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      04-16-2020, 06:18 PM   #1
gvarr03
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OEM vs Zimmerman Brake Rotors

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Hello all,
I'm almost due for a complete brake service for my X5 and I was wondering whether anyone here had experienced with both brake rotors from Zimmerman and OEM. I know they look identical, just without BMW stamp on it etc. I'm more curious to know if braking was different from Zimmerman and OEM rotors, how long did they last, rust resistance etc.
I'd appreciate your comments!
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      04-16-2020, 06:41 PM   #2
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OEM are not good, always getting rusty, I switched to ECS rotors, much better. There are plenty better options there, check these threads here:
https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1355979
https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1699085
https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1621826
https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1474126
https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1584952
https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1686908
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      04-16-2020, 07:38 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gvarr03 View Post
Hello all,
I'm almost due for a complete brake service for my X5 and I was wondering whether anyone here had experienced with both brake rotors from Zimmerman and OEM. I know they look identical, just without BMW stamp on it etc. I'm more curious to know if braking was different from Zimmerman and OEM rotors, how long did they last, rust resistance etc.
I'd appreciate your comments!
I plan on getting brakes from FCPEuro next time (unless the dealer replaces them). They offer lifetime replacement on all their parts
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      04-17-2020, 02:39 PM   #4
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I installed Zimmerman rotors from FCP Euro on the front a month ago and haven't noticed any difference. Also put on Textar pads. Nice bite, less dust than OEM as well.

Last edited by kendallc24; 04-17-2020 at 02:40 PM.. Reason: spelling
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      04-17-2020, 05:27 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kendallc24 View Post
I installed Zimmerman rotors from FCP Euro on the front a month ago and haven't noticed any difference. Also put on Textar pads. Nice bite, less dust than OEM as well.
I was looking at FCP Euro too. Glad to hear you did not notice any difference between OEM and Zimmerman rotors.

I am also curious if anyone here went with Brembo rotors and how it performed.
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      04-18-2020, 11:27 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gvarr03 View Post
I was looking at FCP Euro too. Glad to hear you did not notice any difference between OEM and Zimmerman rotors.

I am also curious if anyone here went with Brembo rotors and how it performed.
I got BMW pads and Brembo rotors. I did not notice any difference in braking then OE. If anything, they might perform worse than BMW rotors. I got Zimmerman on my 3 series and I’m not impressed. If you can swing it, get BMW pads and rotors.
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      04-19-2020, 02:16 PM   #7
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I’ve been pleased with Zimmerman rotors and Akebono pads on both my e38 and e39s. Less dust and longer life.
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      04-19-2020, 03:26 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by F15GorDe View Post
I’ve been pleased with Zimmerman rotors and Akebono pads on both my e38 and e39s. Less dust and longer life.


Nice to hear people enjoying Zimmermann/Akebono combo, I'm gonna be due for new setup soon. Zimmermann/ECS Rotors are on the table, as well as Akebono/Textar/Brembo pads.
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      04-19-2020, 06:34 PM   #9
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Both my F10 & F15 will be needing brakes soon. I already have the Akebonos for the F15 with the Zimmerman rotors on the way from FCP Euro.
The same items for the F10 will also come from FCP Euro as needed in the future.
Hard to beat FCP Euros program for the replacement items we go through.
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B&O, parking assistant, executive package, 3rd row seats and the manual rear shades are the ONLY items we didn't order. Having everything else makes our F15d a NICE ride.
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      04-19-2020, 08:57 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by W37V View Post
I got BMW pads and Brembo rotors. I did not notice any difference in braking then OE. If anything, they might perform worse than BMW rotors. I got Zimmerman on my 3 series and I’m not impressed. If you can swing it, get BMW pads and rotors.

I'm leaning towards OEM rotors... I'm not concern about the rust or brake dust. However braking power is very essential to me.

Got almost 74k miles on X5 and still original rotors and pads so longevity isn't a question.

Thank you for everyone's input!
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      04-20-2020, 06:36 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gvarr03 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by W37V View Post
I got BMW pads and Brembo rotors. I did not notice any difference in braking then OE. If anything, they might perform worse than BMW rotors. I got Zimmerman on my 3 series and I’m not impressed. If you can swing it, get BMW pads and rotors.

I'm leaning towards OEM rotors... I'm not concern about the rust or brake dust. However braking power is very essential to me.

Got almost 74k miles on X5 and still original rotors and pads so longevity isn't a question.

Thank you for everyone's input!
Save your money. Just installed Zimmerman rotors and akebono pads through fcp euro @430$ all the way around. Braking feels the same or better than oem. Ive been using zims on every BMW I've owned with no issues. The Texar pads are very good too. The diy on this is not difficult, just time consuming.
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      04-22-2020, 06:35 AM   #12
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I went with Zimmerman rotors and pads put on my rears and developed horrible squealing within days. The kind that makes people walking by look at you like you drive a rusted out ford ranger on its last breath..
Mechanic replaced them with a new set of the same free of charge and a few days later they start squealing again. Waited it out for 2-3 weeks. It got a little better overall (squeal free 80% of the time) but in certain conditions (cold) the squeal would come back.
Mechanic was very apologetic, and very graciously offered to change them out again. He spoke to his supplier and suggested we try another brand this time. Went with Brembo pads & rotors and they've been quiet and compliant from day one.
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      07-23-2020, 07:14 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kendallc24 View Post
I installed Zimmerman rotors from FCP Euro on the front a month ago and haven't noticed any difference. Also put on Textar pads. Nice bite, less dust than OEM as well.

How are you liking the Textar pads? Holding up good.. still no squeaks? I'm about to order fronts and debating between OEM and Textar.
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      07-23-2020, 07:31 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Amsterdave View Post
I went with Zimmerman rotors and pads put on my rears and developed horrible squealing within days. The kind that makes people walking by look at you like you drive a rusted out ford ranger on its last breath..
Mechanic replaced them with a new set of the same free of charge and a few days later they start squealing again. Waited it out for 2-3 weeks. It got a little better overall (squeal free 80% of the time) but in certain conditions (cold) the squeal would come back.
Mechanic was very apologetic, and very graciously offered to change them out again. He spoke to his supplier and suggested we try another brand this time. Went with Brembo pads & rotors and they've been quiet and compliant from day one.
Were they semi-mettalic pads? Those tend to squeek. But perform better.
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      07-24-2020, 11:08 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Amsterdave View Post
I went with Zimmerman rotors and pads put on my rears and developed horrible squealing within days. The kind that makes people walking by look at you like you drive a rusted out ford ranger on its last breath..
Mechanic replaced them with a new set of the same free of charge and a few days later they start squealing again. Waited it out for 2-3 weeks. It got a little better overall (squeal free 80% of the time) but in certain conditions (cold) the squeal would come back.
Mechanic was very apologetic, and very graciously offered to change them out again. He spoke to his supplier and suggested we try another brand this time. Went with Brembo pads & rotors and they've been quiet and compliant from day one.
Which shop do you go to?
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      04-01-2021, 10:48 PM   #16
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I guess BMW no longer uses Zimmermann as the supplier for X5/X6 brake rotors. I purchased Genuine BMW rotors from US dealer and the stickers say Made in USA. Wonder what mysterious supplier is that. In fact quality was so so, some black grease and good circular scratch/groove.


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