Brake rotors are an important part of your vehicle's disc brake system. They're the discs that the system is named after, and attach to the wheel hubs. When you press your foot against the brake pedal, the master brake cylinder responds by sending brake fluid to the brake calipers. The pressure forces the calipers to clamp onto the brake rotors, creating the friction that slows your wheels. To prevent metal-on-metal contact, the calipers are covered with brake pads.

Types of Brake Pads

There are four.

Blank and smooth rotors: these are most often found on cars. They're good for everyday driving due to their long-lasting, crack-resistant makeup.

Slotted rotors: More likely seen on SAVs, these have spiral grooves that keep contaminants and dust away.

Drilled rotors: also known as cross-drilled rotors, these feature larger surface areas that have holes drilled through them. They're more dependable in wet conditions.

Drilled and slotted rotors: This type is most often reserved for sports cars and performance models. They combine best features of both slotted and drilled types.

How to Spot Brake Rotor Trouble

Even the best brake rotors can go bad. Signs of failure include:

A bouncing or vibrating brake pedal
Grinding or squealing noises from the brakes
Obvious surface damage

Buy Genuine BMW Brake Rotors Online

When your brake rotors need replacing, choose the best ones for your vehicle. The brake rotors made by BMW are the only ones that are guaranteed to be compatible with your car or SAV, delivering the trustworthy performance you want. Just make sure to replace them in pairs, front or rear, to ensure consistent braking performance. Find everything you need for your DIY project right here in our online auto parts catalog. Buy today and we'll ship your order directly to your home!