Brakes...thoughts and suggestions.

[mgold]

So I'm getting ready to do the brakes on my 318ic. The fronts are in need of replacement (pads and rotors), but the rears are in good shape, about 50% left on the stock pads and rotors. I'm going to get ATE PowerDiscs, but need suggestions on pads. I was thinking about Metal Masters but didn't know if I should mix-n-match with the rears staying stock. It would seem to be a waste to replace the rears with new pads and rotors. My car is used primarily for the daily commute, but I would like to take it to the the auocross from time to time. Some people have suggested that Mintex, Pagid OEM or PBR Deluxe pads should also be fine. Any thoughts on this?

[Rob]

if its the daily commute, the stock rear stuff will be fine as long as its in good shape. For the front, you've chosen rotors; pads, any street+ pad should work well, and by street+ i mean a pad thats a little more aggressive than OEM stuff. I'm going with axxis ultimates, the ITR guys love them. Also consider EBC greens and Hawk HPS

[Jarvis]

I got ATE PowerDiscs with the MetalMaster pads this summer. I think it's a good combo - they work great and I haven't had any problems with the MetalMasters making tons of shitty dust on my wheels.

[SickE30]

Zimmermern Cross Drilled Rotors with Mintex Reds. You can't go wrong. I swear by them.

[e9nine]

Cross drilled rotors crack and can put you in a dangerous situation if you are on the track or in the act of some adrenalin filled runs. I have run slotted in the past and running them now.I will never buy drilled rotors since. True cross drilled rotors will not crack on you but will cost you a hefty amount. I dunno if they even make true cross drilled rotors for the e30.

[Stu]

I run ATE slotted rotors with Metalmasters, and they are fine around town, except for the spongey feel of the soft pads. During slightly spirited driving, they do pretty good, with precise braking that has moderate feel. Full-out, on the limit driving....they are miserable. They fade very quickly, and don't do a good enough job of slowing the car.


This is my experience----though I have about 2x the HP of a 318, and I realize I need larger brakes, which I will be doing in the future.

I would recommend stock or ATE slotted rotors with EBC Green pads. I ran that combo on my 318 with the 4cyl and had no problems except for heavy brake dust and poor initial bite. However, once warmed up slightly.....they leave you hanging in the seatbelt coming into corners. :)

[mgold]

Thanks Stu,

BTW I saw your name mentioned in the tech section of the latest Roundel. Good luck with your car and its upgrades.

[e9nine]

I run ATE slotted rotors with Metalmasters, and they are fine around town, except for the spongey feel of the soft pads.

.... go SS and you'll lose that spongey feel. I have SS lines with Metalmasters and ATE powerslots also. No sponginess :P. Going SS with new rotors and pads was the perfect brake mod for me and my car setup. Nothing beats a firm brake pedal, it transmits the best feedback I like as a driver.

[trent]

I run ATE slotted rotors with Metalmasters, and they are fine around town, except for the spongey feel of the soft pads.

.... go SS and you'll lose that spongey feel. I have SS lines with Metalmasters and ATE powerslots also. No sponginess :P. Going SS with new rotors and pads was the perfect brake mod for me and my car setup. Nothing beats a firm brake pedal, it transmits the best feedback I like as a driver.

Metal Mastesr are junk pads -- total 80s technology. Get into the 00s and get some new pads; EBC Green, Hawk HPS/+, R4S...

[mgold]

Ok, you twisted my arm, I just checked Tire Rack and they have GreenStuff pads for $59 per axle, pretty good price I believe. Those are now on my list to purchase. I'd do SS lines but I've heard horror stories of installing the rear lines.

[e9nine]

Metal Mastesr are junk pads -- total 80s technology. Get into the 00s and get some new pads; EBC Green, Hawk HPS/+, R4S...

I am riding these till they wear. I will try EBC then HAWK next. Sometimes its best for me to gradually go through different stuff and figure out what works for me best, we all have different driving styles, preferences, setups, $$ allocations etc...

[mgold]

Metal Mastesr are junk pads -- total 80s technology. Get into the 00s and get some new pads; EBC Green, Hawk HPS/+, R4S...

I am riding these till they wear. I will try EBC then HAWK next. Sometimes its best for me to gradually go through different stuff and figure out what works for me best, we all have different driving styles, preferences, setups, $$ allocations etc...

For the money, Metal Masters are a great performance value, 80's technology or not.

[trent]

Metal Mastesr are junk pads -- total 80s technology. Get into the 00s and get some new pads; EBC Green, Hawk HPS/+, R4S...

I am riding these till they wear. I will try EBC then HAWK next. Sometimes its best for me to gradually go through different stuff and figure out what works for me best, we all have different driving styles, preferences, setups, $$ allocations etc...

For the money, Metal Masters are a great performance value, 80's technology or not.

No. I totally disagree.

[Nick325is]

I have enjoyed my metal master pads so far. They take alittle bit to warm up but once they are warmed up they do a good job of getting things stopped. In the future I will probably switch to greenstuff though.


Nick

[F|2eeSTy|e]

I got ATE PowerDiscs with the MetalMaster pads this summer. I think it's a good combo - they work great and I haven't had any problems with the MetalMasters making tons of shitty dust on my wheels.

I might be having to replace this stuff soon also, and ran across this comment. Does upgrading from an oem setup really help to produce less brake dust? I don't have any special wheels on my car, but basketweaves are a pain in the ass when it comes to cleaning.