My 2006 is approaching 85K kms and I have yet to replace anything to do with my brakes
I purchased EDC green stuff pads thinking I would upgrade the only the pads.
Now thinks.ing about doing the pads, rotors and calipers; figure I am keeping my MiNi for the foreseeable future so why not invest in good brakes overall - stage 3 et al. Especially like red calipers!
Any thoughts out there??!!

 

My thoughts:
Unless you're racing/tracking the car, it's not worth replacing the calipers or upgrading to a big brake kit.
With a set of aggressive street pads, slotted rotors and fresh, quality brake fluid, you will have more than enough stopping power.

On a side note, I have personally had very bad luck with EBC green stuff pads, but don't let this deter you.

 

Thanks for your comments Mr.Bean especially with respect to the rotors.
I suppose I should change those as well. Would you have any brand recommendations?

 

Most "upgraded" rotors are strictly for looks...
Slots tend to whirr and can wear pads faster, but can be OK...drilled is IMO a major no go...causes fractures...
Issue is BOTH remove material from the rotors...and MASS HOLDS HEAT...bigger brakes have more mass to hold more heat to increase braking capacity....
A quality rotor (often found locally since shipping is so $$ due to weight) is a good start...
Then find a pad that matches your driving style....and maybe caliper paint to dress up your calipers....
The r56 s brakes on a gen1 r53 is the same as a gen1 JCW, but much cheaper....an option...but new rims MIGHT be needed.....

 

Point well taken;
Have you heard of Techstar rotors?
Like the comment on caliper paint.

 

Where do you live? My 2006 rear calipers were both crusty and seized from salt exposure. They were dragging and causing the parking brake to barely work. You may want to see if the piston still moves well.
I just finished installing JCW front calipers (same as 2nd gen S model) and pad with a drilled and slotted rotor. I would rather blank rotors as said above, but these came with the deal. Plus 2nd gen rear calipers, solid rotors and pads. These are no bigger than 1st gen rear brakes, but I got a deal compared to the price of new calipers. The braking is much better, but man are these pads dusty!
The JCW fronts are an easy install, only need to switch brake lines to the newer style and file the brake hardline bracket a little. The rears took some doing with mods to the axle carrier to clear the brake line and mods to the parking brake bracket.

 

Thanks for your comments.
I am in Canada and I do not run the car in the winters; my calipers and all brake parts are not exposed to salt and therefore no rust

 

R53 with 32k. I have Geomet drilled and slotted rotors with EBC redstuff pads from ECS. I regret buying Geomet as my rear rotors are warped. I sent the first set back for the same reason because they were noticeably warped. After receiving the new ones in exchange, everything seemed alright but I didn't know until it was all said and done. Now when I drive down the road, I hear squeaking and when I apply the brakes, I get the shaking from the rotors being warped. Fronts are no problem but the rears is where the issue occurs. Now I can't return because they are already installed.