Upgrading discs and pads - any performance difference?

[NickXX]

Hi all,

At some point in the future I'll have to replace my brake discs and pads on my 330d. I'm tempted to go for non-OEM parts if they will give better braking performance - particularly as 'performance' parts will probably cost the same, if not less than the BMW parts. Will it make any difference using upgraded parts?

Black Diamond discs seem to be quite popular with e46 owners as do GreenStuff pads. Anyone had any experience of either? Are there any other disc/pad combos I should consider?

Will probably use my car on a few track days next year, so a reduction in brake fade would be useful but not essential.

Many thanks in advance,

Nick

 

[NickXX]

Thanks guys - think I will upgrade the discs and pads then. Will Dot5 brake fluid be much better than the standard BMW stuff (had it changed back in July)? Are there any disadvantages to using it over the standard stuff?

 

[NickXX]

Thanks for the advice guys - lots of useful stuff to take in

Is it difficult changing brake hoses? Obviously getting air in the system would be an issue, but would it otherwise be pretty much plug and play?

Will the brake fluid I have at the moment definately not be Dot 4/5? It is the standard stuff that BMW use (can't find any info on it).

Have you ever had brake fade on the stock setup Nick?

Cos the stock pads are Brembo's.....

Didn't notice any fade after two consecutive laps of the Ring, but I guess it might have been a problem had I done 1 or 2 more. Didn't realise they came with Brembo pads as standard!