New rotors - ECS or Centric?

[we350z]

Interesting thread on this subject on one of those other BMW forums from 6 years ago...

Man that price sure is alluring but I'm worried about how long they will last. Clanking sounds in the cold doesn't sound good at all.

[we350z]

I'm leaning towards Zimmeman Drilled Rotors (confused about different coatings) and Akebono pads.

[StephenVA]

Originally Posted by Clockwork

No I believe the Z23 line is the high performance line, according to rockauto.

You are correct. The z17 is the one I am running on my X5 and have installed two other sets on daily drivers who are like the OP easy with their brakes and do not drive hard 100% on the street. I coast up to lights letting the trans do the braking for me. I don't think the brakes every get to 125 degrees!
Good choice for daily driver who does not think they are on a race track.

[we350z]

OK then I think these are for me! I mainly engine brake / down shift - maybe I have been conditioned due to learning on MT and seemingly constant suspension / brake / tire / rim issues causing steering wheel vibrations. For me brakes are for emergencies and stopping at red lights / stop signs around town

Some people are brake happy. They shall remain nameless but you know who they are.

Is the StopTech Z17 similar to the Akebono Ceramic pad? How does the bite nd dust characteristic compare?

Originally Posted by StephenVA

You are correct. The z17 is the one I am running on my X5 and have installed two other sets on daily drivers who are like the OP easy with their brakes and do not drive hard 100% on the street. I coast up to lights letting the trans do the braking for me. I don't think the brakes every get to 125 degrees!
Good choice for daily driver who does not think they are on a race track.

[StephenVA]

Originally Posted by we350z

OK then I think these are for me! I mainly engine brake / down shift - maybe I have been conditioned due to learning on MT and seemingly constant suspension / brake / tire / rim issues causing steering wheel vibrations. For me brakes are for emergencies and stopping at red lights / stop signs around town

Some people are brake happy. They shall remain nameless but you know who they are.

Is the StopTech Z17 similar to the Akebono Ceramic pad? How does the bite nd dust characteristic compare?

I would say yes.
Why: Good cold bite, aprox 80-90% of OE. After install, I was hard pressed to feel any difference on the first cold stop. The dust is 10% of my OE pads, very normal consistent bite on medium to hard stopping. Does not need a warm up like metallic or race type pads which always feel like you should drag your foot out the door to make sure the first stop even happens. I have 5,000 on mine over 1 year. Hard slowdowns/stops on the hi ways are without drama, the city/town driving which is 80% of my wheel time, everything is golden. Spirited drives are by nature fun fun fun.

No I have not done any 100+ repeated stops as that is not my driving style in a SAV.

[StephenVA]

You will see a little rotor "bluing" from my break in stops, in the photo above. Normal.

[we350z]

SOLD. What rotors are those?

[Clockwork]

they look like the Centric brand rotors.

[StephenVA]

Correct assumption:
Rotors for your application
Part Description/Flavor Position Part No. Per Car Qty 2
Brake Discs Premium High Carbon Rotor Front 125.34050
Brake Discs Premium High Carbon Rotor Rear 125.34051

Current pricing from RockAuto
CENTRIC 12534050 High Carbon Alloy $58.99 (FRONTS)
CENTRIC 12534051 High Carbon Alloy $43.79 (REAR)

Manufacturer's Info: Centric Premium black rotors feature Original Equipment specifications and production processes. These Centric rotors are manufactured to meet QS and ISO Quality System Standards. Centric premium rotors utilize an Electrocoating finish that provides long lasting corrosion protection. E-coating is a superior electro-statically applied finish designed to withstand 400 hours of salt water exposure without rusting.

Mine have been on one year with approx 5,000 miles of use. Mostly what I call Town and Country driving as I live in the close in suburbs and have a very short drive to most client locations for meetings. I take her out monthly when weather is nice for a 2 hrs or so run to keep things clean. Otherwise, she sits under a cover, freshly detailed, with a Battery tender on. I like all my stuff super clean, so she has a Hard Life....

[srmmmm]

Originally Posted by admranger

I also have the Akebono ceramic pads all around Running on BMW rotors (previous owner had extended maintenance so I got new rotors and factory pads (which are great pads, just dusty as heck). Put the Akebono's on and never looked back (and my wheels look clean all the time!).

I installed Akebono pads and Brembo rotors at 63,000 miles. The first set of pads lasted 163,000 miles (and really could have gone another 10,000), and I currently have 234,000 miles on the rotors with no appreciable wear. And absolutely no dust!.

I have found the Akebonos do not have the initial bite of the OEM pads and require a bit higher pedal pressure, but they are very linear during application and have never exhibited any heat related fade.

2002 X5 3.0 297,200 miles
2014 428i 15,900 miles

2004 325i sold at 123,600 miles
2001 325i sold at 66,000 miles