Hey guys.

Finally got my Zimmerman rotors and Rotex Gold pads. Planning to install this weekend and just wondering for the guys that did the install themselves, was it pretty much straightforward? Anything to becareful about when doing this on the 8?

Got this link on the e38 site....
http://www.teutonic.ca/articles/DIYFiles/brakeRotorsPads/

Don't know if I should tackle this or just go to an independent shop. Thanks all.

I have a question on the rotors just out of curiousity. Are they drilled just in the voids between the vents or does some of the drilling occur through the ribs?

I installed some on my F-150 and they were drilled through the ribs and voids. Have to admit I didn't like that, but have not had a problem with them either.

The article looks pretty thorough to me, I've been there on my daughter's 5 and wife's 7 but I still bookmarked the article.

Depending on miles I would consider wheel bearings and make it a done deal.

Yo,
Rod

It is an easy job even for a novice. Just make sure you support the calipers and don't let them dangle by their brake line. You might have to soak the one disk retaining nut with a good penetrating oil. I stripped the allen hole on one and had to drill it out. Don't mess with the wheel bearings unless you have to. The wheel bearings are part a complete hub unit and require a special tool to remove it from the axle. If the bearing is worn enough to remove, then the whole unit has to be replaced. The unit is very expensive, not like older cars where you can just pull the hub, hand grease the bearing and slap it back on. Be careful when you retract the pucks that you don't overflow your master cylinder and mar the paint in your engine compartment.

840Rod...hmmm...didn't check that. Will find out when I get home.

Whale...thanks. I don't mind getting my hands dirty so I will give it a try. btw...mine has less than 30K on her. I will avoid the bearings.

Thanks all.

Ohh...840Rod...forgot to ask....

the rear zimmerman rotors were all solid. no voids or vents. it was marked e31 rears. is this correct? The fronts has the voids/vents.

Thanks.

Yes I believe that is correct... the rears are not vented. Excellent point by Whale, that's what the turkey baster is for, to empty the reservoir. This is a good time to flush the brake fluid, in my opinion, that's why I said empty.

Yo,
Rod

Yes, flush thoroughly and bleed 'til tight. I use DOT4 ATE Super Blue Racing fluid.

Yes...planning to bleed the brakes too. That's why I purchased speedbleeders. What is best brake fluid? The Super Blue Racing, Valvoline Synth, or just the regular Dot 4?

Hey Koizumi, weren't you planning to install the CSI or the ACS replika nose? Just doing step by steps with mine. =)

Super Blue Racing is the best!

BTW, I half-way ordered the CSi kit, I'm waiting for a final invoice from Charlie Spear @ Gault. I ordered the nose, valence, mirrors , a few extra door clips and I also need a new driver's side window gasket. Hopefully Charlie will get back to me Monday with the invoice. Can't wait!!

Happy,

You gonna do S/S brake lines? Perfect time if you got the $$.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-E31-Brake-LINES-Hoses-DOT-840-850-i-ci-USA-STEEL_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742Q2em153Q2el12 62QQcategoryZ33561QQihZ003QQitemZ130213970070QQtcZ photo (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?type=3&campid=5335818596&toolid=10001&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2Febaymotors%2FBMW-E31-Brake-LINES-Hoses-DOT-840-850-i-ci-USA-STEEL_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742Q2em153Q2el12 62QQcategoryZ33561QQihZ003QQitemZ130213970070QQtcZ photo)

There's a place in Anaheim that has (fabs?) them, on eBay, but I couldn't find the link.


Koizumi,
Your car is going to look BAD ASS...
That's all I have to say ... about that.
Oh ... one more thing ... the camera bro ...
don't leave it in the car ... pictures during the mod would be excellent. :)

Yo,
Rod

You can use DOT 4 on the pentosin systems? I changed mine with the pentosin, but i didnt realize it could be done with any other fluid... Or did the system change on later e31s?