Help!!! Brake Pads

[bklynbadboy2007]

I have a 1995 BMW 318i and want to change the brakes with semi metallic after market pads. I was told I have to use BMW brake pads and I must change the rotors the same time or I will have squeaking and the brakes won't work properly. These are front brake pads.

Thanks,:cry:

[jason_recliner]

I'll bet you were told by a dealer.

A lot of guys here like "green stuffs" pads. Can't speak for them myself - yet. I have Bendix.

Rotors need machining if they're grooving badly (not like Disco Stu); they need replacing only if they're too thin.

[Edit:] Slight grooving or minor rippling in the rotor will be matched by the pads after they bed in. No pads or rotors are ever 100% flat for long.

[bklynbadboy2007]

Yea a guy that works for the BMW dealer does side work. He didn't even see the pads and said I need BMW pads and new rotors. He can get them at cost but I think I can do them myself with aftermarket Semi metallic or ceramic.

[PhilipWOT]

I've heard horror stories about semi-metallic pads eating through OEM rotors in no time. BMW brake rotors are softer than most, but I can't say from personal experience because I have BMW pads on my car for the time being.

[jason_recliner]

You can teel if you need rotors by measuring them.

Trying to find your min thickenss spec, but struggling.
But minimum thickness should be stamped on the rotor somewhere.

[bklynbadboy2007]

Thanks for the info. Have you heard anything about Brembo OE Brake Rotors?

[Pirate_copy]

I've heard horror stories about semi-metallic pads eating through OEM rotors in no time. BMW brake rotors are softer than most, but I can't say from personal experience because I have BMW pads on my car for the time being.

You can tell you work for a stealer!!!!

[PhilipWOT]

Hey man, the cheapest brakes I can buy are from work, so why would I buy anything else? I have a BMW technician putting new BMW rotors and BMW pads on my car as I type this and the entire endeavor is costing me $148, plus the cost of buying the tech lunch. Who could argue with that?

[Pirate_copy]

Since when was owning a BMW about saving money and going for the cheapest option????

[PhilipWOT]

Since when was owning a BMW about saving money and going for the cheapest option????

When the cheapest option is getting it done with OE parts at the dealership how could you go wrong?!

[ronpapworth]

The brake dust from the dealer pads is where you can go wrong. I hate how dusty mine are and can't wait to change to something else...

[Pirate_copy]

When the cheapest option is getting it done with OE parts at the dealership how could you go wrong?!

OEM stuff is not always the best...that is how!

Manufactures have to compromise and that is why SOME stuff is much better 3rd party. Brakes and rotors being one of them