[dozer008]

I had noticed an increased squeak when brake pressure was applied at low speeds so I took my wheel off to check my pads and sure enough the front pads were heavily worn. I also noticed a slight lip on the front rotors. At 60k on the clock I figured it was time to do some research and kill two birds with one stone changing my pads fluid and rotors. I read and could not find a solid review on rotors that were affordable. And that being said I didnt feel the need to drop a pretty penny on a BBK for a daily driver that will probably never see the track. So I was talking to one of my friends who owns a camaro and he said R1concepts.com is a site sponsor and they seem to have pretty good reviews call them and see what they have. After reading about 10 pages on the camaro5.com forum I figured that was good enough for me no negative reviews and fast shipping they were also a hawk dealer. So then I debate ceramic pads cool carbons or HPS. Read so many reviews on the HPS and mixed emotion on the Cool carbons. So I called up and spoke with Kevin at R1Concepts. He did a package deal on all the rotors with Hawk HPS for an unbeatable price with free shipping. Since then in the Houston Area 3 others have ordered and were given the same great service and discount I was.My buddy Robert Pruess did the install with me since he had the tools and garage to accomidate. Very easy install but this is a review not a DIY but can be found using the search feature. So here we go.
The order was placed on a Wednesday I received it on a Saturday. Shipped from California to Texas. Packaging was great but very heavy weighing in at 93lbs for rotors and pads.

We got to work and started on the rear first. The rear rotors were siezed a bit so we took a light buffing wheel to it to ensure the new ones would not stick. Along with that I figured we might as well paint the calipers as well. Using the buffing wheel along with the caliper cleaner we cleaned each caliper to ensure the paint would stick.

We taped off what we did not want. I used duplicolor because the autoparts store did not have the G2 kit but this was still a brush on. I would rate duplicolor a 6 out of 10. The brush is crap and will fall apart but it wasnt a horrible kit.

I changed the brake fluid while I was in there using ATE super blue fluid I purchased locally but if you can find it online order it to save a little money. I loved the blue even though I had read about it staining the reservoir but I could care less it made the bleed so much easier as they also have a gold series you can alternate during fluid swap to ensure you are truly clensing the line.

The brake pad comparison Oem in the Front Hawk HPS in the rear. Yeah about that time

The front rotor and caliper. These come black but as you know once you drive and do the bed in process all black paint will be removed and only your drill/slots will be black coated.

Picture after bed-in and full install



All in all I am very happy with the service fitment and overall product I have recieved from R1concepts.com. This was affordable and looks great. The overall feel from OEM to the Hawk HPS is different. Oem does have more initial bite. But at higher speeds once the brake warms up the Hawk will stop very well. I will do another brake line flush in about a month once everything is seeded nicely. Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Time will tell the quality and longevity of this rotor but for the price after extensive research it can simply not be beat.

[Ph0zenstone]

What kinda brake bleeder is that?

[thecossio]

Great review Nick! I ordered mine on tuesday afternoon and will be receiving them on Monday. Need to get a hold of Robert for the installation. Can not wait!

[dozer008]

Originally Posted by phozenstone

What kinda brake bleeder is that?

Bleeder is from Harbor freight it worked fairly well. Created a vacuum nicely. Only modification is cutting the valve tab on the side of the bottle to make opening and shutting the fluid on and off easier.

[Neothin87]

Looks fantastic! I've been looking for a D/S coated rotor like this that will have bare rotors but coated slots + holes. Looking forward to a review in a couple months

[dozer008]

many people are posting about brakes right now. Bump

[abhishriv]

R1 has amazing service. Really liking my custom slotted ones so far. Paired them up with ebc red stuff

[LACSTER]

I just picked up premium series XG3500 rotors and Posi Quiet pads.

All the guys at R1 Concepts are all stand up guys!!

[dozer008]

Originally Posted by LACSTER

I just picked up premium series XG3500 rotors and Posi Quiet pads.

All the guys at R1 Concepts are all stand up guys!!

+1

[dozer008]

Lots of people asking about rotors and pads put about 1500 miles on mine so far and absolutely no issues. Bump for people still looking for a cheap reliable upgrade.

[dozer008]

Will update with pictures. Wearing very evenly at 4k

[Rollo`]

Thanks for the review...I don't need new pads for over 20k but I think I am going to go ahead and replace my rotors/pads during the annual July 4th sale at R1. that will just about coincide with my 4 yr maintenance running out.

I am so sick of cleaning the wheels....going to go ceramic pads.

[dozer008]

Originally Posted by Rollo`

Thanks for the review...I don't need new pads for over 20k but I think I am going to go ahead and replace my rotors/pads during the annual July 4th sale at R1. that will just about coincide with my 4 yr maintenance running out.

I am so sick of cleaning the wheels....going to go ceramic pads.

good choice but even with the Hawk HPS pads (non ceramic) The brake dust is minimal.

[Rival]

i want the R1 rotors but do not want drilled, just slotted and cant find front slotted rotors......

[r1concepts]

Originally Posted by Rival

i want the R1 rotors but do not want drilled, just slotted and cant find front slotted rotors......

Feel free to PM me or email me at Kevin@r1concepts.com and I'll be glad to help you out.

-Kevin

[Rollo`]

Originally Posted by r1concepts

Feel free to PM me or email me at Kevin@r1concepts.com and I'll be glad to help you out.

-Kevin

Wow...fronts are no longer listed for the 328i on your website. What's the deal?

[r1concepts]

Originally Posted by Rollo`

Wow...fronts are no longer listed for the 328i on your website. What's the deal?

We do have these rotors. Our site is probably being updated if it's not listed. A PM has been sent to you.

[dwells]

Hmm, I wish my blank premium rotors from R1 had come painted like that. The wheel hubs were painted, but the unpainted inner ring around them that isn't touched by the pads is now rusted. Gonna have to pop the wheels off and either paint or sharpie it.

[r1concepts]

Originally Posted by dwells

Hmm, I wish my blank premium rotors from R1 had come painted like that. The wheel hubs were painted, but the unpainted inner ring around them that isn't touched by the pads is now rusted. Gonna have to pop the wheels off and either paint or sharpie it.

You can always use a black high temp spray on the rotors to make the rotor black.

[JoeyH335i]

I just looked on the website for R1 and I put in my vehicle info but only came up with OEM rotors. No slotted or cross drilled. What gives?

[r1concepts]

Originally Posted by JoeyH335i

I just looked on the website for R1 and I put in my vehicle info but only came up with OEM rotors. No slotted or cross drilled. What gives?

Unfortunately, we are currently updating my site at the moment so there are a lot of issues with it right now. If you want pricing on rotors, feel free to PM me.

[JoeyH335i]

Originally Posted by r1concepts

Unfortunately, we are currently updating my site at the moment so there are a lot of issues with it right now. If you want pricing on rotors, feel free to PM me.

Yeah, I was noticing that - seemed a bit laggy...

Will do.