I'll be doing front brakes on my MINI this spring. Will be using the Akebono Euro ceramic pads for sure. Trying to decide between the Zimmerman and the Centric 125 series rotors. Any opinions on these 2 choices?
The car is not driven especially hard but I have enjoyed the feel and responsiveness of the OEM brakes; just not the dust and the price.

 

on the Centric rotors...I put several sets on my R53, and they were always great. When my Clubman comes around for new pads & rotors, I'll be using them again.

 

I'm running centric on one of my cars & they've been good. I recommend them.

 

I got EBC rotors from placeforbrakes.com. Great prices, free delivery, easy install. I also got my Akebono euros from them and LOVE the dustless world on my 2009 Clubman S.

Drive safely.

 

Another +1 to Centric No problems so far.

 

Personally, centric pads will do the job as decent replacements. For price and performace, OE Brembos can't be beat. Excellent quality. Powerslot is also good.

 

Yet another +1 for centric rotors. I used centric 125 series for my brake job a few months back with EBC greenstuff pads and the feel is very similar to OEM. There's good initial bite and very low dust. Seriously, I didn't have to wash my wheels because every rainstorm we get, the dust falls right off. The wheels get dirty after the snows more frequently than from the dust buildup.

 

I have the Zimmermans and have no complaints at all. They've been very good in all driving situations and I've been using them in conjunction with Porterfield R4-S pads.

Honestly, your pad selection is going to have a much bigger impact than your choice between these two rotors.

 

I decided on the Centric 125 rotors.
After 500 miles with the Akebono pads I am very pleased.
Minimal visible brake dust and absolutely no noise.
The initial pad bite was a tad less than OEM but OK with me.
Thanks for everybody's input.
One word of advice is that you DO need a thin wrench to counter-hold the caliper bolt when removing it. Glad I had one available when it was needed.

 

After 4000 more miles the Centric 125 rotors and Akebono pads have been a good combination. Not a squeak or squeal and very good braking. Very little brake dust on the wheels.

 

Glad to hear Centric is a solid OEM replacement rotor and Akebono is as well. I personally went with EBCs because I had read that Akebonos were more dusty but I guess not!

 

I wonder if MINI changes pad types , my wheels never need any attention. I do take to car wash weekly but they just need water spots wiped off, unless it's the surface of my rota's ? I know my wifes 2011 gets more brake dust than mine and I do way more stop n go .

 

How is the wear on the Centric rotors? I put Zimmermans on the fronts of my HT and was a little disappointed that they are nearly at the 20.4mm minimum after 35k miles with the OEM pads still having about 5k miles left.

 

The cross-hatching on the rotor has worn off. No lip felt when my fingernail is run off the edge of the rotor. I expect with the ceramic pads the rotors will wear faster than with OEM pads.

 

I had an issue with the centric 125 rotors I had on my Clubman. Unlike the rears of the same brand/line, the machining in the hub area was imperfect (too large), and allowed for a few mms of movement when the wheels were removed. I've never seen an issue like that with that, or any other, brand of rotor before (and I've used that brand quite a lot historically). It left a bad taste in my mouth, though, and I probably won't get them again.

I've got OEM JCWs from Frozen Rotors on now, and they fit like a charm (as I'd expect). Haven't had em in long enough to comment on their longevity, but it'll supposedly be improved.

--Matt

 

I'm running frozen Stoptech power slots. They are wearing great. For me they are worth the extra cost.