2nd Gen R56 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: Slotted vs smooth rotors

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  1. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    #6 MCS02, Aug 28, 2013
    The rotors I have will need to be replaced with the next set of pads. I will go with just slotted ones next. I have heard of the drilled ones cracking but I have been lucky.
    I have found if you don't use your brakes they last longer and don't heat up. :arf:
     
  2. nxtMINI

    nxtMINI Active Member

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    #8 nxtMINI, Aug 28, 2013
    This year before the dragon I put in new slotted rotors and Hawk HPS pads.. they're great! I heard about the drilled rotors cracking, that's why I was recommended to go with slotted rotors from Detroit Tuned. :D
     
  3. Firebro17

    Firebro17 Dazed, but not Confused
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    #9 Firebro17, Aug 28, 2013
    I use the Zimmerman rotors. They are an outstanding product. Mine are drilled and slotted, have been on my car for appx. 20k and I have no abnormal signs of wear or destruction.
     
  4. agranger

    agranger MINI of the Month June 2009
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    #11 agranger, Aug 28, 2013
    I liked the look of slotted rotors. Perhaps they were a bit better on hard braking for track work (100mph to 20 mph as quickly as you can), but I have no quantitative evidence. The idea of having a slot to off-gas under hard braking and wipe the pad surface clean seems to make some sense to me (plus it looks sporty, which is really the primary benefit, IMHO). The slotted ones weren't that much more expensive than the quality solid ones.

    Solid rotors are quieter (no whip-whip-whip of the slots passing the brake pad surface).

    Drilled rotors can provide a similar benefit to slotted rotors, but (according to my internet research... take it for what that's worth) they can crack if not heat treated and peened appropriately, which generally only happens to very expensive drilled rotors (and probably not even made for our cars... think Ferrari and the like). I don't think that it would have been an issue for street use, so if you like the look of drilled rotors on your daily driver, go for it. The only failure of drilled rotors I ever saw was on heavily tracked cars in the hands of well-skilled (not me) drivers who were pushing the car hard.
     
  5. itsmewutup

    itsmewutup New Member

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    #14 itsmewutup, Aug 28, 2013
    Thank you everyone for all your input thus far (more are always welcome) as some of you mentioned slotted are more for ppl that brake hard and such. When I mentioned driving more fun ok the country roads what I meant was I drive the hell out of the Black Pearl on the country roads lol. At this point I'm leaning toward slotted. What about pads? Metallic or ceramic?
     
  6. itsmewutup

    itsmewutup New Member

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    #18 itsmewutup, Aug 28, 2013
    And how would you describe your driving style?
     
  7. ScottinBend

    ScottinBend Space Cowboy
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    #19 ScottinBend, Aug 28, 2013
    Very spirited. I have a nice canyon-type drive that can really push the brakes. It had the Hawks fading badly about halfway thru it.
     
  8. itsmewutup

    itsmewutup New Member

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    #20 itsmewutup, Aug 28, 2013
    Gotcha. That explains half of my daily commute.
     
  9. itsmewutup

    itsmewutup New Member

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    #27 itsmewutup, Aug 29, 2013
    I will most likely be going with smooth rotors. Got brand new tires on it plus just got aligned. Getting it all back in shape :thumbup:
     
  10. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    #30 Dave.0, Aug 30, 2013
    and the new RMW Smooth rotors cost? :devil::drool:Thumbsup:
     
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