What are you guys all running in the brake department?

I'm needing to replace my fronts so am looking at the available options. Currently the favourites are the upgraded OEM R56 294mm x 22mm drilled & grooved discs from the dealers, and a set of Mintex 1144 pads. The discs look like a good option as they are an improvement on the OEM R56 discs, and are available from the dealers for about £140.

Ideally would want to do a Porsche conversion but don't want the bother of changing the wheels, etc.!

Thomas at 1320mini told me that the best pads to get for the Mini are Carbotech, unfortunately their website is all in US $ but there will be dealers in the UK that can get them for you.

http://www.ctbrakes.com/pads/mini.htm

He also said the ultimate discs for Mini's are Nitrac but they are are quite expensive... up to £150 for a pair apparently

http://www.nitrac.co.uk/performancedisc.htm

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Driving my JCW is the best fun I've had with my clothes on!!!!

I'd looked at the Nitrac discs but they're having supply problems at the moment and people have been quoted up to £260 for a pair of fronts. Alternatively I could get the R56 drilled/grooved discs treated by Nitrac for £70+VAT I believe.

Carbotech pads are meant to squeal a bit as well

That sounds like a good option mate.... would they fit on my JCW seeing as it has had the JCW brake upgrade? I defo need to get some new discs as the solid ones it's got at the moment look pants.... and will even more so when I can get a new set of rims!

Do you know if they squeal all the time or just when bedding in?

I know quite a few people on Mini Torque are running the AP Racing brake conversion kit but don't know how good they are

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Driving my JCW is the best fun I've had with my clothes on!!!!

If your discs are 292mm x 22mm they should fit mate. Is yours a JCW BBK or just the JCW brakes? As the R56 S standard setup is the same as the R53 JCW. Will find out how much they are when I order them at the dealers.

I think the XP8 Carbotechs squeak all the time, the other option is the Carbotech Bobcat 1521 pads but they say strictly no track use. Then again I'm not sure that the OEM pads are ideal for track use either! An advantage to the Bobcat's is that they apparently prolong the life of the discs, and last longer than OEM pads too.

I guess I'm looking for a cheap pad that is quiet, produces less dust, and is good for fast road and an occasional track. Not asking much eh

Cheers for the info Nik, much appreciated

Yeah doesn't sound like you are asking for too much there mate! lol

The amount of brake dust is probably the biggest factor for me along with squeal as I doubt if I will be doing many track days in mine... yeah I doubt if BMW would say that their OEM pads are fit for track days! lol

If you can let me know how much you get the ones from a dealer for then that will be cool

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Driving my JCW is the best fun I've had with my clothes on!!!!

No probs Lex, looks like I'll either go for the Bobcats or the Mintex - I don't think I can do many trackdays anyway without changing the exhaust

Part is 34.11.6.777.826, £69 each including VAT.

Went for the following setup:


JCW Front Rotors in 294x22, £69 inc. VAT each from the dealer (cheaper than minigenuineparts!)

Mintex 1144 C-Tech race pads (Blue box) - £72 from Camskill.

Nik

Tony (TC149) was running JCW drilled and groved disc with red stuff pads
and was getting brake fade, he then change the pads to the JCW that come with the brake kit and fitted braded brake hoses and replaced the brake fluid
with somthink on the lines of the Castrol SRF Racing Brake Fluid now the brake are no problem, he has done 2 or 3 track day with no fade ,