Need to replace pads and rotors

DipnX5 · #1 04-26-2007, 01:14 PM

I need to replace my pads and rotors.
I would DIY, but I would rather pay the labor and not risk me messing up and costing me alot more in the long run.

I stopped by a independent shop they said about 1100 for pads and rotors.

I would normally not get a brake job at Midas, but I know the owner of a group of them. He introduced me to his managers and they quoted me (650) I think.

Is it worth upgrading the stock ones to something else, if so what are my options and what will it cost me.

I am also thinking about getting the calipers painted red at the same time.

Thanks in advance for all your guys input.

Quicksilver · #2 04-26-2007, 03:28 PM

Remember the old addage. Get more than one bid from your independent shops. Match that against the dealer before proceeding.

About Midas? I guess my only comment about that is to make sure you price it out using OEM parts. (Pads, Rotors, sensors.) You may find the difference negligible. If thats the case remember that you take a chance having someone work on your vehicle who has little experience in dealing with BMW's. If your comfortable with letting people experiment the you have my blessings.

lvlheaded1 · #3 07-25-2007, 02:54 PM

Decided to try Midas since I need both front and back, pads, rotors and sensors. Had the front set replaced at the dealer before and it ended up costing me ~$1500 total. For both axles at Midas, I paid ~$1100 total. I estimate about $800 for parts and $300 for labor.

So far the X brakes just fine and performs better than other vehicles that I've driven. Its still NOT BMW braking though. There is a little brake fade which I did not experience on the original set. It takes a little more pedal pressure than before. Also these brakes are not as grabby as the originals. I remember almost going through the windshield with a light tap on the brake pedal with the original set. On the positive side, very little brake dust on the front wheels. I'm pretty sure the rotor and pad materials (semi-metallic) are both harder. The rotor material is, I believe, lower grade. The hub part of the rotor is showing some really unsightly rust. Don't think I've ever seen that before.

All in all, the brakes work as they should but you do get what you pay for. If you want the performance, stick to the OEM parts. Midas claims OEM, but I'm pretty sure they are second-source parts built to BMW specs. I'm gonna ride on these parts for a little while longer, but eventually, I'll replace them myself and get the parts from the dealer. That was the route I should have taken instead.

NINCHS · #4 04-26-2007, 09:13 PM

Im putting ebc slotted/dimpled rotors ($300) up front with ebc red stuff ($100) pads, and axxis deluxe pads ($50) on the rear, ill let you know how it turns out. Ordered all online with free shipping. And prices for 3.0 vs a 4.6 would be cheaper.

DipnX5 · #5 04-27-2007, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NINCHS

Im putting ebc slotted/dimpled rotors ($300) up front with ebc red stuff ($100) pads, and axxis deluxe pads ($50) on the rear, ill let you know how it turns out. Ordered all online with free shipping. And prices for 3.0 vs a 4.6 would be cheaper.

Nice man let me know how they perform vs. OEM.

thanks

2002Silver4.6is · #6 05-03-2007, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NINCHS

Im putting ebc slotted/dimpled rotors ($300) up front with ebc red stuff ($100) pads, and axxis deluxe pads ($50) on the rear, ill let you know how it turns out. Ordered all online with free shipping. And prices for 3.0 vs a 4.6 would be cheaper.

Where did you buy EBC rotors for the 4.6 from?

What are other options for slotted / drilled rotors for the 4.6??

I think I will definitely go with the Axxis Deluxe pad. The brake dust is killing me!!!

NINCHS · #7 05-03-2007, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2002Silver4.6is

Where did you buy EBC rotors for the 4.6 from?

What are other options for slotted / drilled rotors for the 4.6??

I think I will definitely go with the Axxis Deluxe pad. The brake dust is killing me!!!

I ordered them from here:
http://www.ajusa.com/cgi-bin/start?r=store&

but after waiting a week and half for them to arive I called them and they informed me that they are on backorder for 3-5 weeks from EBC. So I canceled the order. I cant wait that long to do my brakes.

musali · #8 04-26-2007, 11:11 PM

do it yourself, same the money for other mods, just make sure you properly torque down the bolts when your done. it gives you a sense of pride. If you still want to get a mechanic/dealer to do it, then source your parts online, and then give it to the installer.

Tomaz · #9 04-27-2007, 01:33 PM

I would recommend the Axxis Deluxe pads to keep your wheels clean. OEM rotors or aftermarket are OK, I used Brembo. If you have mechanical ability and tools, its an easy job.

we350z · #10 05-02-2007, 10:47 PM

I am in the same boat, the dealer just said that my rear rotors are nearly down to the sensors. I am deciding on what to do because it sounds like the fronts are fine. Are they supposed to wear at the same rate? I know the front brakes take the brunt of the force and account for some 80%+ of your braking power.

I was looking at cross drilled/slotted brembo rotors and some diff pads (low dust, better performance?). Haven't really done my homework yet, but I will def DIY. I would like to do everything at once though. So if I can get away with just doing the rear until the fronts need replacing too that would be ideal. What should I do?