[Swelmel]

my 06 330i is in need of pad (and maybe rotor?) replacement. anyone have experiences with reputable shops that wont have stealership costs?

[Dr.GumbyM.D.]

If you've got a weekend, I'd recommend reading the DIY section of this forum, and doing your own.

I'm definitely going to do my own when the time comes, especially if it's just pads. If it's rotors, it's a bit more work, a bit more technical, but very doable DIY, especially with the fantastic guides on this forum.

I'm sure you'd also get a few helping (and probably experienced) hands in the area if you asked for it on the forums. But again, that's if you're comfortable with DIY.

If not, I can't help with non-stealerships, I haven't been around here long enough. Best of luck with whichever route you go!

[EYE4SPEED]

Pads and rotors will take maybe 30 min corner. Go with some drilled or slotted rotors. Ceramic pads are great for low dust, especially if you are not tracking your car. I don't think you need to flush - that is what scared me off.

[J-Spec Dan]

Originally Posted by EYE4SPEED

Pads and rotors will take maybe 30 min corner. Go with some drilled or slotted rotors. Ceramic pads are great for low dust, especially if you are not tracking your car. I don't think you need to flush - that is what scared me off.

counter intuitive having ceramic pads for low dust and then getting drilled or slotted rotors. Drilled and slotted rotors eat your pads faster causing more dust.

[EYE4SPEED]

^ I wonder why my BBK was offered with ceramics? I like ceramics because of the low dusting, but like the look of the drilled/slotted. Good thing for open spokes.

Even if those rotors eat pads faster, won't the ceramic dusting be less or cleaner than the darker metallic/organic dust?

[anerbe]

You can get ceramics with cross drilled. It's not the best for performance or pad life, but it's great for looks with additional life/lower dust.

If you don't care about performance, go for it.

Locally, I mainly deal with Auto Europe or Motorwerks. Both have lower than dealer pricing, but it can be higher than smaller/less equipped shops.

Here's an alternative that might be a bit cheaper than AE/MW

German Motors
1725 E Maple
Troy, MI 48083
USA
Phone: 248-689-4940
Fax: 248-689-4950

[Back in a Subie]

+1 to Auto Europe

I am buying my Morgan through the guys at Auto Europe's sales department and they all are very knowledgeable about European cars. Founded in 1962, they have been around for over 40 years and I have only seen rave reviews about the service side. I know of a couple guys who have their Lotus shipped from eastern Ohio to Auto Europe for service and another who makes a 7 hour drive.

248-645-6300
Auto Europe Service Center
677 South Eton
Birmingham, MI 48009

[Dextrek]

Not a big fan of Motorwerks. They overcharge for easy labor.

[S14PWR]

Try Advanced Autosports in Farmington Hills next to Erhard. They are reasonable and very good. I get my cars done over there. Just got my E93 back and getting a bunch of work done (including brakes) on my E30 M3. Talk to Sam if you decide to go there...

[anerbe]

Originally Posted by Dextrek

Not a big fan of Motorwerks. They overcharge for easy labor.

They definitely are on the higher end in labor - but still cheaper than the dealer.

You are right in the fact that if the job is easy enough where you can worry less about someone messing things up, a cheaper shop might be the way to go.

However, if you're doing some intensive labor, I highly recommend them - they were the only business I trusted to open up the trans on my E55 and diagnose it successfully (when the dealer could not).

[Bronze]

Two shops I've used in the past on my Audi that I would use for my car now:

German Autowerks in Waterford, Stefan is very knowledgeable and reasonably priced.

Also, Kurt's Auto repair on 11 Mile in Oak Park. They just expanded. My next door neighbor work there.