve replaced the rotors on my F10 and a froends F30 with Zimmerman rotors. No complaints besides that are one price vs my original aluminum hat 2-piece design.

As far as pads go, I’d go with either the OE manufacturer or Genuine. I’ve had akevono on my old E90 and I loved them for the almost nonexistent brake dust. But when I tried them on my F10 they were a bit too loose and caused a “thud” or “click” sound when changing from reverse to forward as they moved in the carrier. I ended up going with genuine BMW pads shortly afterward to avoid the annoying issue.

[Frupal]

Originally Posted by SWFLf10

I’ve replaced the rotors on my F10 and a froends F30 with Zimmerman rotors. No complaints besides that are one price vs my original aluminum hat 2-piece design.

As far as pads go, I’d go with either the OE manufacturer or Genuine. I’ve had akevono on my old E90 and I loved them for the almost nonexistent brake dust. But when I tried them on my F10 they were a bit too loose and caused a “thud” or “click” sound when changing from reverse to forward as they moved in the carrier. I ended up going with genuine BMW pads shortly afterward to avoid the annoying issue.

Thanks for the response! About your Alpina, any problems with the air suspension? I’m contemplating getting a B8.

[SWFLf10]

Originally Posted by Frupal

Thanks for the response! About your Alpina, any problems with the air suspension? I’m contemplating getting a B8.

It has active dampers. (EDC or Electronic Damper Control I believe BMW calls it).I don’t believe air suspension was an option at any point, but I could be wrong.

I have an issue with something currently, and I believe it’s suspension related. It’s almost like there’s a wheel off balance, but really shows at certain speeds, and really shows on rougher roads. I’ve had the wheels straightened, new tires put on, and my tire guy says it should be as close to perfect as possible. He’s been my go-to guy for quite a while and I really trust his work and opinion.

I had the same issue with my 535 and I ended up replacing all the suspension arms, linkages, and struts and it is now 99% better. I’m thinking I’ll end up replacing at least the arms and linkages and seeing if that makes a difference before spending the money on the struts on the B6. I was considering going with the KW V3 struts, and removing the EDC option, but that kind of feels wrong on this car, plus the price is about the same for the stock EDC struts vs the KW V3 setup.

[Bluefoz]

I’ve just replaced front & rear discs (rotors) with Zimmerman two-piece. They are available in a number of styles & price points: one-piece, two-piece, drilled or plain - or at least they are in the U.K.

I replaced the OEM pads with EBC red stuff pads and I’ve got to say they do seem to produce less dust.

[Frupal]

I ordered the Zimmerman/Akebono combo. Should be here in a week or so. I have since learned that the Zimmerman rotors are 1 piece, rather than the two piece OEM parts, but decided that it wouldn't make a huge difference to me on the street. Also, I will probably only keep the car for one more year, then it's off to Alpina wonderland!

Thanks for all of your responses!

[arucano]

The single piece rotors are OK for normal driving. The major difference between them and the two piece rotors is the ability to manage very high rotor temperatures. Would not use them for big tracks where frequent heavy braking is required.

[Frupal]

Well the new Zimmerman rotors and Akebono pads are installed. The initial bite is markedly 'softer'. If I were to do it again, I would spring for the OEM parts. I'm not thrilled. Would switching to the OEM pads cure what ails me?

[arucano]

The OEM pads provide more initial bite, but do you want to put up with the dust? You will get accustomed to the Akebono pads and have far less brake dust. I will gladly press a little harder initially and not have to clean my wheels every week.

[Frupal]

Originally Posted by arucano

The OEM pads provide more initial bite, but do you want to put up with the dust? You will get accustomed to the Akebono pads and have far less brake dust. I will gladly press a little harder initially and not have to clean my wheels every week.

Yeah, I'll probably just stick with it. Thanks!