[KingClifton]

Hi all,

My E90 LCI 320d needs new brakes. 7000km left on the rears and 14000 left on the fronts.

Few questions:

1. Dealer has said that both pads and rotors must be replaced as they are both designed to wear. Is this correct, or can I simply replace the pads and have the rotors machined?

2. Any recommendations for an independent specialist in Adelaide?

3. Looking at ordering the pads from the US (Porsche-driving friend has recommended pelicanparts.com) - anyone happen to have the part numbers for the 320d pads and rotors? As there isn't a US-market 320d, online retailers don't seem to have a match.

4. Any recommendations for a good aftermarket brand?

Thanks in advance,
Dave.

[naynay]

had my brakes and rotors changed at 79000kms. changed just the pads only at 95000km. working fine. should give u an idea. i did it myself and costed me less than $200 for a set of front pads

[naynay]

i used bendix pads from ebay. theres an aussie whole seller on there based in melbourne

[Scotty89]

i doubt the 320d runs a special brake kit different from the 320i.

Try Real OEM, get the part numbers based on your vehicle VIN - then try searching Pelican, ECS Tuning, FCP Euro using the manufacturers part.

As far as machining the rotors... I haven't noticed anything special about my e92 rotors, they look just like normal brake rotors to me? I had my e36 rotors machined and the guy who did it came to my house and job done for $40.

As long as your rotors aren't worn too thin, I'd think you could machine them no problem - unless theres something else I don't know about?

The dealership will of course tell you "Hey, you can't do that. You must buy our parts and pay us to fit them instead. Nothing else works."

Edit: As far as brand, I hear that EBC make some good pads - though I think they might be too aggressive.

My advice is don't be fooled by dustless pads - I switched from standard to dustless to avoid cleaning them every week, and the dustless pads screeched like a bitch on my e46. Granted, they didn't put dust all over the wheels though.

[samchuang33]

I thought the norm was to change the disc and pad at the same time but last service at 85,000ks BMW change the pads only for my rear brake. The said the disc was still good. My car is a 330d so maybe it is different to ur 320d.

[naynay]

the rear dont go through as much stresses as the front does unless you rip a lot of hand brakes

[Scotty89]

Originally Posted by naynay

the rear dont go through as much stresses as the front does unless you rip a lot of hand brakes

^This.

I must admit, driving with the hand brake on also wears the rotors faster than normal. Try not to do this.

[Max555]

I have had two situations where I had to rely on my brakes heavily and I am convinced that if i was still driving my honda I would not be here, or the car wouldn't be for sure. Part of owning a BMW is that the rotors are considered a consumable item just as the pads. Whilst we all try to save our hard earned, its the price we pay for the car we love to drive.