[heartsick]

Was wondering if anyone has had any experience with this combo, been looking into new rotors as one of my brake pads are unfortunately warped

Have scouted around and noticed most people run Akebono pads with Zimmerman Rotors but I'm looking for OEM bite.

Also if anyone has any recommendations for potential upgraded brake kit ideas it would be greatly appreciated if thrown this way.

Car in question - 2010 E90 328i N51 (i do a little bit of track driving)

[ppointer]

I have been happily using Zimmerman rotors and stock BMW pads for years.

I recently went with Akebono street performance and StopTech slotted rotors on my Infiniti SUV, and I like them way better than the stock Nissan pads and rotors. Seem to be better stopping power, but that is just subjective. I don't plan on doing any objective measurements. Just know that next time I need brakes on that SUV, I'll be going with Akebono and StopTech.

I have an '01 M roadster that I had on the track one time - I have years of track experience with bikes, but little with cars. The first thing that made itself known is that my stock brakes were not up to my level of track ability, which for cars would be intermediate. I had racing brake fluid and steel brake lines installed prior to the track day, but rotors quickly over-heated. Fade wasn't too much of a problem, but the heat definitely distorted them and took away much of the fun.

My plan right now is to go with Akebono street pads and some rotors that are aggressive but streetable from StopTech. Probably drilled and slotted, but going to do a bit more research before I pull that trigger. I do not intend to go stock with that car, and also do not intend to do any more track days with it. If I were serious about doing track days, I would have a dedicated car for that, just as I did with a dedicated, track-prepped motorcycle back in the day.

I think if I were planning track days with my street car, I would consider shelling out for some rotors that are designed for moderate track use. StopTech has some models designed specifically for street and track. Then I would have both a set of street and a set of track pads, and would swap in the track pads prior to heading to the track. If you don't like the approach of different pads against one set of rotors, then I would consider also swapping the rotors with the pads prior to a track day.

Looking forward to seeing some other suggestions on this thread.

[Brian86]

Every brake rotor is compatible with every brake pad. It really doesn't matter.

Different pads have different characteristics. Some rotors are cheap junk but there is basically a ceiling where they don't get any better.

Zimmerman makes a nice high quality blank at the ceiling for OE solid disks. Been using them on the race car ever since Brembo quality control went to garbage.

[Shoooter_j]

Been using this combo with HPS 5.0 pads for the past 7+ years with no issues. You may want to change pads for the track but this combo is great for the street. Not as aggressive feeling as the initial OEM bite but a very linear feeling pad, which I prefer.

[Jaronbwall]

I've been running stock rotors with HPS 5.0 pads for about 2 years. Absolutely love it. Less brake dust and perfect for spirited curvy street driving.
The stock rotors and brakes are under powered for track use if that's your goal. I'd upgrade the calipers and rotors if I was tracking.

[tcphoto]

I bought the Zimmerman/Akebono Ceramic kit from FCPEuro and am happy with them.

[The Nightman]

For OEM bite and feel, I would stick with pads that have ECE R90 certification. They'll meet a minimum standard but certain brands such as Textar exceed them

https://tmdfriction.com/ece-r-90-reg...d-brake-drums/

Experienced terrible initial bite and pedal feel with Akebonos on another vehicle. Much better after replacing them with Textars but I have to live with the brake dust.

[zero2sixtyZ]

Fan of the Hawk HPS 5.0 pads personally. Purchased from FCP. Paired with the R1Concepts slotted rotors. No noise, dust isn't bad. Still strong after 3 years / 35k. Got them for the X5 too.

Had a bad experience with the Akebonos where the pads weren't sized right, moving around in the calipers, clicking on reverse, etc.

[sd306]

heartsick
Was just about to post these up for sale if you are interested? They are brand new and forgot I order them long ago (car died before installed).
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-zimmerma...4116855000kt1/

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-hawk-par...hb551b.748~hk/

[trohde78]

Originally Posted by zero2sixtyZ

Fan of the Hawk HPS 5.0 pads personally. Purchased from FCP. Paired with the R1Concepts slotted rotors. No noise, dust isn't bad. Still strong after 3 years / 35k. Got them for the X5 too.

Had a bad experience with the Akebonos where the pads weren't sized right, moving around in the calipers, clicking on reverse, etc.

I had the same issue many years ago with Akebonos on my '09 e92. Reinstalled them many times before swapping them out for Hawk HPS, and that issue went away immediately.

[crashoverride]

Another vote for Hawk HPS 5.0 I've been using Centric rotors as I prefer the painted center for a rust free look.

Much better than the factory. Low dust and much better looking rotors. For actually cheaper than factory parts.

[sd306]

Originally Posted by sd306

heartsick
Was just about to post these up for sale if you are interested? They are brand new and forgot I order them long ago (car died before installed).
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-zimmerma...4116855000kt1/

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-hawk-par...hb551b.748~hk/

Closing the loop on the rotors. They are sold, still have the break pads.

[heartsick]

Apologies for the late reply to everyone, thank you for the replies i have figured out my choices, thanks for all of the great replies

[psubmw]

Originally Posted by trohde78

I had the same issue many years ago with Akebonos on my '09 e92. Reinstalled them many times before swapping them out for Hawk HPS, and that issue went away immediately.

I also had akebonos at one point and they made noise when I would reverse direction. I switched to another brand and the noise went away.