So my R53 '06S is due up for brakes. I've been looking off and on for a week reading what people are using, and I still can't decide on a direction. I'm reading all things from Hawk Performance Ceramics, EBC Yellows, Carbotechs, Powerslots, Drilled and Slotted, etc etc etc. So here's what I'm looking for:

1. Replacing all pads & rotors
2. Driving style = Agressive
3. Performance and lower dust...but scaling heavier toward performance
4. Retaining use of the brake wear sensors (need to replace them as well)
5. Opinions on the stiffer bushings
6. Car is street only, no tracks

I appreciate it very much. Thanks all!

-Chris

 

I've got EBC Yellows up front and reds out back, and have been quite impressed so far. I opted to go for blank rotors, Centric high carbon (125 series) blanks specifically.

The reds out back don't produce a noticeable amount of dust. The Yellows up front dust quite a bit, but not as much as the stockers and the dust washes right off with water (ie doesn't need chemicals).

The reds out back don't make any noise at all. The Yellows, so far at least, have a mild squeal at a very specific light to moderate pressure at speeds between roughly 30 and 45. This squeal goes away entirely when it's raining and/or when they have been heated up.

As far as road manners with the Yellowstuff pads go....

When cold:
They're every bit as composed as you'd expect the stock pads to be when cold. The pedal feel is a bit harder than stock. They're just as easy to modulate at all speeds as the stock pads during normal driving, but slightly grabbier than the stockers. When you really need to stop in a hurry, they're ready for you at any moment and will stop the car in a hurry without any drama. Definitely better than stock, even when cold.

When hot (a couple of hard slows from 60-20 or so, or one hard slow from 80-30 or so):
They really come into their element. The pedal softens up a bit, and they're grabbier than when cold. Modulation at lower speeds takes a bit more precision with the pedal. They really want to slow you down, right now, but they're no problem at all for tooling around town like this if you know what you're doing. When you press them with authority, they really mean business.

Bottom line, if you're looking for champagne performance on a beer budget, they're a great option. I'm guessing they won't hold up under repeated abuse as well as the JCW brakes but, for the ~$320 I spent for the front/rear rotors and pads, I'd be a fool to complain about anything. They're nothing short of spectacular and, aside from the little bit of noise, there's no downside.

--Matt

 

I replaced my brakes with new stock rotors and Akebono ceramic brake pads.

About 99% dust free, and no noise at all.

I love the no dust and easy to wash off with a hose.

 

For rotors, go with Centric. Slotted is preferred unless you really just like the look of the drilled. I run Hawk HPS pads.

 

+1 Centric rotors (i got blanks), and I just upgraded to EBC Greenstuff - so far so good 200 miles in...

 

I have a question related to this. I'm in the same boat as Chris. Should I go with the cyro treated centric rotors for the extra $30 or go with the cheapest centric 125s?

Thanks in advanced for the help

 

I actually originally bought the cryos but found out they needed a ten day process and they are made to order, my MINI couldn't wait so I changed it to blanks... I was just going to try them cannot first hand comment on the difference of feel, longevity, etc....

 

The guys at BR Racing told me that the cryo ones would last a bit longer but that given the extra cost, they wouldn't bother. I bought the regular slotted rotors.

 

Zimmermann Rotors and Akebono Euro Ceramic Pads all around!!

 

I'll probably go for the cryo blanks next time. Amazon didn't have them, and I didn't feel like paying for shipping (prime). Otherwise I'd have them now :-) I'd have been disappointed if they took 10 extra days anyway.

--Matt