[ADEe92]

I'm sure there are plenty of recommendations on here somewhere, but after a search I haven't found an Australian thread.

My brake pads are due for replacement in the next couple of thousand kms, and I was just wondering what people have tried / recommend. Really I'm after local options, as I can't be bothered importing.

I've been looking at a few different options - I presume that I will need to replace discs, pads and sensors as per all my previous BMWs, although how hard is the e9x on discs? Has anyone run two sets of pads / sensors through before replacing the discs? (I know I'll ultimately have to get the verniers out to check).

Traditionally I've just run Brembo blank discs and EBC pads in the past without any problems at all on my older BMWs.

Thinking of either running some DBA or Zimmerman blank discs + Bendix Europlus pads (the car is just a daily, so there'll be no track time, a bit less dust would be nice).

Alternatively I could go with some DBA T2 or T3 slotted discs + QFM pads, but on the diesel this might be a bit overkill really?!

Thanks

[BimmerLad]

Originally Posted by ADEe92

I'm sure there are plenty of recommendations on here somewhere, but after a search I haven't found an Australian thread.

My brake pads are due for replacement in the next couple of thousand kms, and I was just wondering what people have tried / recommend. Really I'm after local options, as I can't be bothered importing.

I've been looking at a few different options - I presume that I will need to replace discs, pads and sensors as per all my previous BMWs, although how hard is the e9x on discs? Has anyone run two sets of pads / sensors through before replacing the discs? (I know I'll ultimately have to get the verniers out to check).

Traditionally I've just run Brembo blank discs and EBC pads in the past without any problems at all on my older BMWs.

Thinking of either running some DBA or Zimmerman blank discs + Bendix Europlus pads (the car is just a daily, so there'll be no track time, a bit less dust would be nice).

Alternatively I could go with some DBA T2 or T3 slotted discs + QFM pads, but on the diesel this might be a bit overkill really?!

Thanks

When I first brought my E90 it had the most annoying break squeaking so I changed out all pads and disks (along with the two sensors) for Bosch stuff and you guessed it the squeak remained!

I never got that car silent and ended up selling it a year later. fast forward to my current E90 and it has silent breaks which happen to be OEM pads and disks.

From my experience I would say go OEM if you can find stuff at a good price but I'm sure my experience is a one off!

the sensors "have" to be replaced if the brake pad ware warning is on otherwise they "can" be reused although their cheap so get a set

Personally I would go OEM or OE but I have an automatic and it's the only way the car can be stopped

[Pinarelloman]

I also have a 320D, mine is auto.

In reference to the brakes, I was looking yesterday at the DBA catalogue only yesterday, and will probably go with the T3 rotors and QFM pads.

I currently run QFM pads in my Landcruiser, inconjuction with DBA slotted rotors. The rotors themselves made a huge difference to the braking on the Landcruiser.

[Gee-Dog]

Originally Posted by ADEe92

Thinking of either running some DBA or Zimmerman blank discs + Bendix Europlus pads.
Thanks

I'd steer well clear of Bendix pads. I put Bendix Euro+ front & rear pads in my wife's Merc last year, and can honestly say they were the worst brake pads I've ever used. They have no bite at all, and the car was actually dangerous to drive. They were fitted with new rotors, and bedded correctly. The best Bendix could suggest was not to use their pads with slotted disks (I hadn't) - they couldn't care less that their pads were crap.

I replaced them afetr a month or so with EBC Ulitmax pads, and had normal braking again. I'll never buy Bendix again - crap pads, crap after sales service.

[Socket]

Akebono pads are great and dust free
Pretty reasonably priced too
They were my choice for pad when running stock brakes

http://www.akebonobrakes.com.au/akeb...log/index.html

[Trev88]

DBA T2 and akebono
Also on driving a 320D

[ADEe92]

Thanks guys - didn't realise you could source Akebono pads in Australia - sounds like the T2s and Akebonos are probably what I'll go for then to save on cleaning the wheels a bit!

Any trouble with squealing Trev?

[Trev88]

Originally Posted by ADEe92

Thanks guys - didn't realise you could source Akebono pads in Australia - sounds like the T2s and Akebonos are probably what I'll go for then to save on cleaning the wheels a bit!

Any trouble with squealing Trev?

No issues at all. Make sure you run those pads in especially if coming off stock ones! Didn't brake as good until ran in properly!

[ADEe92]

Will do - driving my e30, the tiny brakes feel downright dangerous vs. the e92, so should be able to cope with it

[juld0zer]

If you want close to genuine feel, I would use a European OE brand. Good bang for buck is Remsa/Roadhouse. TRW is a bit dearer and Textar more. The genuine pads are ridiculously bitey and I am yet to find an equally responsive pad. They are also quite expensive and dusty.
I've never really had a great experience with Bendix on Euro cars. They fit fine but just feel so different that it becomes concerning for the customer. They are also cheap and readily available.

Use brake pad paste on metal contact sufaces (look at the old pads for the areas where the paint has worn away to get an idea).

For discs, DBA plains are fine. Zimmermann is another popular option. I suggest these as they have an OE-like anti corrosion coating. I am currently using Protex discs with Roadhouse pads. No issues, no noise.

[ADEe92]

Thanks - I ended up ordering Zimmermann discs and pads as they came out considerably cheaper than anything else.

I've run Protex discs on my e30 before and they were good - cheap, no issues.

[Antho86]

DBA rotors and EBC redstuff pads, great braking - no squeaking...

...but tons of brake dust, I would not buy these pads again unless you love washing your wheels

[Socket]

Akebono pads if you don’t want dust

[KingClifton]

Only ever used the BMW parts, but had excellent results. No squeal and only moderate brake dust.

An independent BMW specialist has recommend Ate saying that these are an OEM part.

My original pads + discs lasted 80,000km (replaced with BMW parts). Replaced rear pads at 120,000. Now done 170,000 and according to the wear indicator, the fronts still have a 5000km left and the rears have 30k+.