A Cars forum. AutoBanter

If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Go Back   Home » AutoBanter forum » Auto makers » BMW
Site Map Home Register Authors List Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read Web Partners

E36 brake disks advice



 
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old July 4th 05, 09:13 PM
Vlad
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default E36 brake disks advice

Hi there.
Just a quick couple of questions for you knowledgeable lot that I would
apprecate answers to...

I have been told by the mechanics that my front disks are showing early
signs of slight warping and that would probably need to be replaced soon.
So, being a resident of the rip-off island, I am looking at the local
mechanics charging several limbs for pattern parts. I thought I'd be clever
and try to source the parts myself.
The car in question is a 1996 318ti compact(E36), not really worth spending
too much on and definitelly not driven agressively enough to warrant a
"grooved" or "drilled" disks...

Q1) The car has stock solid disks (12mm, I think). Now would I be able to
replace these with "vented" (22mm, I think) disks without having to get the
bigger calipers too?

Q2) Who makes the original disks for BMW? In other words, what is a good
make of disks to be aiming for?

Q3) Anyone able to suggest a good online parts supplier in the UK?

Thanks in advance.


Ads
  #2  
Old July 4th 05, 10:56 PM
Dave Plowman (News)
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

In article >,
Vlad > wrote:
> Q3) Anyone able to suggest a good online parts supplier in the UK?


Eurocarparts. If no branch close to you, fast mail order. They do OEM
parts. I've got ATE discs and pads from them on my E39, and they're fine.

--
*Oh, what a tangled website we weave when first we practice *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.
  #3  
Old July 5th 05, 02:10 AM
Mike G
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default


"Vlad" > wrote in message
...
> Hi there.
> Just a quick couple of questions for you knowledgeable lot that I would
> apprecate answers to...
>
> I have been told by the mechanics that my front disks are showing early
> signs of slight warping and that would probably need to be replaced soon.
> So, being a resident of the rip-off island, I am looking at the local
> mechanics charging several limbs for pattern parts. I thought I'd be

clever
> and try to source the parts myself.
> The car in question is a 1996 318ti compact(E36), not really worth

spending
> too much on and definitelly not driven agressively enough to warrant a
> "grooved" or "drilled" disks...
>
> Q1) The car has stock solid disks (12mm, I think). Now would I be able to
> replace these with "vented" (22mm, I think) disks without having to get

the
> bigger calipers too?


The simple answer is no.

> Q2) Who makes the original disks for BMW? In other words, what is a good
> make of disks to be aiming for?
>
> Q3) Anyone able to suggest a good online parts supplier in the UK?


I'd suggest:-
http://www.brakesint.co.uk/

Solid front discs, Brembo £16 each. (Brembo are a good make IME)
Front pad set £15.82 (you may need new wear sensors)
£62.06 inc carriage and VAT.
Hope this helps.
Mike.

  #4  
Old July 5th 05, 12:39 PM
Malt_Hound
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Vlad wrote:
> Hi there.
> Just a quick couple of questions for you knowledgeable lot that I would
> apprecate answers to...
>
> I have been told by the mechanics that my front disks are showing early
> signs of slight warping and that would probably need to be replaced soon.


You should not need to be told by a mechanic that they are warped (if
they really are). Just drive the car and apply the brakes. Warped
rotors will result in a pulsation in the braking and would be quite
noticeable and annoying.

The rotors are often replaced before they warp, if they wear to below
minimum thickness spec. This makes them more prone to warpage due to
less material to dissipate the heat of braking. I would not replace the
rotors prophylactically for thinness or "possible" warping unless/until
the pads need to be replaced.

> So, being a resident of the rip-off island, I am looking at the local
> mechanics charging several limbs for pattern parts. I thought I'd be clever
> and try to source the parts myself.
> The car in question is a 1996 318ti compact(E36), not really worth spending
> too much on and definitelly not driven agressively enough to warrant a
> "grooved" or "drilled" disks...
>
> Q1) The car has stock solid disks (12mm, I think). Now would I be able to
> replace these with "vented" (22mm, I think) disks without having to get the
> bigger calipers too?


No, vented disks are significantly thicker and require matching
calipers. It would be a major upgrade.

>
> Q2) Who makes the original disks for BMW? In other words, what is a good
> make of disks to be aiming for?
>


I believe that it was ATE, in most cases. Other good ones are
Zimmerman, Brembo, Balo

> Q3) Anyone able to suggest a good online parts supplier in the UK?


Can't help you there, sorry.

-Fred W
  #5  
Old July 6th 05, 01:47 AM
Jeff Strickland
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

They are brake discs.

New discs for your car should run about $50 each for the standard
replacements. The pads should run another $50 for the axle-set. This puts
the repairs at $150 plus the labor. (All prices are USD). You said that you
aren't racing or anything, just get new discs from the local parts store.
They will have two or three different discs to choose from, based on price.
My theory is that the mid-priced or high-priced parts will have a better
warranty than the cheap parts.




"Vlad" > wrote in message
...
> Hi there.
> Just a quick couple of questions for you knowledgeable lot that I would
> apprecate answers to...
>
> I have been told by the mechanics that my front disks are showing early
> signs of slight warping and that would probably need to be replaced soon.
> So, being a resident of the rip-off island, I am looking at the local
> mechanics charging several limbs for pattern parts. I thought I'd be

clever
> and try to source the parts myself.
> The car in question is a 1996 318ti compact(E36), not really worth

spending
> too much on and definitelly not driven agressively enough to warrant a
> "grooved" or "drilled" disks...
>
> Q1) The car has stock solid disks (12mm, I think). Now would I be able to
> replace these with "vented" (22mm, I think) disks without having to get

the
> bigger calipers too?
>
> Q2) Who makes the original disks for BMW? In other words, what is a good
> make of disks to be aiming for?
>
> Q3) Anyone able to suggest a good online parts supplier in the UK?
>
> Thanks in advance.
>
>



  #6  
Old July 7th 05, 08:52 PM
Vlad
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

Thanks for the very good advice guys!

Both of these online shops are waaaaay cheaper than what I got charged at
the garage last time around, _and_ I get to chose the make. Perfect!

Thanks to all that replied... much appreciated.


  #7  
Old July 7th 05, 09:02 PM
Jeff Strickland
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

I don't know what your mechanical skills are, but replacing brake pads and
rotors is a simple job on your BMW.





"Vlad" > wrote in message
...
> Thanks for the very good advice guys!
>
> Both of these online shops are waaaaay cheaper than what I got charged at
> the garage last time around, _and_ I get to chose the make. Perfect!
>
> Thanks to all that replied... much appreciated.
>
>



  #8  
Old July 7th 05, 09:11 PM
Vlad
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default

"Jeff Strickland" > wrote in message
>...
> I don't know what your mechanical skills are, but replacing brake pads and
> rotors is a simple job on your BMW.



Used to be good with the spanners before I got scared off by men in clean
overalls and laptops.
It's the lack of tools and working space, more than anything else...

But thanks for the encouragement Jeff !



 




Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Help: Brake distribution (prop) valve, 4 wheel disks Backyard Mechanic Ford Mustang 1 June 19th 05 09:58 PM
REQ: Help and or advice brake lines - speficically front to rear line.... [email protected] Jeep 2 March 15th 05 03:19 PM
Rear Brake Disks M C BMW 3 March 1st 05 01:02 PM
96 626 brake & rotors - need advice [email protected] Technology 7 December 17th 04 02:13 PM
99 XLT replacing brake pads advice [email protected] Ford Explorer 1 December 8th 04 03:42 PM


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:52 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.6.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©2004-2024 AutoBanter.
The comments are property of their posters.