Penguin:

The distinction between warranty and maintenance matters to BMW, and also to all those of us who are not US residents, since we have warranties but we don't have the maintenance plan. Agree it may not matter to you.

Apart from the wear issue, and not getting free (but dusty) OEM pads in the US, under the maintenance plan, any squeal issues are not likely to be covered by warranty. I do think that the distinction has some relevance.

My experience with Axxis Deluxe pads was that while they lasted longer, they were no harder on the rotors than the OEM pads. BMW typically replace rotors when they replace pads (not always, but usually) and with the Axxis pads they would be paying for rotors less often. Just my experience.

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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue