E46 318i. Which Brakes?

[RyanTank]

I need to do the brakes on my car for the MOT, suspect a warped front disk as the steering wobbles under braking.

I've got prices for a full change (disks/pads/shoes) from local motorfactors but happened upon a listing on ebay for a full set of Brembo ones.

So now I'm flicking back and forth between the motorfactors vs ebay. part of me says they are brakes and will all work/wear the same so get the cheaper ones and use the money saved to get the window regulator that's packed in.

But then I made the mistake of looking into the reviews of the brembo's and of course they are all positive and raved about.
But I also have the doubts about actually receiving genuine brembo items, just because the picture shows stamps and boxes doesnt mean im not going to receive genuine items. it is ebay after all.


So I guess what I'm wanting to hear is go and get the ones from the MF I trust and to not be a label queen
And to stop being a doofuss and get the cheaper ones and use the difference for other parts (difference being £37)

[g3org3y]

How do the prices compare to branded items from ECP?

[shalon]

Pagid from euro car parts are very good brakes

[RyanTank]

The prices I've got for full set of pads/disks/shoes are roughly

Eurocarparts - £200
Local motorfactor - £155
eBay brembos - £190

[8Tech]

If the discs from ebay are from a reputable seller, then go for them. You should be able to tell when they arrive if they are genuine and report the seller and get a full refund if they are not.

Try Amazon first though, they are usually cheaper than ebay and far more reliable.

[pits]

RyanTank said:

I need to do the brakes on my car for the MOT, suspect a warped front disk as the steering wobbles under braking.

To be fair ignoring that discs don't warp an E46 318i doesn't go fast enough to melt discs when slowing down, you have pad deposits on your brake discs that is causing the judder.

[ftypical]

Or tired front suspension or steering.

[Matt_N]

Yeh I would say your front wishbone bushes are worn and need replacing.

Common item on the E46.

[RyanTank]

Thanks for the advice, I'm still getting a full change done as they haven't been changes since I bought it 2 years ago, and not entirely sure how soon before then they were changed either, so thinking they are overdue by now.

hope this cures the crappy handbrake too, not sure if a slight lurch forward is normal?

I'm aware the front bushes/suspension are issues on e46's so they are already on the seemingly endless replace/refurb list