[E90convert]

Hello! I have a 2012 BMW 335i with the standard 2-piece front rotors and single-piece rear rotors. The vehicle has 112k miles on it, and I think it is on the original rotors and 2nd set of pads. The pads are pretty worn down and I'm getting heavy vibrations upon brake application. I think it's time for some new brakes. Currently on the car is BMW Genuine parts and was maintained at a dealer, the pads have "JURID" stamped next to the BMW logo. I'm very happy with the brake performance up until the vibrations started. I plan to keep the car for another 8-20 months. I've considered a few different options and would like some feedback from the community:

Option 1: All genuine parts from FCP Euro at $955 shipped.
Option 2: Zimmerman/Jurid combo (single-piece front rotors) from FCP Euro for $556
Option 3: Pagid rotors (2-piece front) and Pagid OE formulation pads from Rock Auto for $579
Option 4: Brembo rotors (I think are OE) from newparts.com and Jurid pads from FCP Euro for $557.

The extra $400 for BMW Genuine is too much for me. If it was only $100-200 more, ok I'll just get Genuine, but not $400.

[cfm56d7b]

Since you appreciate OEM brake performance, Option 2 would be the most straightforward option. Zimmermann manufacturers rotors for BMW. Single piece front rotors will be more than sufficient for daily driving during the next 8-20 months.

I selected your "Option 2" for myself when replacing M Sport brakes on my 2017 BMW 440i GC. No regrets.

[E90convert]

Originally Posted by cfm56d7b

Since you appreciate OEM brake performance, Option 2 would be the most straightforward option. Zimmermann manufacturers rotors for BMW. Single piece front rotors will be more than sufficient for daily driving during the next 8-20 months.

I selected your "Option 2" for myself when replacing M Sport brakes on my 2017 BMW 440i GC. No regrets.

Thanks for sharing your experience! I had thought Zimmermann was just a high quality aftermarket brand, I didn't know they were also an OE supplier. Did you notice any difference going from the 2-piece to the single piece rotors? How has the anti-corrosion coating held up?

[cfm56d7b]

Originally Posted by E90convert

Thanks for sharing your experience! I had thought Zimmermann was just a high quality aftermarket brand, I didn't know they were also an OE supplier. Did you notice any difference going from the 2-piece to the single piece rotors? How has the anti-corrosion coating held up?

Apologies. Minor correction. I replaced OEM M Sport 2 piece rotors with Zimmerman 2 piece rotors which are OEM rotors without BMW brand. Completely satisfied.

[danarino]

I just ordered the pagid 2 piece rotors with Akebono euro pads for a 370/345 brake conversion. I’ve been researching like a mad man the past week and felt the pagid 2 piece is the best bang for the buck. They should essentially be identical to oem 2 piece but are high carbon and coated. They cost less than the Zimmerman 2 piece and we’re only about $100 more for all 4 rotors vs Zimmerman 1 piece. For my combo, it’s a savings of 3lb per wheel front and 2lb per wheel rear vs the 1 piece. Felt like a no brainer for an extra $100.

[E90convert]

Originally Posted by danarino

I just ordered the pagid 2 piece rotors with Akebono euro pads for a 370/345 brake conversion. I’ve been researching like a mad man the past week and felt the pagid 2 piece is the best bang for the buck. They should essentially be identical to oem 2 piece but are high carbon and coated. They cost less than the Zimmerman 2 piece and we’re only about $100 more for all 4 rotors vs Zimmerman 1 piece. For my combo, it’s a savings of 3lb per wheel front and 2lb per wheel rear vs the 1 piece. Felt like a no brainer for an extra $100.

Thanks for the comment. When will you have them on? I am curious to hear what you think of the Pagid rotor + Akebono setup. I've read others state that the initial bite is diminished but benefits are the low dust I am curious to hear your feedback.

[danarino]

It won’t be for a couple weeks. Should have all the parts in by end of month.

[E90convert]

Following up on this thread. Went with the full Pagid kit from Rock Auto. A little context, this is my daily driver, 112k miles, and I am planning to sell it in the next 2-5 months and get into a 2022+ GTI, so I'm not trying to spend a lot of money putting top parts on it.

Anyways: The parts arrived, looked and felt high quality. Installation was a breeze, no surprises. Dust wise, they are a little more dusty than BMW Genuine in my opinion. These give off the dark sticky dust similar to the organic compounds of the E9x days. Performance wise, they just fine with a couple exceptions.
1. At low speeds they are a bit grabby. At creeping speeds they can make some load groaning noise that is unpleasant.
2. The friction coefficient is not flat. It build with mild temperature. This is to be expected some if the you look at mu vs temp charts. However, this pad you can really feel it. For example, using constant brake pressure to slow from 40mph, the deceleration increases as the pad builds some heat.

Given the price ~$500 for pads/rotors/sensors (2 piece from rotors) shipped, I think they are great value and I would buy them again. My F15 X5 needs pads and rotors soon (~60k miles on it), and I am going to get Genuine parts since I plan on keeping the car for 5-7 years. For someone who is particular about how the car feels and performs, I would not recommend the Pagid pads long term if you can swing the OE prices. The rotors are probably perfectly fine.