Looking for reviews of Zimmermann brake discs

Hello.

I have a Golf 4 4Motion, which has the ATE 54 braking system with 312x25mm brake discs on the front. Unfortunately, I am very dissatisfied with the braking performance. In my opinion, it is completely overwhelmed when driving on the highway. When I have to brake very quickly from a speed of around 200 km/h, it immediately starts making a strange whining noise, and it sounds quite unpleasant.

The braking system is completely original, with original pads and rotors, no aftermarket parts.

Now I'm wondering if I should install the slotted Zimmermann brake discs. Possibly with green stuff details.

Do you think it will make a noticeable difference? Especially the pads, which cost twice as much as the original VW ones?

Thank you very much for your tips.

Hi,
The brakes are good. However, you shouldn't leave your car standing for extended periods with Zimmermann brake discs. They rust heavily and unevenly.
Best regards.

''

Hello.

I would consider having the glass on my friend's car powder-coated to prevent rust from forming on the areas that don't come into contact.

I heard that the glass around the holes sometimes cracks, is that true?

Sure, here's the translation:

"MFG" is an abbreviation for "Mit freundlichen Grüßen," which translates to "Sincerely" or "Best regards" in English.

Sorry, I'm not a big fan of Zimmermann. These are just normal discs, simply drilled. Especially with performance brake pads, they probably cause problems (because they aren't performance brake discs). Especially the EBC pads are likely to increase the disc temperatures significantly. If you go with Zimmermann, then stick to the standard pads. However, there are also some people who swear by the combination...

I have the same brake discs (312mm) and the same problems. I will either install ATE Powerdisc with Powerpads, which I would have already bought if the pads hadn't been delayed since May. Or, I could buy Tarox brake discs, but that would require a TÜV (German technical inspection) approval and some money...

With Tarox and Ferodo brake pads, you'll surely get rid of your problems. They are heat-treated. ATEs are a more affordable option, and therefore might be worth trying.

Ask about this here; it's a friendly contact and an "informative" website.
www.autoteile-ralf-schmitz.de

Quote:

When I have to brake very quickly from a good speed of around 200, it immediately starts to feel strange, and you can hear this odd humming sound. The braking system is completely original, with original pads and rotors, no aftermarket parts.

I'm familiar with that problem, which is why I've been using Pagid brake discs and pads for years. In my opinion, these have very good hot braking performance and are more stable than the original equipment (OE) brakes.

If your brakes are making noise even when they're hot, it's either because the brake pads are worn down or the friction coefficients are no longer correct.

Not everything people say about Zimmermann discs is positive.

Hi,
The brakes are good. However, you shouldn't leave your car standing for extended periods with Zimmermann brake discs. They rust heavily and unevenly.
Best regards.



Hello, I have Zimmermann brake discs installed on my Audi Cabrio, along with Ferodo DS 2000 brake pads.
I am very satisfied with the braking performance.
It's news to me that you're not supposed to leave the Zimmermann discs in place. My convertible has been sitting for a very long time recently (less than 2500 km/year , time!!).
My windows don't rust at all!
However, this could also be because the Audi has a designated parking spot.
Otherwise, the mice make a rather pleasant squeaking sound.

On the website described above, it was reported that Zimmermann reacted to the cracking and modified the geometry of the holes in the disc.
From accounts I've heard, it's confirmed that the old discs were prone to cracking under high stress. I hope this is gone now.
They also claim that the discs have a different metal composition, meaning they are actually 'genuine' sports discs.
I had assumed until now that they were just normal plates with holes in them.

I'm going to try out the new [product/item] on my Seat, if I need new brake discs.

Best regards, Jochen.

I've had slotted brake discs from Sandtler (manufactured by Zimmermann) along with Sparco T-51 brake pads on my Lupo since spring, and I'm very happy with the brakes so far (about 4000 km), although they need a short warm-up period.

Jochen_145 wrote:

On the website described above, it was reported that Zimmermann reacted to the cracking and modified the geometry of the holes in the disc. They also claim that the discs have a different metal composition, meaning they are actually "genuine" sports discs. I had assumed until now that they were just normal plates with holes in them.

Geometry alone will not be sufficient; the holes will be drilled later.

Quote:

All Sport brake discs are made from high-quality, alloyed, heat-resistant materials.

"What does that mean? They were also used for the windshields. In my opinion, they are just normal windshields, simply with holes in them." It's often advised against using sports surfaces because they can significantly increase the speed, and standard discs aren't designed to handle that.

The descriptions are copied verbatim from the manufacturer, as you can also see:

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All Zimmermann sport brake discs are compatible with standard brake pads. However, the effectiveness is increased with sports brake pads.

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Please do not believe, as some customers unfortunately have, that installing components like Zimmermann discs or Green Stuff pads will make your vehicle race-ready. This is definitely not the case! It will likely be of very little benefit to you if you test this combination for even just one lap on the Nordschleife circuit at the Nürburgring!

Quote:

Zimmermann sport brake discs (please only use with standard brake pads!).

In my opinion, high-quality sports windshields should be heat-treated.

'Those are interesting quotes you found, but unfortunately, I can't find them on the manufacturer's website.'
Are they only available in the login area?

Furthermore, I don't believe that a manufacturer would first state that the braking performance can be increased with sports brake pads and then later write 'don't do that.'

But it doesn't matter.
I believe the Zimmermann script is sufficient for anyone who wants a sporty look.
I'm happy to believe that these aren't heat-treated, as they cost twice as much as the Zimmermann ones.

By the way, there are plenty of sports surfaces that are designed for use with serial printers. Here's the translation:

'The Ferodo DS 2000, for example.'

Best regards, Jochen.

The description of the discs is listed in the link mentioned above and copied directly from the Zimmermann website. I just wanted to point out the contradictions in this page, because later the seller writes something that contradicts it. All 3 quotes come from this link, with only the first one being copied from the manufacturer. What does the salesperson gain by drawing attention to problems with their products?

Quote:

1) I believe the Zimmermann-style fender is sufficient for anyone who wants a sporty look. 2) By the way, there are plenty of suitable surfaces available that are designed for serial writing. Here's the translation: "The Ferodo DS 2000, for example."

Okay, here's the translation:

"Exactly. For those who don't have problems with the original brake discs, they won't have problems with Zimmermann either (but pa-mm6 does have problems!!). However, I don't think they are sports brake discs. By the way, when it comes to sports brake discs, I don't prioritize appearance; I focus on performance. Appearance is my lowest priority." Sure, I'd be happy to help with that. Please provide the text you would like me to translate from German to English.
By the way, pa-mm6 is having problems with the series brake, so I would advise him not to go with Zimmermann. In order not to offend proponents of Zimmermann, I explicitly wrote that I don't support it, and "However, there are also some who swear by the combination."
2) How did these pads, which otherwise wouldn't have received approval, manage to get approved? Nevertheless, I don't think it's appropriate to use "Original" or "Zimmermann" pads, as they generate significantly higher temperatures. Incidentally, EBC Greenstuff also has an approval, but even those pads cause temperatures to rise even more than Ferodo pads. They were even discouraged from using them (due to similar issues with the pa-mm6 unit), even when paired with Tarox G88 rotors (heat-treated).

@pa-mm6
Form your own opinion; you can see how different people's opinions are. It also depends on the budget.
"We will all agree that the best solution would be a complete brake upgrade (larger rotors and different calipers, such as Brembo). Then there's the option of using heat-treated rotors like those from Tarox, with corresponding pads. After that, things get tricky, and everyone has their own opinion." Unfortunately, the mentioned options also have significant price differences.

Hi guys.

Okay, I've had this combination for about 4 months now. Three days ago, I had to brake hard twice, and now the Zimmermann rotors are ruined. They're a deep blue color and constantly making noise. I don't understand it; they should be able to withstand that. I really don't know what to do anymore. I'm just driving a little more aggressively, and then the brakes have to do their job. The 312 brakes are actually very good, but they need to be able to handle it. It's not just about braking well three times and then the rotors start making noise. I really don't know what to do. What do you think about a complete Brembo Junior kit? Will that be compatible with the ESP, etc.? Does anyone have any information about that? Maybe on a Golf 4 TDI ARL...?

Sure, here's the translation:

"MFG" is an abbreviation for "Mit freundlichen Grüßen," which translates to "Sincerely" or "Best regards" in English.

I was already expecting that, as mentioned above. If you want something cheap, go with Pagid (pads and rotors; that's a tip from another member, see above). If you want something that's very reliable, I would go with Tarox (but be careful to make sure you can get them approved for your vehicle. Check beforehand). Brembo would be too expensive for me.

Absolutely no sports surfaces on standard (or Zimmermann) discs.

Quote:

Well, I've had this combination for about 4 months now. Three days ago, I had to brake hard twice, and now the Zimmermans are ruined. Deep blue color and constant banging. I don't understand this; it should be able to withstand something like a

.

This is just a sign that the "stuff" doesn't work well together, or that the brake pads are too hard. It's important to find the "right" brake pad that is compatible with the brake discs you are using. And this shouldn't be too harsh, or become so.

If a brake (as described above) doesn't last for more than 3 full stops, you can safely use original equipment (OE) brake discs, as they are guaranteed to last. It's only when the brake pads no longer achieve their specified friction coefficients or become hardened that the OE (Original Equipment) brake discs become a problem.

Quote:

I was already expecting that, as mentioned above. If it needs to be cheap, go with Pagid (pads and rotors; that's a tip from another member, see above). If you want to be absolutely sure, I would go with Tarox (make sure you can get them approved for your car. Check beforehand). Brembo would be too expensive for me. Brembo would be too expensive for me.

The word "cheap" shouldn't really be used in this context. I was simply sharing my experience and mentioning a product that is widely used as original equipment in Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, etc., and is also frequently used in motorsports.

Reading material here: http://www.braketechnology.com/about.html
and here: http://pagid.server7062.mivitec.net/index.jsp

BM wrote:

"Cheap" is a word that shouldn't really be used.

Sorry, I misspelled it. If you want the simplest option (no special markings like those from Tarox-Sports), and something more affordable than the original parts (a good compromise), or even cheaper than genuine performance brake discs and pads (not Zimmerman, but Brembo, Tarox, etc.), then choose Pagid.

If you can buy TAROX discs for your car and also get them approved for use, then that would be my first choice. The discs are heat-treated, and the manufacturer has an excellent quality management system. Before you waste money trying out new materials, stick with what's proven! By the way, I don't think much of Zimmermann discs either! In my opinion, they are hardly better than OEM discs and, due to their thermal sensitivity, they can cause new problems like... B. The cracks that appear sooner or later.

Therefore, I also recommend TAROX! Suitable brake pads for them would be the EBC Green Stuff, which work well on the rotors. Based on my own experience, I recommend the EBC Red Stuff. They are durable and highly effective. Note: They do not have approval for road use and cannot be registered. However, if you paint the characteristic red backing plate black, you can at least make them less visible. While the Red Stuff pads transfer even more heat to the discs, the TAROX brakes can handle it!

"Durability of Red Stuff pads with very sporty and fast driving: 20-25,000 km. If you don't constantly use the brakes at their maximum performance, you can probably get 40,000 km or more out of the pads. The rotors visibly wear down with the Red Stuff pads, but they usually last for at least a second set of pads. Some OEM brake rotors don't even last that long. With the Green Stuff pads, you might be able to get a third set on a TAROX rotor." That really depends a lot on your braking habits.

Regarding the TAROX discs: They may also warp, but usually not as severely as an OEM disc that has been overstressed. Often, you can even straighten them by properly heating them up ("bedding in the brakes") and then applying a short, firm braking force. They can warp quickly, for example, if you drive through a puddle with hot brakes, causing the discs to cool down rapidly. Fixing as described... ;)

My opinion: A good brake is worth the money!

Hello.

I've had the Tarox SJ rotors installed for almost two weeks now. Everything is working perfectly and they brake well. Could it be that they are extremely loud when braking? The braking performance is really great with the Green Stuff pads. I think it might be due to the slots. But you can't have everything. It's worst when the brakes get hot, because then the humming sound gets louder.

Maybe someone else has the same problem.

Sure, here's the translation:

"MFG" is an abbreviation for "Mit freundlichen Grüßen," which translates to "Sincerely" or "Best regards" in English.