Rotors: Zimmerman. Period.

 

I recommend Zimmermann rotors and Akebono pads. But any decent pad will do.

 

EBC rotors and pads are good. I have used them on most my vehicles with no problem.

There is an EBC vendor thread on the site. They do giveaways on pads sometimes. They also will give you a discount.

They are a British company as well. Might actually cost you less in the UK.

 

Link to EBC vendor forum and profile on here.

EBC Brakes

www.e46fanatics.com

EBC Brakes

www.e46fanatics.com

 

Zimmerman rotors and anything except EBC pads...

Just kidding. I was one of the EBC pads winners here a few months back. I have the Red pads on Zimmerman rotors. Have about 1500 miles on them so far. Strong, smooth, and consistent feel, very low brake dust so far. Actually, surprisingly low brake dust to be honest.

 

That's what I noticed about the EBC pads too. Less dust residue.

Unless you are doing track day stuff any regular rotor from a reputable brand will do.

 

Powerstop coated rotors are decent to save a few bucks

Unless you're tracking why go crazy ,it's a rotor

Textar pads

 

Another vote for Zimmerman rotors and Akebono pads.

 

Thanks for all of the input guys, looks like I'm going to go with Zimmerman rotors and EBC pads.

 

ATE or Brembo

 

I use Balo rotors when I can get them, and Textar pads. But I don't mind dust, and love the Textar bite and heat resistance.

t

 

Big fan of the Zimmerman solid rotors + akebono pads

 

Zimmerman Akebono combo here too.

 

Thank you guys for the recommendations, @seamus i'm glad you're enjoying our low dust Redstuff.

Our full BMW range can be found at the two below links, along with a pad breakdown for application. 10% discount available for the below suppliers only with code FORUM10USER

USA Supplier
UK Supplier

Ultimax - OEM replacement, low dust, eco-friendly non metallic pad. Easy on rotors.

Greenstuff - entry level upgrade from OEM, not track capable. Medium/Low dust. Eco-friendly material

Redstuff – Organic blend, lowest dust & kind on rotors, better friction than Green. For higher HP &/or heavier cars (sedans etc) Ceramic particle enhanced, NOT ceramic fibres. Long lasting, not track capable

Yellowstuff - Street performance, great friction for spirited driving, works from cold, works best when hot. Takes longer to bed. Not low dust.

Blue - Hybrid Street & track pad. High friction street pad capable of track days. Works great from cold. Quicker bedding. Not low dust. 0.52mu coefficient & 0.42mu coefficient available for some rear applications (lighter cars)

 

Sometimes us guys get our panties all twisted about what is the 'best' brake pad. Thus is life. My personal, great and very long experience has been with Hawk pads.

+ HPS for street (clean and solid on the street)

+ HP+ (mild track use if you're beginning. Squeally on the street), Blues (TRACK ONLY - take out if you drive the car home) VERY aggressive but great stopping power & consistency once in their proper heat range)

+ HT-10 (much the same as the Blues) many think are kinder to the rotors than the Blues.

+ https://www.tirerack.com/brakes/brand.jsp?brand=Hawk (I think 10% off right now on some of them)

+ Zimmermann rotors: Yes for me too. (good metallurgy is EVERYTHING when it comes to brake rotors!

As soon as I get a car (new/pre-owned) I swap out whatever pads it has and replace with HPS. A good number of my buddies do the same.

NOTE: At least with Hawks, DO THE BEDDING AS THE BOX DIRECTS!!! It's get stinky & maybe a bit smoky & you'll cover some distance doing it but that is the curing you want to get the best performance out of both the rotor and the pad.

Be well!

 

I installed the Zimmerma/Akebono on the front of my E92 and am impressed, the bite is very good and brake dust is a thing of the past.

 

As you're in the UK and not USA then EBC would be the top brand for quality on both rotors and pads, next down for normal everyday driving would be Brembo, they have a sport range too. Mintex ain't too bad either and so are Ferodo. The USA has a lot of aftermarket manufacturers that many may not be available in the UK.

 

Zimmermann rotors and Textar or Jurid (OEM pads) they produce some dust but have the best grip and they are oe parts. Exactly the same like bmw brand you can get from the dealer.

 

Akebono Euro Brake Pad vs. Textar 2318302
Bite, non-squeak, low dust. Are these alternative pads rate well for these characteristics?

They price well but not sure of the choice being a 1st time buyer of pads. Your advice is appreciated.