E36 brake pad choice question

[Just-ify]

Hey Fanatics!

Newbie question time here regarding brake pads and discs.

I have a '96 E36 316i with solid front discs, drums at back.

My pads are almost due for a replacement and I'm looking to improve my braking performance over stock (running generic cheapie pads currently).

I've looked into getting Powerbrake discs and pads, but unfortunately the don't make discs for the thinner solid size.

So my question to you guys is:

1) What brake pad would you recommend for my vehicle? I've heard good things of ATE, Powerbrake and Alfa.
2) Powerbrake pads are going for R1100 for a set and ATEs are on special at Midas for R350 a set. Are the Powerbrake pads THAT much better for the cost?
3) Are generic discs (solid) as good as ATE solid discs?

Many thanks!

 

[1SWTTOY]

Hey Fanatics!

Newbie question time here regarding brake pads and discs.

I have a '96 E36 316i with solid front discs, drums at back.

My pads are almost due for a replacement and I'm looking to improve my braking performance over stock (running generic cheapie pads currently).

I've looked into getting Powerbrake discs and pads, but unfortunately the don't make discs for the thinner solid size.

So my question to you guys is:

1) What brake pad would you recommend for my vehicle? I've heard good things of ATE, Powerbrake and Alfa.
2) Powerbrake pads are going for R1100 for a set and ATEs are on special at Midas for R350 a set. Are the Powerbrake pads THAT much better for the cost?
3) Are generic discs (solid) as good as ATE solid discs?

Many thanks!

just stick to ATE, they have a good life span and are good quality

 

[Dewald Basson]

Hey Fanatics!

Newbie question time here regarding brake pads and discs.

I have a '96 E36 316i with solid front discs, drums at back.

My pads are almost due for a replacement and I'm looking to improve my braking performance over stock (running generic cheapie pads currently).

I've looked into getting Powerbrake discs and pads, but unfortunately the don't make discs for the thinner solid size.

So my question to you guys is:

1) What brake pad would you recommend for my vehicle? I've heard good things of ATE, Powerbrake and Alfa.
2) Powerbrake pads are going for R1100 for a set and ATEs are on special at Midas for R350 a set. Are the Powerbrake pads THAT much better for the cost?
3) Are generic discs (solid) as good as ATE solid discs?

Many thanks!

just stick to ATE, they have a good life span and are good quality

+1 ATE

 

[moranor@axis]

unless you going to upgrade the disks to the vented items I would just fit the ATE...

 

[Dewald Basson]

unless you going to upgrade the disks to the vented items I would just fit the ATE...

Won't you be able to fit e46 front discs ?

Or are the calipers different. Mind you it is a 4 cylinder so probably won't fit, right?

 

[moranor@axis]

unless you going to upgrade the disks to the vented items I would just fit the ATE...

Won't you be able to fit e46 front discs ?

Or are the calipers different. Mind you it is a 4 cylinder so probably won't fit, right?

was discussed in another thread you need e36 328i calipers

 

[Fuzz@tinyNET]

Spend the extra cash somewhere else on the car - a 316i doesn't require mad stopping power after all. I'd say go with ATE, they work extremely well :tiptoe:

 

[VeNoM_Ct]

If it is just for brake pads...just go OEM, it is not that pricey...

last longer than ATE and less dust

 

[The K-Man]

Less dust from ATE and less metal composite means discs last longer than using Ferodo.

 

[Dewald Basson]

If it is just for brake pads...just go OEM, it is not that pricey...

last longer than ATE and less dust

I stand to be corrected but ATE is OEM??

 

[VeNoM_Ct]

If it is just for brake pads...just go OEM, it is not that pricey...

last longer than ATE and less dust

I stand to be corrected but ATE is OEM??

not sure hey... but Pads at bmw round about the same price as other brands most times

 

[DieselFan]

If it is just for brake pads...just go OEM, it is not that pricey...

last longer than ATE and less dust

I stand to be corrected but ATE is OEM??

not sure hey... but Pads at bmw round about the same price as other brands most times

Not in my experience. They were 3 times the price when I priced pads awhile ago.

Bmw have used a few manufacturers. ATE, textar and jurid.

 

[VeNoM_Ct]

Not in my experience. They were 3 times the price when I priced pads awhile ago.

Bmw have used a few manufacturers. ATE, textar and jurid.

Yes I get what you saying... It is true

I paid R500 I think for my brake pads almost 3 years in and still going strong...

Maybe its all in the mind of the consumer... :skit:

 

[Gizmo]

Spend the extra cash somewhere else on the car - a 316i doesn't require mad stopping power after all. I'd say go with ATE, they work extremely well :tiptoe:

I disagree, any time you can increase safety of a vehicle you do so. The 316i hasn't got good brakes at all compared to the rest of the E36 range. Besides, any other mods he does to the car will just make the stock brakes perform even worse...

ATE is the best for daily driving, get them.

 

[Vin]

Try Ferodo premier. They way cheaper than BMW part and awesome stopping power. Had some rubbish generic pads fitted to my car by a mechanic. Stopping ability was pathetic.The right hand side rattled going over rough surfaces. When I removed them I saw that the metal body of the right hand side was sligthly small hence the rattling. Not worth saving a few rands .Ferodo premier is OEM quality. I have had Febi Bilstein before and these are way better. Now when I stop i have to watch people behind me as they cant stop as quickly.:rollsmile:

 

[DieselFan]

While ferodo are good they leave a ton of break dust. I would go with ATE personally

 

[danieljames]

While ferodo are good they leave a ton of break dust. I would go with ATE personally

Agreed. I fitted ATE's to my 325 and have no probs whatsoever. Then again I follow in my father's footsteps and we've always used ATEs.....i drive a better car though because his isn't a BMW