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The OEM parts are made down to a price (despite what the cost of the spares would indicate). They also have to work under all conditions all over the world but largely they are designed for use in German / Northern European conditions). In order to meet these requirements the Germans favour really soft pads & really soft metal in the rotors. Depending on how you use your brakes, they can last anywhere between 30,000km through to 200,000km.Originally Posted by saint70
This material choice also means that they are incredibly dusty. you'll notice that most Japanese vehicles don't produce nearly as much dust. Excessive brake dust is unacceptable in Japan. For this same reason, Japanese motorcycles used to have stainless steel disc rotors when Euro bikes were cast iron. Cast iron performed much better in the wet but developed surface rust within an hour if it got wet - unacceptable in Japan.
Quality aftermarket parts such as ATE normal / ceramic, Remsa, Ferodo DS2000, etc aren't built to a price (as much) and generally perform as good / better than OEM. Sometimes there are slight trade-offs eg: pads that can operate at higher temperatures sometimes need a firmer foot when cold or possibly some noise issues.
Quality aftermarket rotors are generally made from better steel, possibly have some better design (DBA Kangaroo Paw internal ribs spring to mind) and generally last longer without lipping and can usually take a machining after the first set of pads.
generally, aftermarket pads/rotors are similar in price to OEM but better quality, therefore better value for money (IMO)
There is a certain irony in the fact that I would fit aftermarket pads & rotors in a heartbeat and my brakes appear to be lasting forever.
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