I looked through different threads. I'm getting squeeking coming from my drivers side wheel and I'm thinking it's my brakes. I'm looking to replace the pads and rotors, but for someone who if comfortable buying replacement stock pads and rotors. Would it be worth it to upgrade to a better more reliable pad/rotor combo w/o breaking my piggy bank? And if so, any recommendations on what I should upgrade to?

~Kevin

 

Stock rotors are fine. Just get some good pads. Many have had good luck with ebc greenstuff pads for the street. I like my carbotech bobcat street pads. They have very little brake dust and it helps with the brake fade. Takes a little while to get used to them, don't have the initial
Bite of the stock pads. You just have to press harder on the breaks. Did I mention very little brake fade! I drive extremely spirited
Here on germanys back roads and the brake fade hasn't been a issue for me.

 

Stock stuff if fine....
But aftermarket rotors (quality ones) can save you enough money to splurge on better pads. Which pads are the right ones depend on your driving style/braking habits.
I know of many folks using Centric premium rotors...cheap, painted hats, nice machined finsh to help the pads bed in...even folks that do auto-x like them.
Just be sure to flush the brakes...mini says to donut every 2 years....dot 4/dot4 compatible.

 

If you want to spend about $600 to get a cheap big brake kit...look into the r56 caliper/rotor swap to a r53...
Make them the same brakes as a JCW big brake kit for an r53, for much less $$$$.

 

Well I live in a town of about 5500 people. Small quiet, nothing to much to really rod around. I do drive on dirt roads from time to time but will change once I get my winter vehicle up and going. Then Mini Me is going to be garaged/covered and brought out as a summer car.

I might just stick with stock replacement rotors but upgrade the pads so I do get the stopping power I want. We'll see when the pocket book says I'm allowed to spend in the coming month. Thanks for the advice guys.

~Kevin