Hi all,

I'm new to this forum, and have a couple of questions about my BMW ('98 328i). First off, I am considering a full brake update this summer (everything is still original). Any opinions on pads (I'm considering Pagid, Mintex and EBC Greenstuff) or rotors (slotted, cross-drilled, etc.)?

Also, I have a strange 'groan' noise coming from the left rear side of the car. Sounds like it is in the rear door or rear seat, but so far the best advice I'm getting is that it could be the rear shock mount. I've tried looking at that, and best I can tell it looks okay (although not 100% sure what to look for). Sometimes I think I hear it on the right side as well. Does the shock mount sound like the culprit (how much to fix?)? If not, other ideas?

Thanks in advance.

I don't know what is causing your noise but I will give you a tip on brake rotors. Unless you intend on taking your car to the track, I wouldn't recommend cross drilled rotors, especially if you're putting expensive pads on because cross drilled rotors will cut your pad life almost in half. Go with the slotted rotors, you'll still notice a gain in stopping power and you won't eat your pads.

I have a 328i 97 and a 325is 87 the brakes on my 97 are mintex they are a little less sensitive than the original pads but don't give hardly any brake dust and are lasting a lot longer. my 325is i just put on bremo cross drilled vented rotors and pagid sport pads very nice great feel and so far not an exessive amount of dust. I also hard a clunking groaning noise coming from my left rear on the 325 I replaced the shocks and shock mount and i haven't heard the noise again. As far as what to look for it's a rubbing component look for dry rot