GTC brake discs OEM vs AM
Discussion
Dear all, forgive the naive question from a layperson, but am due to change front disks and pads.
Have been offered a choice of OEM parts and what I am told are good quality after market parts. Anyone have any pointers as to whether there is a significant quality uptick to the OEM parts in this kind of case over high quality non brand alternatives?
Thanks in advance.
Have been offered a choice of OEM parts and what I am told are good quality after market parts. Anyone have any pointers as to whether there is a significant quality uptick to the OEM parts in this kind of case over high quality non brand alternatives?
Thanks in advance.
What car/model is it?
You'll have numerous views from 'only ever use OEM' to ''Why pay more for OEM'.
In general, decent aftermarket will be as good as OEM and to all intents and purposes (Brembo, ATE etc..). In my experience the disc sizes are normally the same, albeit some models might have two or three different sizes, depending on exact model/age. However, sometimes (I've experienced it three times) manufacturers have fitted very slightly different calipers and pads during the production cycle so the VIN would provide the correct fitting; in each case the aftermarket suppliers only listed one pad set for all variations. In one case it was a very small difference, pads appeared to fit well but the size difference was enough to cause an annoying click on application. Genuine pads resolved it. I now tend to use OEM as they should fit first time.
Having said that, in the vast majority of cases quality branded aftermarket will be absolutely fine, just steer clear of the cheap stuff or unknown brands; part of the problem is knowing who makes what these days as numerous 'brands' have been purchased just for the name and the quality is not what it used to be.
If they're ceramic discs, there's probably limited choice in any event.
You'll have numerous views from 'only ever use OEM' to ''Why pay more for OEM'.
In general, decent aftermarket will be as good as OEM and to all intents and purposes (Brembo, ATE etc..). In my experience the disc sizes are normally the same, albeit some models might have two or three different sizes, depending on exact model/age. However, sometimes (I've experienced it three times) manufacturers have fitted very slightly different calipers and pads during the production cycle so the VIN would provide the correct fitting; in each case the aftermarket suppliers only listed one pad set for all variations. In one case it was a very small difference, pads appeared to fit well but the size difference was enough to cause an annoying click on application. Genuine pads resolved it. I now tend to use OEM as they should fit first time.
Having said that, in the vast majority of cases quality branded aftermarket will be absolutely fine, just steer clear of the cheap stuff or unknown brands; part of the problem is knowing who makes what these days as numerous 'brands' have been purchased just for the name and the quality is not what it used to be.
If they're ceramic discs, there's probably limited choice in any event.
TarquinMX5 said:
What car/model is it?
You'll have numerous views from 'only ever use OEM' to ''Why pay more for OEM'.
In general, decent aftermarket will be as good as OEM and to all intents and purposes (Brembo, ATE etc..). In my experience the disc sizes are normally the same, albeit some models might have two or three different sizes, depending on exact model/age. However, sometimes (I've experienced it three times) manufacturers have fitted very slightly different calipers and pads during the production cycle so the VIN would provide the correct fitting; in each case the aftermarket suppliers only listed one pad set for all variations. In one case it was a very small difference, pads appeared to fit well but the size difference was enough to cause an annoying click on application. Genuine pads resolved it. I now tend to use OEM as they should fit first time.
Having said that, in the vast majority of cases quality branded aftermarket will be absolutely fine, just steer clear of the cheap stuff or unknown brands; part of the problem is knowing who makes what these days as numerous 'brands' have been purchased just for the name and the quality is not what it used to be.
If they're ceramic discs, there's probably limited choice in any event.
thanks very much thats a very useful post - the parts will be fitted by a garage that has looked after it for a while, so im assuming they will ensure theres no sizing issue. they'll get back to me on the make, but I was told the alternative parts were German manufactured. pads might be Pagid, not sure yet of discs. once I know, ill do the research you suggest to see if I feel comfortable with pedigree!You'll have numerous views from 'only ever use OEM' to ''Why pay more for OEM'.
In general, decent aftermarket will be as good as OEM and to all intents and purposes (Brembo, ATE etc..). In my experience the disc sizes are normally the same, albeit some models might have two or three different sizes, depending on exact model/age. However, sometimes (I've experienced it three times) manufacturers have fitted very slightly different calipers and pads during the production cycle so the VIN would provide the correct fitting; in each case the aftermarket suppliers only listed one pad set for all variations. In one case it was a very small difference, pads appeared to fit well but the size difference was enough to cause an annoying click on application. Genuine pads resolved it. I now tend to use OEM as they should fit first time.
Having said that, in the vast majority of cases quality branded aftermarket will be absolutely fine, just steer clear of the cheap stuff or unknown brands; part of the problem is knowing who makes what these days as numerous 'brands' have been purchased just for the name and the quality is not what it used to be.
If they're ceramic discs, there's probably limited choice in any event.
thanks again!
As GT3ZZZ
The BGT (s) front steels are unique.No other manufacturers share them due to the size .
Only one factory produces them .
Some are wrapped in packaging with B wing logos some are not .
I paid £200 / disc off e bay for the fronts .
The rears are multi German car part binned ….BMW 7 , Merc , Audi , VW etc + many more .Every brake manufacturer in the world ( inc China ) make them .Huge choices huge price range from €20 upwards to what you are happy paying …..oh and some in B winged packaging if you like that kinda thing .
The BGT (s) front steels are unique.No other manufacturers share them due to the size .
Only one factory produces them .
Some are wrapped in packaging with B wing logos some are not .
I paid £200 / disc off e bay for the fronts .
The rears are multi German car part binned ….BMW 7 , Merc , Audi , VW etc + many more .Every brake manufacturer in the world ( inc China ) make them .Huge choices huge price range from €20 upwards to what you are happy paying …..oh and some in B winged packaging if you like that kinda thing .
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