zenocchio

I have to replace my front brakes and looking for a recommendation for a set of rotors and pads. possibly something with less brake dust but nothing fancy.
what brands do you recommend?

It looks like rock auto has the best prices compared to pelican or ECS.
thanks for the help!

pocholin

There's a big controversy about this, and has been covered multiple times, especially at Bimmerfest forum. My experience with ECS' own brand and Brembo pads has been great. One of my main concerns for the rotors was to hold up to the elements, especially salt in Chicago, I don't like to see rusted hubs at all! After almost 4 years, these rotors have been holding up very well. The brembo pads have good every-day grip with little to no dust (if you order these pads, be aware you don't need to purchase brake sensors separately as they are included in the package, although there's nothing to let you know they do).
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-ecs-part...53221xsgmtlra/

oclvframe

I simply used the Centric premium coated rotors and Akebono Euro Ceramic pads on all four corners. No issues and no dust. I don't have bad winters here in Ga so cannot comment on how they'd hold up with salt and such.....so in that regard, there may be a better rotor choice.....but the coated center hubs on my rotors are still black like they were day one.

-r

zenocchio

I just ordered a Centric rotor set from Rockauto with ceramic pads. Ill report back once installed.

JayArras

I, among many, recommend Zimmerman rotors + Akebono pads.

RCB

I have e60 RWD front calipers, Zimmerman rotors and cool carbon pads with stock e61 calipers and the same pads/rotors in the rear. The larger rotors in the front are a nice improvement but the cool carbon pads are not great. They have been repeatedly transfing a layer on to the rotor and causing a pulsation.

I recommend the E60 front upgrade and Zimmerman rotors but not the CC brake pads.

BostonJon

This is the set up I used based on numerous recommendations here and on other forums. Live in Boston and very little rust on the hubs 3 years later.

FormerE30Owner

I use the Zimmermann rotors and Pagid semi-metallic pads and am quite satisfied. I prefer a progressive "bite" in my braking, not the grabby bite of the OEM set-up.

SportUniversaal

You might want to check out Porterfield RS-4 pads... nice progressive feel, and less dust than stock.

Agree that Zimmerman disks are good. Be careful when ordering front rotors from ECS or Pelican... front disks on the E61 LCI are different than on the E60, but the application guides for Meyle & Brembo say they're the same (or at least they did 4 years ago). I ended up having to order OE fronts after several misfires by both ECS and Pelican.

irjetsetter

Besides the Zimmerman discs/rotors and Akebono pads - what other brake setups are people running? I have been contemplating the E60 M5 brake swap for my E61 for some time, I so far really like the feel of if (experienced them in Evan Patak's white E61) but I'm looking for something that may be comparable. I do want to upgrade to bigger brakes as I do a lot of urban driving.