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3-Series (E36)Chat relating to the BMW 3-Series from 1992-1999. Autodoodad
Specific models include: BMW 316i, BMW 318i, BMW 318iS/ti, BMW 320, BMW 323, BMW 320, BMW 324, BMW 325, BMW 328.
I know that warped rotors are common in these cars... why is this problem common among BMW's? I think it's crazy that BMW's have warped rotors yet a Ford truck wouldn't... hmm.
__________________ <img src='http://www.williamsmusicservices.com/sig.jpg' border='0' alt='user posted image' />
1996 318i | Manual Transmission | HK Sound w/ Pioneer TouchScreen AVH-P5700 HU | Sport Package | Custom CAI
| 16' BMW Rims | New Paint Job | New tailights and sidemarkers |
Warped rotors are caused by the specific driving conditions. If there is a lot of stop and go traffic, where brakes are heavily used, then your brakes are constantly putting a lot of changing pressure and heat to your rotors. If the heat that is generated by braking is not properly dissipated, the rotor may cool at an uneven rate. If a rotor does not cool down evenly it will lose its flat round shape.
If you wanna shell out and invest in a good braking system, get a Brembo brake kit with cross drilled rotors. Those slots or holes you see in high performance rotors dissipate gases and heat better than stock. Good luck!
Another thing that helps to speed the warping process is when your rotors are getting worn down. Just like what Cary said, they get hot spots and cool unevenly. But with worn rotors there's even less mass to dissapate the heat so they heat up and cool more quickly and unevenly.
Kevin
P.S. My rotors are warping because they're getting to the end of their lives. I also have another vibration from my quibo going bad.
__________________ Kevin (President TBEA)
"WAAAAAAARRRRRIORS, come out to plaaaaay."
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