Front Rotors 1988 M5

Specific conversations and info for the BMW E28 M5 and M535i.
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Syndrome
Posts: 128
Joined: Nov 23, 2021 3:46 PM
Location: DC

Front Rotors 1988 M5

Post by Syndrome »

I’d like to replace the front rotors on my E28 M5, but can’t find a set available for sale anywhere. Without modifying my car, is there a set of rotors from another model that would be a direct fit? Part number/source? Also, does anyone know that the tolerances are for the original rotors, to see if resurfacing is an option? My understanding is that they are 30mm thick new, but what is their minimum thickness? Thank you.
Preyupy
Posts: 326
Joined: Jun 21, 2012 12:48 AM
Location: Issaquah WA

Re: Front Rotors 1988 M5

Post by Preyupy »

I am away from home right now but I believe I have 4 new front rotors and would be willinng to sell 2 of them. I can look when I get home next week.
Preyupy
Posts: 326
Joined: Jun 21, 2012 12:48 AM
Location: Issaquah WA

Re: Front Rotors 1988 M5

Post by Preyupy »

A national parts search with BMW says that Sewickley BMW in Sewickley PA has 2 in stock. 412-741-6400 if their inverntory is correct they may be the only ones in the country. Maybe Walloth und Nesch?
Syndrome
Posts: 128
Joined: Nov 23, 2021 3:46 PM
Location: DC

Re: Front Rotors 1988 M5

Post by Syndrome »

Thanks. Got a set. Cheers.
41magfan
Posts: 103
Joined: Nov 07, 2013 5:38 PM

Re: Front Rotors 1988 M5

Post by 41magfan »

For anyone in the future , e32 750 rotors will work fine as a substitute
VaruzhM3
Posts: 4
Joined: Sep 28, 2021 1:33 AM
Location: Los Angeles

Re: Front Rotors 1988 M5

Post by VaruzhM3 »

41magfan wrote: Jun 15, 2023 6:58 PM For anyone in the future , e32 750 rotors will work fine as a substitute
Is this a direct fit?
marek
Posts: 333
Joined: Mar 21, 2008 11:51 AM

Re: Front Rotors 1988 M5

Post by marek »

VaruzhM3 wrote: Jul 03, 2023 6:01 PM
41magfan wrote: Jun 15, 2023 6:58 PM For anyone in the future , e32 750 rotors will work fine as a substitute
Is this a direct fit?
Yes, they are a direct fit
tn535i
Posts: 5585
Joined: Jul 14, 2006 1:30 PM
Location: Middle Tennessee

Re: Front Rotors 1988 M5

Post by tn535i »

fwiw the stock rotors that fit the M5/6 have an unusual cooling path with holes in the cylindrical portion between the mounting face and friction surface and that cylinder meets the back friction surface rather than the front with a gap for air to flow under the front surface. Not sure I am describing that right but if you find a picture you will see this. The e32 750 rotors are more like most every other rotor I've seen and the cylindrical portion meets the front friction surface. Not sure why BMW had this more unusual design on these cars or if there was any real advantage or just another way of doing it. Certainly more difficult to cast and probably more expensive to make.

The rotors my M6 came with were bad when I got it. I first tried the 750 rotors but had trouble with them, maybe they were cheap at the time and lower quality brand that warped easily as I don't remember specifically. Somewhere I found a good deal on Zimmerman OE style and they work really well. Might be disappointed to find out we just can't get them anymore but I would not be surprised. Not sure, have not looked.
Machtig
Posts: 267
Joined: May 14, 2009 10:44 AM
Location: Kingsland, GA

Re: Front Rotors 1988 M5

Post by Machtig »

I recently bought a set of Carquest Wearever front rotors, p/n YH145388 from Advance Auto Parts, which are supposed to be exact fit and look correct, though I have yet to install them. I think I paid ~$75 each, but looking just now they are on sale for ~$50 each, just my luck. :roll:
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