Best Brake/Rotor Combo? - BMW Forum

collinsjaredl325ci · 03-22-2010, 06:40 PM

I need to replace the brakes and rotors on my 2004 BMW 325ci coupe, as I have little experience purchasing these products I was wondering what combinations you all have found to work the best and where I might get the best deal for them.

Thanks in advance for the help.

Dizzyvin · 03-26-2010, 03:30 PM

Hey ive got the exact car with 86,000 miles now on her, sorry i dont have an answer for you because i havent done mine yet but let me know what you do and how it works out for ya. Im curious too cause mine are gonna need replacing also. How do you like your car?

collinsjaredl325ci · 03-26-2010, 03:39 PM

I love it, right at 70k miles and need to get ready to replace them soon. Usually brakes last about 60k miles so I don't mind dropping a little change on these new ones.

Dizzyvin · 03-27-2010, 11:52 AM

I know its only a 325ci, but to me its like drivn an M3, i love it. I came from an 2004 maxima into this. Ill never go back!!! lol...I bought her with 42k and now shes got 86k on her. Just nervous somethings gonna go wrong. Im having a lock problem which is the only problem im expeiriencing, sometimes when the door is closed the dashboard vehicle analysis still thinks the door is open, hence, factory alarm going off at night, interior dome light comes on. Its a Pain, but its the 1st problem im having with her, im thinking its the door latch, gonna do some further research tho. Well goodluck with your whip bro, let me know what setup you decide to go with on your pads and rotors. Depending how it works out for you, i might just use the same setup!

RoadsterMadness · 03-27-2010, 12:40 PM

Silly kids - there is only one name in premium auto braking - BREMBO. If you can't afford a big brake kit, buy rotors and some of the less expensive stuff, but that is your answer. I have 4 piston Brembo big brake kit on my Z3 and 6 piston Brembo Gran Turismos on my E46 M3. You won't be disappointed. Good luck.

drz · 03-27-2010, 01:14 PM

You don't need a big brake kit on a stock 325Ci. Get solid rotors: unless you're tracking the car, drilled or slotted rotors are pretty much worthless for us common folk running stock. I usually get the rotors from Brembo (Zimmerman is also good), and you can get good pads from Pagid, Mintex, or Akebono. Stay away from Ate pads -- they create a lot of dust.

RoadsterMadness · 03-27-2010, 01:27 PM

Agree completely if that was not clear in my prior post. Get the Brembo rotors (not too expensive) and I'd recommend the Pagid pads or Mintex. Don't know hat kid of wheels you have, but front brakes do the bulk of the stopping so watch those carefully and don't let the brake dust build up too bad before you clean it as it can damage the rims. BREMBO.

drz · 03-27-2010, 01:46 PM

^^ I just don't want the n00bs to break the bank trying to keep up with you...

RoadsterMadness · 03-27-2010, 03:42 PM

LMAO. Like I said - CAR WHORE - I try and live (as far as my wife and mortgage allow) to do things the right/best way the first time. They don't need Brembo big brake kits for stock 325ci's, and it is nice that they can buy great quality rotors and pads, inludong Brembos, for a nice low price.

Now folks, about making your cars faster and more powerful...let's talk...

drz · 03-27-2010, 04:05 PM

Oh, yeah. I forgot about vendors to recommend: fcpgroton.com (our sponsor), pelicanparts.com, autohausaz.com, bavauto.com.

Dizzyvin · 03-27-2010, 05:15 PM

Thanks gentlemen for all the advice, my 325ci certainly isnt no racecar, but i love her and its the best car ive eva driven for the money, M3 is deff no joke, if i think my car handles and performs well, i could only imagine how an M3 performs. As for the brakes i think im just going to buy some blank rotors and hawk pads. Did a little bit of research and that'll be sufficient. However i am curious about what you guys mentioned bout making my car faster? Is that possible in a 325CI? If so, what should i look into? turbo maybe? Can it be fitted with one? is it worth it? Please if you gentlemen have some time answer this. Im highly interested. Thankyou in advance!

drz · 03-27-2010, 05:43 PM

Supercharger kits are available. Is it worth it? It depends on how much you value spirited driving. If you do go with forced induction, I would recommend that you upgrade to bigger brakes.

Good luck!

RoadsterMadness · 03-27-2010, 05:48 PM

Oh boy Daniel - NOW I've done it...

ok - very quickly as I'm short on time. A turbo is usually VERY expensive, and BMW's usually are more supercharger friendly. Even a SC will cost at least 5K just for the kit, then you need install, upgrade brakes and suspension, on and on and this gets pricey and time consuming - especially for a car with 86K miles on it. I'd suggest a shark injector, bigger manifold, a nice performance chip and cold air intake as starting points. Take a look at the beautiful mods JohnnyBayonne has done to his E36 - a true transformation and labor of love. FYI I spent almost $20K on supercharging my Z3. A long list of stuff. There are plenty of smaller things you can do. Check this forum or some of the vendors listed by dr Z above for some more ideas. Good luck!

Dizzyvin · 03-28-2010, 01:31 PM

Thanks for all the useful info i appreciate it all. Do you guys think an air intake will make a lil difference? Im trying to take out my cousins 2001 lexus IS300...lol, His lex has 214HP mine 184, we havent raced yet. Just looking to shock him.

yammahamma · 04-13-2010, 03:30 PM

You guys liked Pagid? I had those on the e30 and I've NEVER had a louder, dustier brake pad....maybe I'm just remembering it worse than it was.

Also, Do you guys ever get your rotos turned instead of buying new ones?