Should I buy these inexpensive rotors, or am I just asking for trouble?

[clubba]

Let me preface this by saying that I'm a little short on funds right now so I am being forced to make sub-optimal decisions. The X is in need of new tires as well, so that doesn't help.

I am shopping for new rotors and pads. In the past I've used Brembo rotors and been happy, but I was just looking at US Auto Parts (where I've bought my components in the past) and noticed they have "OE Comparable, OE Replacement" rotors for $30/each for the front and $15/each for the rear. Obviously that price point is tempting, but am I just asking for trouble here? This vehicle is solely a grocery-getter. My wife drives it around the city and it is never driven/braked hard. Please remember I have limited funds and other pressing expenses.

Thanks!

[sasquatch]

It really depends on who/where they are made. Generally speaking, the "low cost" rotors are made using a low carbon steel which does not standup to brake abuse like higher quality OE rotors. That's not to say they won't work....they just won't last as long as the OE rotors and you might have problems with deposits and bedding in the pads. If cost is that important you should be fine.

Just make sure you buy a decent set of rotors from a reputable company like Brembo, Raybestos, etc.

[clubba]

Here are the links to the ones I am considering (this link is for APW - they are a bit cheaper at USAP).
2000-2006 BMW X5 Brake Disc - Replacement REPB271108 - Front, OE comparable, OE replacement

2004-2006 BMW X5 Brake Disc - Replacement REPB271109 - Rear, OE comparable, OE replacement

[gitchies]

wow thats super cheap pricing....who knows...i just bought some from Napa autoparts here locally...120 each....

[clubba]

Originally Posted by gitchies

wow thats super cheap pricing....who knows...i just bought some from Napa autoparts here locally...120 each....

"who knows" is exactly the person I'm trying to find!

[vegasX5]

I don't know those do look very inexpensive. I always buy my parts through autohausaz, and I just looked at their website to find they now offer what looks like the same priced rotor as well:

http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...isc/BrakeRotor

I normally buy the Zimmerman or Brembo, but these guys always stand behind what they sell so if you weren't pleased they're easy to work with. For grocery getter duty, I'd say they could work, but I'm not sure I'd want to trust them to hard driving or track days.

[CTSportX5]

Thats way too cheap. One thing I have learned a time or two is that you pay for what you get. Stopping the truck is priority number one. I wouldnt skimp here, but that may just be me. I'd figure $50 would be the lowest I would trust. I bought my rotors for about $70 each..

EDIT: Looking at the links they suggest the retail value is way more. Who knows, give em a whirl. I bet they would last a while.

[m5james]

Originally Posted by clubba

"who knows" is exactly the person I'm trying to find!

If you're just looking for a thumbs up on being cheap on a part that is essential for stopping your 5000+ lb SAV, then don't let us stop you. Hard driving or not, you're still stopping a lot of weight... but she is only your wife, right. I understand about trying to save a few bucks, trust me, but some places I won't go without something that has been proven in the past....no name China rotors/pads isn't one of them.

The problem with them is that you won't know until your an undertermined amount of miles in, then they've become warped, costing you more in the end once you have to replace them as well. Same reason I use synthetic...more expensive up front, cheaper in the long haul. Good some good rotors and avoid potential issues.

On a side note in regards to your location, the Pacific NW is a big area. I just did a customers 2001 330ci w/ slotted rotors, pads, brakes flushed and my labor for $300. If you want help and/or need a good mechanic, I'm in Kenmore or Edmonds.

[TEMA]

what you need to be looking at is the thickness of the sides (the thicker the better) also space in between, the middle, the smaller it is the better. personally i went with zimmermans and hawks hps pads because there was a lot of good feedback on both of those products. but my thing is that when i drive i feel confident in my set up, meanning i can tailgate someone in the left lane until they pull over, knowing that if they brake i too will brake but will come to a stop faster than they are.

[m5james]

Thicker doesn't guarantee anything towards better quality...they're just thicker.

I agree that the Zimmermann and Hawk's is a good combo. I'm still on stock rotors, and naturally I'm completely forgetting what pads I'm, but they're dustless and they work great.