Rotate/refinsh Rotors - BMW Forum

sardar · 04-08-2005, 04:12 PM

Need some expert advice, do you think i need to get new rotors or can they be resurfaced. Have 70,000km on my 320i and break pads and rotors were changed at around 48,000km. Is there a possiblity resurfacing should do the job.

Regards,
Sardar B)

sardar · 04-08-2005, 09:57 PM

ne one?

doughboyea · 04-08-2005, 11:58 PM

Sardar, I'm no "expert" but what makes you think that you need new rotors? 22k km isn't really alot unless your abusing your car.
Many mechanics will tell you that "BMW rotors are thin as it is, resurfacing isn't recommended....."
I'd say, just get a new set of OEM rotors, that is, if you need them and pads.

Then again, you may only need pads, the rotors usually last longer than the pads. If the rotors get down to a certain thinkness, i dont' remember what, thats when you would need to replace them.

Dough

bryan1970 · 04-09-2005, 01:23 AM

yeah BMW doesn't turn the rotors they just replace them. just because as doughboyea siad they are already pretty thin when it come to rotors in general. plus sometimes you can casue more problems by having them turned if they aren't done right. usually the front rotors can last for about two sets of pads. if you don't have any vibration or the rotors aren't discolored then i'd say that they are fine. if you could give us your theory on why you think your rotors need to be replaced that would be really helpful.

peterkulesza · 04-09-2005, 11:28 AM

imho, if you resurface, they WILL warp.

so, if ok now, just change pads. if not ok (scored, vibration etc etc), get new rotors. front only, back lasts for ever.

doughboyea · 04-09-2005, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by peterkulesza@Apr 9 2005, 11:28 AM
get new rotors. front only, back lasts for ever.

[snapback]329065[/snapback]

Almost :P

sardar · 04-09-2005, 08:17 PM

Thanks guys.... i guess ill tell the guy to change just the front rotors, the car does vibrate when i break at high speeds (110k+)

-sardar

doughboyea · 04-09-2005, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sardar@Apr 9 2005, 08:17 PM
Thanks guys.... i guess ill tell the guy to change just the front rotors, the car does vibrate when i break at high speeds (110k+)

-sardar

[snapback]329215[/snapback]

Do it yourself... save the cash..... it's very easy. Just need a jack and minor tools and of course the rotor and pads.

Dough

sardar · 04-10-2005, 11:19 PM

I am planing on changing the front rotots and breaks as per ur guys suggestion.... now i need some further adive.... What rotors would u reccomend and what break pads, dont wanna spend too much but dont wanna buy crap either. Thanks!

bryan1970 · 04-11-2005, 12:06 AM

don't go with any less quality that factory parts. the brake system isn't an area where you should realy compromise quality and price. afterall the brakes are what can keep you out of harms way.

doughboyea · 04-11-2005, 09:18 AM

Are you even sure that you actually do need to replace the rotor? Do you know what a good/bad rotor looks like (wear wise?) A rotor isn't really that expensive, but why get a new one if you don't really need it.

I don't know if this site sells BMW factory parts. THough this is where I've purchased parts for my older benz back in October. I got a whole set of rotors, pads, and sensors for just over $220 I beleive it was.

For a (assumed) 2000 320i rotors: price range from $55 to $205 for the front pair.
Front Pair of Rotors
and Pads range from $50 to $77.
Brake Pads, Front.
Don't forget the sensor.
~$15
Brake Sensor, Front

When I ordered my brakes from them, shipping was free. Remember, I don't know whether anyone consideres these as factory parts or purly aftermarket. I honestly don't know, but I guess it'll be a start. Hopefully, if this site isn't what others consider factory, then they'd post one that was. Going to the dealer for ANY part is expensive, imo.

Dough

doughboyea · 04-11-2005, 09:23 AM

I should add.... there is a dealer that some have gone to for thier parts with good recommendations, they mail them to you I believe. The dealer is called Circle BMW:
Circle BMW
You'll have to contact them for more pricing information. I have no experience with them, but I'm just throwing it at you incase they'll have the price that you're looking for for factory parts.

Dough

sardar · 04-11-2005, 08:50 PM

Thanks alot for the help dough. I was guessing the rotors need to be changed due to crazy shaking when i brake at 110k+ speeds. Would u know what brands are good other then BMW oem parts.

Thanks,
Saradar

doughboyea · 04-11-2005, 11:14 PM

No idea man, that goes a bit beyond my experience, but personally, for myself, I would just buy from that site. To me, brakes are brakes. A peice of carved metal from a lathe. It's not like you'll buy a rotor and it'll fly off as your driving....I could be wrong of course, but I've never heard of that. Perhaps someone else could better answer that....

I see that Brembo is on there, they are highly reputable, however, they're also highly expensive.

That shaking does sound like warped rotors. Does it pull to one side or does it just shake. I had a problem with the orignial brakes that when applied, the car would shift to one side, when pressed more, it would straighten out. In the end it was a combo of a few things. Severly worn down pads, slightly bent rim, AND busted control arm bushings. All got fixed, now she stops on a dime, however, got rapped as I never knew it was so simple to changed the brakes youself.

Good Luck

Dough

sardar · 04-11-2005, 11:25 PM

thanks again dough, mybe this requirs a new thread on brake pad and rotor reviews

sardar