BMW rotors should not be turned. Groves in rotor can result in pads wearing faster because of the groves etching the pads. Stopping distance will be better with smooth rotors against smooth pads.

How are they different from any other car?

They are thinner, not designed to be turned.

Luckily, E53 rotors are dirt cheap.

I can’t speak for post January E53’s. But my pre February 2002 X rotors were turned, and were still well within spec. I’m still running the original rotors at 99,000 miles, with no issues, and still in spec.

Regular brake fluid flushes though, every three years or so. Do not use cheap fluid, use the appropriate spec.

The specs say they have about 2mm range of thickness over their lifespan, which is the same as most cars. I just looked it up and that is standard for all Toyotas, as an example.



They are $80/each on the front and $40/each on the rears for the third-party versions (zimmerman or ATE). Those are definitely the most expensive rotors of any car I've ever owned by at least double.

You can save a fair bit on the front rotors, at least. You don't need to buy Zimmerman or ATE. Centric is totally fine. (I do prefer to spend a little extra to get coated rotors, though.)

I guess cheap is relative. They're REALLY cheap compared to what I'm used to paying.

Maybe that is just my bad for taking FCP's word for it rather than shopping around, LOL

FCP is generally 10 to 50% over other vendors. I buy a lot from them, but I also keep cars long enough to use the warranty.

This is a controversial topic/stance, but every BMW I own gets these brakes: Brakemotive kit. They have kits for all kinds of vehicles. Have installed them on my Dad's F10, Mom's Infiniti QX70, Mom's FX35, and at least 10 of my own vehicles. Can't beat the price.

They are ceramic pads so you give up a little initial bite, but unless you are tracking your car/truck, or are very specific about your brake feel as I know Nick is, they are an amazing option. Corvette guys track with them, which is how I found out about them. They have blanks too if you don't want slotted/drilled. I like the looks so get the "fancy" rotors, have never had one crack or warp.