[ashmostro]

I just replaced my stock rotors and pads with ECS Geomet slotted rotors, and RacingBrake XT910 pads. The pads are supposed to be an in-between pad for aggressive street and very light HPDE use. I will most likely just use these on the street, though I will try them out on the track next month to see what level of heat they can handle. If they can't, I'll run a true track pad when at the track.

I've run ET800 RacingBrake pads (as well as ET500's) and found the 800s very good on the street, though I still managed to smear them once. I think I'm a pretty aggressive braker, so that's why I'm trying this new (to me) compound.

As you can see from the pics, the pads haven't yet fully mated to the rotors (you can see where the Geomet coating hasn't yet been worn off near the rotor center), so I haven't done any aggressive bedding yet. That said, the combo is quiet at can be, even in really cold weather. I do *always* use Permatex high-temp ceramic grease on the pad-to-caliper contact surfaces (don't go overboard with this!), so that tends to keep my braking systems quiet in most conditions and allows me to run more aggressive compounds on the street.

Initial bite is as good if not better than stock pads, and the pedal is *much* stiffer, which is awesome because I don't like a soft pad at all.

I did not bleed the fluid when I did this install, to keep the variables fixed.

Will post up more here as I get the pads bedded and can give a more informed review. In the meantime, I'm happy to answer any questions.

Pics:

[Rollo`]

very nice...looking forward to your long term evaluation....

[StealYourFace]

Looks sharp. Why not do a bed in process? It's effective, and fun quite frankly

I did slotted rotors on my 330i and my car before that... In both experiences I would get a light vibe/hum after about 10,000 miles. They look cool, but not worth the NHV for me.

Maybe I just got the wrong ones ?

[ashmostro]

You don't want to to do a true bed until the pads are fully and evenly contacting the rotors or you risk pad hotspotting, and even smearing the rotors. There's no downside to waiting, but there is for doing it too hard, too soon.

As for noise, yes slotted rotors will hum, and will buzz when you brake harder but I personally like that sound and feeling. Also, I chose slotting specifically for its ability to automatically deglaze the pads, and to promote more even- albeit accelerated- pad wear. I don't like loud squeal but that's unrelated to slotting- blanks will do it too if you select the wrong compound or do a poor installation (i.e. not using the right pad lubricant, or not cleaning the contact areas of the calipers before installing the new pads).

[dachtor]

I bought a 335is a week ago and I also plan to track it quite a bit. I've already ordered a square set of 18x8.5's with Mich SS 255/35/18 tires that will be my primary track setup. Brakes are next. How do you like these Rotors so far? Any track time yet?

PS - I'm a little overwhelmed right now with the "mods", but I'm hoping tires and brakes make a huge difference. Following your other thread for sure.

[ashmostro]

Congrats on your new ride! My first track day will be at the end of March, so no I haven't had a chance to really push these brakes yet. I'm anticipating that these pads will fade near the end of the session. I'm considering making some proper brake ducts that feed to the hub as they should. Depends on if I have much time after doing the LSD and the coolers.

Ideally I'd do a track wheel and tire setup like you did, but I didn't want to budget that in with the other items I want to do taking a higher priority (for me).

Overall though I have no issues or gripes about these rotors. They do what they are supposed to, and I like having slots to clear the brake pad surface regularly. They pedal feel is still great, and you can tell them when there's a bit of heat put into them their friction levels go up maybe 35%. At low speeds and coming to a halt I have slightly more squeal than I did with my old ET800 pads (different car though), but not enough to bother me at all. I'm actually glad they are squealing a bit because it tells me that in daily driving, I'm nearing the abrasive friction mode, suggesting that these really are more aggressive than the average pad (if not a race pad).

I'll keep this thread updated with my thoughts on the brakes.

[project335i]

How much did this set up cost and do you have a link where you got the brakes from

[ashmostro]

ECS GeoMet Rotors: $399
F - http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E92-335...ors/ES2190266/
R - http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E92-335...ear/ES2190262/

Racingbrake XT910 Pads: $335
F - http://www.racingbrake.com/Brake-Pad.../pd918-391.htm
R - http://www.racingbrake.com/Brake-Pad...pd1170-391.htm

ECS Exacfit Lines: $130
Kit - http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E92-335...ines/ES250604/

Fluid (1 liter): $36
Two bottles RBF600: http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E92-335...luid/ES261392/

[sirantsE90]

Been in my cart for a couple weeks. Ive been waiting for more reviews.

[ashmostro]

Do it! I prefer a more aggressive pad but that's 100% personal preference.

If you're planning to track at all, don't get cross drilled. Fine for the street though.

[sirantsE90]

Originally Posted by ashmostro

Do it! I prefer a more aggressive pad but that's 100% personal preference.

If you're planning to track at all, don't get cross drilled. Fine for the street though.

yes purely a DD, I was thinking of a more aggressive pad and did a little research but I do not know to much about pad companies. Is there anything else in that price range that bites a bit harder?

Thanks

[ashmostro]

I am kind of biased towards the brand from personal experience, but I think the racing brake ET500s are a good street compromise and were totally silent in my application. I really can't say if they are more or less aggressive than the HPS, which again I have no experience with firsthand.

[sirantsE90]

Originally Posted by ashmostro

I am kind of biased towards the brand from personal experience, but I think the racing brake ET500s are a good street compromise and were totally silent in my application. I really can't say if they are more or less aggressive than the HPS, which again I have no experience with firsthand.

Yeah just from people I know Hawks makes pretty decent pads. Ill do some more searching before I commit to them.

So you have had this system for a bit now. Nothing to complain about?

Thanks for the help.

[ashmostro]

No I'm totally pleased so far. I like the aggressiveness and pedal feel. Will see if they are enough for the track. If not, will get a separate race setup and use the stock blank rotors for that.

[Ryebread]

Why not cross drilled for track?

[ashmostro]

Cross drilling can encourage crack propagation in the high thermal variation conditions of track duty.

[MrQuickR1]

Originally Posted by StealYourFace

Looks sharp. Why not do a bed in process? It's effective, and fun quite frankly

I did slotted rotors on my 330i and my car before that... In both experiences I would get a light vibe/hum after about 10,000 miles. They look cool, but not worth the NHV for me.

Maybe I just got the wrong ones ?

Yea I thought it was just me and maybe bedding the pads in wrong but after so many miles I get that hum and vibe when applying the brakes. It's loud and very noticeable when I brake at highway speeds to slow down.
Side road driving is not as noticeable. I've replaced the CA bushings and sway bar bushings but I am hating to even brake anymore. The steering wheel pulses a little too when braking. I think I am going to have to bite the bullet and call it money lost and throw new OEM rotors back on with ceramic pads. I like the ceramic, no more black on the rims.
Mine were stop tech rotors and pads. Thought they would be good but I feel they're garbage

[ashmostro]

More likely an installation or maintenance issue than "bad rotors"... in fact it's almost never a materials quality problem IME.

[Hologram7]

Originally Posted by sirantsE90

Been in my cart for a couple weeks. Ive been waiting for more reviews.

I like this setup and pad choice, have you purchased it yet, or still pending more reviews?

OP glad you explained what you intended to use the brake setup and particulary the pads for. Looking into a set myself debating on hawk hps or hp+...Although I am reading reviews on your pads as I am looking for a touchy feel.