Disc Brake Shields

[shredder]

Hi,
I am new to this forum and I hope that this isn't a stupid question.
I have a new 330 arriving in 4 weeks. It is Jet Black and I really want to keep it looking great from day 1 and this looks to be the place to find out how. I have always tried to keep a clean car but with this car I want to be sure and do all of the right things to protect the finshe from Day 1. Any pros or cons to using disc brake sheilds to keep the dust off of wheels?

Thanks
Jack

[4DSC]

No, there are very few "stupid" questions. Yes, brake sheilds work, but they also keep the brakes from being cooled properly because they completely cover up the front side of the wheel. If you drive your 330i as it should be driven, then I wouldn't get these.

Try a search for these. I'm sure more opinions will turn up.

PS: Welcome to Autopia!

EDIT: Here are a couple pages (it helps to spell "shield" right ):
Brake dust shields
Brake dust problem

[F1Crazy]

Disc brake shield is a big no no on a BMW, don't do it! One of the bigger issues with BMW brakes is warped rotors and rotors warp because they overheat so reducing cooling capacities of your brakes with those shields you're inviting brake problems. Second thing is less cooling will cause quick fading even in street driving and this could be dangerous.
Your only option to reduce brake dust is to use aftermarket brake pads like AXXIS, Ferodo or Pagid. PM me if you want more info on these pads.

[caddyman]

you could always switch to pads that have less dustung.

[markbigears]

brake shields were factory issue on all TVR "S" series cars here in UK...... even the 155mph, 0-60 in 5 secs V8 versions, so i think they are fine for a road going BMW. Unless you are track daying the car there is no reason to fit them. and i must say my wheels are perfect with them fitted.

[Lowejackson]

About 10 years ago, BMW used to sell these shields, not sure if they still sell them.

TVR, beautiful looking cars

Steven

[F1Crazy]

Maybe TVR has factory designed shields that work as part of braking system.

BMW doesn't sell these shields and recommends against them. BMWs here in US have different spec rotors, we don't get floating or cross-drilled rotors and even cars like M3 have non cross-drilled US spec rotors and they warp easily. You'll have a hard time getting dealer to replace them under warranty after he sees brake shields. You may run into warranty problems with non OEM brake pads but many owners still get them and get great results. If in doubt ask your dealer.

[markbigears]

i imagine BMW dosent sell em because part of the rotor probably catches on the shield. I know my brothers Golf GTI had this problem and he had to take them back. As for heat build up, under normal road conditions your brakes are no where near their limit and you are not going to warp a rotor just because of the heat shield. Mine have been on since new and have never had heat build up.

[Luster]

The BMW's that you see with ugly brake dust all over the wheels are the ones that never get washed.....

It sounds like you're going to be an Obsessed Fanatic (like me).....

If you wash the car once a week or more.....you won't even have to worry about break dust......A couple good coats of wax will take care of that.

[markbigears]

also, if you get loads of brake dust, that usually means your pads are getting low.

[F1Crazy]

Originally posted by markbigears
also, if you get loads of brake dust, that usually means your pads are getting low.

BMWs are known for their dusty brakes and it has nothing to do with the amount of wear on pads, my new car dusts like crazy.
Brake dust is nothing more than friction material worn off the pads and they are made to wear evenly.
German pads are dusty and it has something to do with the compound material. Many suspect that graphite is used since BMW brake dust acts like graphite.

[markbigears]

german pads? there are many german makes of pads , textar, pagid etc..... BMW dont make their own pads. And i had "german" pads on my porsche and they didn't dust like crazy.