Full Brake Disc/Pad Replacement

[MichaelInChicago]

Just came from my dealer who wanted and exorbitant amount to replace just the rear discs/pads.

I want to purchase a high quality performance set from an online auto parts store and have them installed by a local mechanic, which I know will be much less expensive.

1. Which online autoparts stores should I buy from?

2. Which type of discs/pads should I purchase as there seems to be many options available. Which brands? Should I buy 'coated' and/or slottted/drilled discs? Should the pads be ceramic?

Thanks for your help.

[murph914]

Originally Posted by MichaelInChicago

Just came from my dealer who wanted and exorbitant amount to replace just the rear discs/pads.

I want to purchase a high quality performance set from an online auto parts store and have them installed by a local mechanic, which I know will be much less expensive.

1. Which online autoparts stores should I buy from?

2. Which type of discs/pads should I purchase as there seems to be many options available. Which brands? Should I buy 'coated' and/or slottted/drilled discs? Should the pads be ceramic?

Thanks for your help.

How much was the quote? Did you clear with your mechanic if he would install your parts? A lot of guys don't.

To answer your question - a lot of guys go with Akebono to reduce dust significantly with slightly less grab. Centrix makes most of the rotors, whether their own brand, or someone else's.

If you really want to improve the brakes upgrade the fronts to a big brake kit.

[jjasonSU]

OP is looking for OEM replacement BBK would be thousands extra
Michael i recommend going to FCP Euro online. They have OEM replacement or u can get Akebono pads which is what I'd get. Front kit $300, rear kit can be pieced together $200-ish
I wouldn't bother with drilled or slotted what's the realistic use

[thebmw]

OP, I still have all 4 rotors if you are interested.

[murph914]

Originally Posted by jjasonSU

OP is looking for OEM replacement BBK would be thousands extra
Michael i recommend going to FCP Euro online. They have OEM replacement or u can get Akebono pads which is what I'd get. Front kit $300, rear kit can be pieced together $200-ish
I wouldn't bother with drilled or slotted what's the realistic use

second the drilled and slotted advice. They really just look cool. I got mine from Tire Rack and Amazon. Ask your mechanic if he can just get them for you too.

[Opie55]

For whatever it's worth, I was warned on an MB forum that Akebono pads have a weird soft feel in the pedal. I ignored that advice and got some for a Volvo XC90. They had a weird soft feel in the pedal. Based on that limited data set, I will not buy them again. Regarding dust, I do not find the OEM pads on my car to be very dusty at all. Nor on my X3. But on my son's E61 wagon, they turn the wheels totally black in approximately one revolution. I don't understand it.

[MichaelInChicago]

Thanks very much.

I am looking at Zimmerman Solid Coated Vented discs all around.

For pads, I want good performance with a the same dust as I have on my OE pads, which is reasonable. Which pads fit these criteria? Textar Hawk...etc?

[hugo_nz]

I have Hella Pagid T1819 pads on the rear and Bosch Quet Cast BP1409 pads on the front. Excellent bite, little to no dust (much better than oem)

[MichaelInChicago]

I just purchased Zimmerman Vented/Coated rotors all around.

Now I have to choose a brake pad. Which ones work best with these rotors in your experiences?

Thank you.

[MichaelInChicago]

Texter pads it is!

[fatboy478]

What ever you do, stay away from StopTech! Their kits are expensive, the pads rattle squeal and throw tons of dust. I purchased the 934.34065 Street Slotted Front and Rear Brake Kit. I've had them for about 2 months now and absolutely hate them. I've been in touch with the manufacturer, and they have not been any help whatsoever. Actually the representative that I had been corresponding with stopped responding to my emails once he exhausted all of his "tips" and I asked about returning the kit and being compensated. I'm planning to go back to an OEM setup in the very near future.

[MichaelInChicago]

I went to an ex-BMW mechanic who owns a BMW only shop and they installed the Zimmerman coated/vented rotors and Textar pads.

It has has been a few days and I am breaking them in by driving moderately, and the feel, braking power and quietness has been superb so far.

[Greekstyle]

I bought Centric Cross drilled and slotted front rotors along with slotted rear rotors and Textar Pads. I immediately took the Textar pads off and put stock back on. The amount of brake dust was insane. Stopping power is great and they look awesome.

Not sure if I ordered the wrong Textar pad (material) but since my stock pads had a ton of beef left on them, I stuck with them.

[SixPost]

Can any of you gentlemen who went with drilled / slotted rotors take some pics? In need of brakes soon and would consider drilled / slotted as an option...

Thanks...

[doggboy]

I am a newbie, and i am sure it has been beaten to death, but why arent you guys opting for the stock floating rotors? Yes I know they are not conventional floaters, but I have read some analysis that they are every bit as good. Is it cost or just you guys prefer the drilled and slotted look?

[elvisisdog]

Has anyone tried ebc discs (rotor) and pads? On need of something new on the front and a little put off by OEM prices