Help me choose my brakes

[Ghost-Flame]

Should I go for these from ECS Tuning, our sponsor here or OEM BMW parts. I got 60,000 miles out of my last generic pads, rotors from Autozone. Do BMW rotors and pads get better mileage? Do they stop quicker? Are these below any good?

RPS Kit - Front - Brembo Rotors

ECS RPS Kit - Front, Brembo Rotors & EBC Redstuff Pads
Everything you need to service your brakes in an afternoon.
Brand: ES#:1306739 Mfg#: ECSE533411-4 Free Shipping Qty:
Ships in 1-3 days
$272.43

RPS Kit - Rear

ECS RPS Kit - Rear, Brembo Rotors & EBC Redstuff Pads
Everything you need to service your brakes in an afternoon.
Brand: ES#:1306741 Mfg#: ECSE533421-4 Free Shipping Qty:
Ships in 1-3 days
$214.95

[LeMansX5]

BMW pads are made by Textar and they are not any better in my expereince. I have the big 4.8is 356mm rotors in front and replaced with drilled rotors and EBC red stuff pads from ECS.

Don't think OEM rotors are any better than Brembo's in RPS kit.

[mike_dmt]

Maybe not related at all, but.. On my last BMW, which was an older E36, i went with Brembo drilled and slotted rotors. Chose the "best" pads from my local parts store.

Unfortunately they were crap. Too hard of a material, warped all 4 rotors in 5000 normal miles, no track days, just driving. Not to mention the pedal felt horrible.. no modulation, just felt numb.

So, had the rotors turned, bought the least expensive Autozone pads, and like magic, my little 325 felt like it was supposed to again.

[faranks]

I have tried many different brands in all my cars, and have had many poor results, especially in our X that has 150k. Recently I installed some Centric solid rotors (no drilling or slotting) and some StopTech Street Performance pads. After breaking them in correctly, they are the best street pads that I have ever had. I swore by EBC when I raced motorcycles, but have not tried them in a car. In terms of wet weather feedback, cold weather initial bite, and spirited back road rips, the StopTech pad has been really well rounded.

Here is a link to a really good break-in explanation... it is critical to realize the potential of whatever pad you use, and avoid the rotor warping phenomenon.

Stock Brake System Bed-in

[Ghost-Flame]

Originally Posted by faranks

I have tried many different brands in all my cars, and have had many poor results, especially in our X that has 150k. Recently I installed some Centric solid rotors (no drilling or slotting) and some StopTech Street Performance pads. After breaking them in correctly, they are the best street pads that I have ever had. I swore by EBC when I raced motorcycles, but have not tried them in a car. In terms of wet weather feedback, cold weather initial bite, and spirited back road rips, the StopTech pad has been really well rounded.

Here is a link to a really good break-in explanation... it is critical to realize the potential of whatever pad you use, and avoid the rotor warping phenomenon.

Stock Brake System Bed-in

These stoptechs look expensive as they are upgrades. I'm just looking for the best value oe without paying dealer prices.

[faranks]

I got them for $62 at partsgeek.com
part # 1185-05112716
they are much cheaper here than elsewhere for some reason.

[ArtMan]

I got Zimmermann Coated rotors for the front (rear is still good) and Akebono Brake Pad Set front.

I did the same for my sisters c230 sport and I am in love with the pads and rotor combo. I have put so far 6K and on hers its about 4K and so far so good. I actually did the proper brake in procedure on both and the dust is less than oem but i feels better than oem. either way I will be doing the same combo when its time again!!!

i get all parts from partsgeek.com or rockauto.com like the rotors were from rockauto.com since it was much cheaper plus free shipping...had a coupon!!

[Rado]

I recently bought front and back drilled and slotted rotors and ceramic brakes from ebay for around $300 and I've been extremely happy with it. Here is a current link I just found again on ebay
Performance Brake Rotors & Ceramic Pads Front and Rear | eBay

[faranks]

Originally Posted by Rado

I recently bought front and back drilled and slotted rotors and ceramic brakes from ebay for around $300 and I've been extremely happy with it. Here is a current link I just found again on ebay
Performance Brake Rotors & Ceramic Pads Front and Rear | eBay

I had also tried a similar combo pack off ebay....it was crap.
The pads couldn't bare the heat from the break-in, squealed and stunk every time they got warm, rotors felt warped in a matter of a couple months.

[Rado]

Originally Posted by faranks

I had also tried a similar combo pack off ebay....it was crap.
The pads couldn't bare the heat from the break-in, squealed and stunk every time they got warm, rotors felt warped in a matter of a couple months.

I guess it depends what you buy. Mine were from a local Chicago company and I had them for several months now and I can say those are so far the best rotors and brakes I ever had in any car I had. No squealing or vibration whatsoever and they stop like hell in dry and wet weather. I was skeptical at first as well, but I called the company and then talked to my local bmw show and the manager in the shop said he had installed several of those rotors and brakes and was very impressed as well the other owners of cars were happy with it. Just my 2c... sometimes it is worth trying something new and different...