Wolfgang,

Is there any reason to get non- OEM brake pads or rotors other than they cost less?

I too will need new front pads and rotors very soon. I've been very satisfied with the the OEM pads. My first set on the front lasted 49K miles and my second set will go about 40K, they were either Textar or Jurid.

I'm very much of an OEM when it comes to replacing parts, but if the aftermarket parts are in certain specific ways better I'd sure consider that.

I've found at least on one occassion that aftermarket parts make by an OEM manufacturer may not be the same. An example of this is Zimmerman is an OEM manufacturer for MB and Porsche. On the Zimmerman aftermarket rotor for my Porsche the holes are drilled, whereas on the Porsche Zimmerman rotors they are cast into the rotor when its made. Also some people have had problems with the hat on the Zimmerman aftermarket rotor rusting.