Brake Discs
Fits BMW X3 (E83) 2.5 i
(2004)

What is a brake disc?

A brake disc is an essential part of a vehicles braking system. These circular metal disks work with the brake pads to create the necessary friction required to slow down or stop the vehicle. There are different types of brake discs available.

These are:

• Solid

• Vented

• Vented & drilled

• Vented & drilled and grooved

What comes in a brake disc set?

Most of the brake discs we sell are sold in pairs. An order of 1 set will come with 2 discs unless stated otherwise). On rare occasion brake discs, especially for performance vehicles, are provided for the ‘left’ and ‘right’ side of the vehicle. These discs are sold as singles for the side you need. Some discs are too heavy to sell in pairs so have to be sold as singles for shipping purposes.

We sell discs in pairs primarily for safety reasons. It is important that brake performance be evenly distributed between the left and right side of the vehicle.

We would always recommend that you change the brake pads at the same time as the discs. Any uneven pad wear can negatively affect the new brake discs and their performance.

How do I choose the correct brake discs?

Brake discs can be one of the most incorrectly purchased part for a vehicle. There can be a number of different factors that determine which are the correct brake disc replacements. Not only that, there are often a number of different options listed as correct for the same model of vehicle where in fact only 1 set is correct. The factors that need to be taken into consideration include the following:

• The diameter of the disc

• The thickness of the disc

• How many holes use to mount the disc or wheel

• Difference in the original manufacturer brand of the brake system. The makers of the brake system on a vehicle can be different especially when a model of vehicle is manufactured in different countries and then brought to the UK

• VIN (chassis number sequence. Sometimes the first 3 letters of the chassis number or the last 6, 7 or 8 characters will determine the correct part

• Brake system code. This is commonly used with German vehicle brands

• Sports pack or other factory upgrades

• If the vehicle has ABS

• If the vehicle has rear drums can alter which front discs are correct

What brand of brake disc should I choose?

There are number of brands of brake discs that you can choose. Some brands such as Bosch and TRW manufacture brake discs for the original car brands however there are many aftermarket brands of the highest quality that meet or exceed the original specifications. Brands such as Blue Print, Febi, Quinton Hazell and Borg & Beck offer long warranties to show the confidence they have in their parts. The choice of brand is up to you but in many cases it is based on the brand's reputation and your budget.

How can I tell my brake discs needs replacing?

We would always recommend that you have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to receive an accurate diagnosis that your brake discs needs replacement. Some of the symptoms of failing discs are:

• Noisy or squealing brakes

• It takes longer to slow the vehicle down

• The car vibrates when pressing the brake pedal

• There is damage on the face of the disc