S3 Brake Pad Source?
- Casey
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S3 Brake Pad Source?
A friend of mine is having trouble locating a UK source for S3 front pads. Can anyone recommend a supplier?
KIMI 1 : 1st Gen, "hybrid" 1983 silver S2 running gear in a 1985 S3 shell, SORN'd, long term resto project
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8
- richrx
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Re: S3 Brake Pad Source?
I have a s3, fronts are 130mm wide, tears 107mm wide. Double check size on the items as they often quite different sizes of pads on mine.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 2714688608
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 2272594753
There a mix of manafacturers, if that doesn't suit then at least the part numbers will help...
Although rockauto are very good .
Rich
Edit: just noticed it's only fronts... I'll leave the links in place... Ebc dirct do pads and discs alothough pricey, as do Hawk....
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 2714688608
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre ... 2272594753
There a mix of manafacturers, if that doesn't suit then at least the part numbers will help...
Although rockauto are very good .
Rich
Edit: just noticed it's only fronts... I'll leave the links in place... Ebc dirct do pads and discs alothough pricey, as do Hawk....
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Re: S3 Brake Pad Source?
The important bit is the dimensions. Most listings on the Bay of E are seriously fucked up and will give you the wrong thing!
128 (width) x 45 (height) x 14 (thickness) is what you want.
https://www.mister-auto.co.uk/brake-pad ... 00005.html
If you use RockAuto, huge selection. Cheapest option I could find was £12.47 shipped to the UK (plus whatever HMRC may or may not add)
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/maz ... e+pad,1684
128 (width) x 45 (height) x 14 (thickness) is what you want.
https://www.mister-auto.co.uk/brake-pad ... 00005.html
If you use RockAuto, huge selection. Cheapest option I could find was £12.47 shipped to the UK (plus whatever HMRC may or may not add)
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/maz ... e+pad,1684
1985 Sunrise Red S3 TWR
2006 Mercedes CLK 280 Sport AMG
2006 Mercedes CLK 280 Sport AMG
- richrx
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Re: S3 Brake Pad Source?
My measurements are rough( I used a ruler) definitely get the company/seller to confirm they fit via email or message first, sounds like a mine field.KiwiDave wrote: ↑Tue Jan 15, 2019 8:58 pm The important bit is the dimensions. Most listings on the Bay of E are seriously fucked up and will give you the wrong thing!
128 (width) x 45 (height) x 14 (thickness) is what you want.
If you use RockAuto, huge selection. Cheapest option I could find was £12.47 shipped to the UK (plus whatever HMRC may or may not add)
Has anyone used seriously cheap pads before from rockauto and what were the results? I'm often tempted by them...
Rich
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Re: S3 Brake Pad Source?
Can't say I've used the seriously cheap ones. Just used them as an example. Plenty of choice for all budgets
Centric ..... https://www.rockauto.com/en/cart/
Centric ..... https://www.rockauto.com/en/cart/
1985 Sunrise Red S3 TWR
2006 Mercedes CLK 280 Sport AMG
2006 Mercedes CLK 280 Sport AMG
- Casey
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Re: S3 Brake Pad Source?
Thanks guys, I'll check out those links and pass them on
To be fair, my friend ordered what should have been the correct items from Rock Auto and the pads didn't fit! I have to admit I've had this problem before with a few parts from Rock Auto for my S2. That's why he's prefer a UK source.

To be fair, my friend ordered what should have been the correct items from Rock Auto and the pads didn't fit! I have to admit I've had this problem before with a few parts from Rock Auto for my S2. That's why he's prefer a UK source.
KIMI 1 : 1st Gen, "hybrid" 1983 silver S2 running gear in a 1985 S3 shell, SORN'd, long term resto project
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8
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Re: S3 Brake Pad Source?
I'm sure you've told him anyway. Needs to select 84/85 1.3L R2 (13b) Then, check the info notes to see that there are no contradictions. I found a couple that stated 'except fuel inj.' and that was in the 1.3L section!
I tend to go to 'Centric' products first as they usually include dimensions in the info section so it's a good reference.
NOTE. I've checked that Bosch listing again. It includes models that use different size pads. I'll edit the listing to a Centric item instead just to be safe.
I tend to go to 'Centric' products first as they usually include dimensions in the info section so it's a good reference.
NOTE. I've checked that Bosch listing again. It includes models that use different size pads. I'll edit the listing to a Centric item instead just to be safe.
1985 Sunrise Red S3 TWR
2006 Mercedes CLK 280 Sport AMG
2006 Mercedes CLK 280 Sport AMG
- Casey
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Re: S3 Brake Pad Source?
Thanks Dave, but the cart must auto empty as there's nothing to see on that linkKiwiDave wrote: ↑Tue Jan 15, 2019 9:15 pm Can't say I've used the seriously cheap ones. Just used them as an example. Plenty of choice for all budgets
Centric ..... https://www.rockauto.com/en/cart/

TBH, I think if Mister Auto can supply in the UK, he'd prefer that option, even if more expensive.
KIMI 1 : 1st Gen, "hybrid" 1983 silver S2 running gear in a 1985 S3 shell, SORN'd, long term resto project
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8
- Casey
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Re: S3 Brake Pad Source?
Just for future reference, here is a link to the Centric pads on RockAuto for the front - they look correct for 1985 S3 cailipers
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.ph ... 06&jsn=385

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.ph ... 06&jsn=385
KIMI 1 : 1st Gen, "hybrid" 1983 silver S2 running gear in a 1985 S3 shell, SORN'd, long term resto project
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8
- Casey
- Admin
- Posts: 1322
- Joined: Sat May 07, 2011 5:46 pm
- Location: Colchester, UK
- Has thanked: 505 times
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Re: S3 Brake Pad Source?
Related S3 brake rotor posts moved here: viewtopic.php?f=8&t=4278
KIMI 1 : 1st Gen, "hybrid" 1983 silver S2 running gear in a 1985 S3 shell, SORN'd, long term resto project
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8
KIMI 2 : 1st Gen, 1983 silver S2 - now sold to Ian Mothersole on here.
KIMI 3 : 1st Gen, 1983 red S3
Plus a 2004 Full Bridgeported RX-8