Brembo vs Pagid: which is better?

Brembo vs Pagid Brake Discs and Pads for E46 328ci

Price and Value
- Pagid discs and pads from Euro Car Parts are about half the price of Brembo sets from GSF, making them a very attractive option if you're budget-conscious.
- Brembo typically commands a premium due to brand reputation, anti-corrosion treatments, and perceived quality.

Performance and Quality
- For daily commuting and normal driving (not track use), both Brembo and Pagid generally provide adequate braking performance.
- Some users report that Pagid pads and discs sourced from Euro Car Parts (ECP) wear out quickly and may not match OEM quality, describing them as "discs and pads made of cheese" in the context of BMW fitment. These users found the lifespan and performance lacking for Pagid parts from ECP, especially compared to original equipment.
- On the other hand, there are positive experiences with Pagid, with some specialists and experienced users preferring them and noting good performance and value, especially on other car models.

Brembo Advantages
- Brembo discs are often praised for their superior paint and anti-corrosion treatment, which can help them last longer and look better over time.
- Brembo is widely regarded as a high-quality, reliable choice, and is often specified as OEM or better than OEM for European vehicles.

Noise and Dust
- Some users find Pagid pads to be noisy, especially after some use or when braking from higher speeds.
- Brembo pads generally have a reputation for being quieter and producing less dust, though this can vary with specific compounds and driving conditions.

OEM Comparison
- For BMWs, original pads are often made by Textar (part of the same TMD Friction group as Pagid), and some users prefer sticking with OE-spec parts for longevity and consistency.

Recommendation

For daily commuting and general road use, Pagid discs and pads offer good value for money, especially if you're not pushing the car hard. However, Brembo provides superior corrosion resistance, likely better durability, and a quieter, cleaner braking experience—qualities that may justify the higher price if you plan to keep the car for a while or appreciate a more premium feel.

If you're mostly driving to and from work and want to save money, Pagid is a reasonable choice, but if you value longevity, quieter operation, and possibly better performance in emergency stops, Brembo is likely worth the extra investment. If you want to stick closest to BMW's original setup, consider OE-spec Textar as well.

I've used both on my E46 330i, and honestly, for daily driving, I couldn't tell much difference. Pagid did the job just fine and saved me a fair bit of cash. Just make sure you bed them in properly, regardless of which brand you choose. That said, if you're planning to keep the car for a long time, Brembo's anti-corrosion coating might be worth the extra dosh.

Mate, choosing between Brembo and Pagid is like deciding between a pint of Guinness and a can of Carling. Sure, they'll both get you where you want to go, but one's got a bit more class, innit? Just remember, whichever you pick, it's still better than trying to stop your E46 Flintstone-style!

I've been a mechanic for 20 years, and I've seen it all. For your E46, I'd say go with Brembo if you can swing it. They tend to last longer and perform more consistently over time. Pagid isn't bad, but I've had more comebacks with them, especially the stuff from Euro Car Parts. If you're pinching pennies, look for Brembo on sale or consider Textar - they're OEM for BMW and usually a good middle ground.

For people not understanding what is an OE manufacturer for brake pads! PAGID is with multiple types first equipment supplier for brake pads on many European cars for over 75 years. As part of the TMD group who is the leading OE supplier for all European car manufacturers.
Brembo is one of the main brake system suppliers for car manufacturers, but they are NOT a leading first equipment manufacturer for brake pads. This is the biggest misunderstanding umongst so called specialist. Manufacturers and brands such as PAGID, Textar, Ferodo, Jurid and Galfer are mostly first equipment brake pads suppliers for car manufacturers in Europe. Brembo, TRW, ATE, Akebono and others are well known first equipment suppliers of brake systems such as calipers.
On the back plate of an OE pad you mostly see the logo of the vehicle manufacturer, the name or logo of the system supplier and the name or quality code of the brake pad manufacturer. These are three different companies and brands one one backplate of which just one is the real manufacturer of the pad.