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Importance of weight of brake rotors

1.4K views 6 replies 4 participants last post by  Clavurion  
#1 ·
Hi!

My current BMW (F11 520D 2011) have these two piece brake rotors that I understand are constructed for low weight (unsprung mass). When I replaced the back rotors some time ago, I choose some Zimmermans that was not two piece, but instead drilled and slotted and I chose them mainly because I thought they looked good (I know, I am superficial and vain ;)). Their weight was 9.4 kg instead of the originals at 8,2, and I considered that good enough since some other brands weighted over 10 kg. They where also cheaper.

Now it is time to replace the front rotors and the same thoughts about weight pops up in my head, maybe it is more important that I think?

What is your view on this, does the weight of the brake rotors make a difference on a family car?

Thanks,
Lasse
 
#2 ·
Unlikely you would notice the difference. In theory the lighter discs would have a lower intertia which might in turn have some effect on steering and acceleration but in practice the differences are likely to be so small as to be invisible unless you are an F1 driver. The drilled/slotted options can improve braking performance, especially in the wet but usually at the expense of a lot of noise. Sounds great on a track but gets tedious in regular day-to-day driving.

Since we're talking about a 520d here you are not really ever going to be pushing the limits, say compared to an M5. Stock plane discs should do you just fine.
 
#3 ·
On two piece discs only the hub part is lighter so the change in rotational momentum is very small. The effect is more on the unsprung mass like you suggested. It's always beneficial to keep the unsprung mass lower so it's easier for the tyre to follow the surface. Will you notice that difference is another thing. Still the two piece discs are not that expensive compared to one piece units.

 
#5 ·
On two piece discs only the hub part is lighter so the change in rotational momentum is very small. The effect is more on the unsprung mass like you suggested. It's always beneficial to keep the unsprung mass lower so it's easier for the tyre to follow the surface. Will you notice that difference is another thing. Still the two piece discs are not that expensive compared to one piece units.

Thanks for the link to that german webshop, seems like really good prices. Do you have any experience bying from them?