Brake pads of choice? Anyone?

[06E53]

What are your pads of choice over stock and why? Especially for the dust factor.
I'm gearing up soon for new wheel set up and don't want to clean as much. Also, i'm sure i'll be due for pad service in the near future anyways.

[Lookin4Trouble]

No direct experience with the X5 yet, but I've always gone with EBC RedStuff pads for low dust low noise good stopping power...

[wallyx5]

Originally Posted by Lookin4Trouble

No direct experience with the X5 yet, but I've always gone with EBC RedStuff pads for low dust low noise good stopping power...

I had the Red Stuff on my X5 and the braking was amazing. I am getting another set soon.

[FSETH]

For less dust, most people here seem to like the Axxis Delux pads.

AXXIS BRAKES - Deluxe Advanced Ceramic

I personally use their XBG's.

AXXIS BRAKES - XBG Semi Metallic

Here are the charts where you can compare their pads as far as performance, dust, etc.

AXXIS BRAKES - Technical Charts

There isn't anything wrong with OE pads though. I guess I chose Axxis because most people have been happy with the brand. I chose the XBG's over the Delux pads because I thought they were a better compromise of performance/dust/longevity than the Delux pads for my needs. I was willing to give up a tad bit of life and deal with a bit more dust to get a little better performance. They have been great for about 25,000 miles now.

Also, check out Dave Z. This is a great place to get info and buy brakes.

Zeckhausen Racing

[Cisc0]

EBC Red or Green Stuff.

[06E53]

Whats the diff between EBC Red Stuff and Green Stuff?
Anyone using Akebono ceramic's?

[TheGodfather]

Originally Posted by 06E53

Whats the diff between EBC Red Stuff and Green Stuff?
Anyone using Akebono ceramic's?

I am using Akebono ceramics on the front with OE discs.

0 brake dust, 0 noise, and good stopping power, though as mentioned not as good as OE.

My rear set has just been shipped.

I bought both from ECS

[HPIA4v2]

IMHO, dust means better brake no way around it, even BMW can't do anything about it.
my 2011 335i comes with very new pads (my guess it's ceramic) virtually no dust even after 3-4 week of driving. My 2008 535i comes with the last batch of very high dust pads but the cold braking and pedal feel unmatches by 335i (now past breaking in period mind you).
Though if I have to choose I go with low dust, right now I have Akebono ceramic on my X5 (yep similar report here on it, low dust but brake feel is inferior to OEM).
But if you want compromise go get Hawk, still dust albeit less than OEM and the performance very close to OEM (but mine squeal on low speed braking toward traffic light).

GL

[06E53]

Originally Posted by HPIA4v2

IMHO, dust means better brake no way around it, even BMW can't do anything about it.
my 2011 335i comes with very new pads (my guess it's ceramic) virtually no dust even after 3-4 week of driving. My 2008 535i comes with the last batch of very high dust pads but the cold braking and pedal feel unmatches by 335i (now past breaking in period mind you).
Though if I have to choose I go with low dust, right now I have Akebono ceramic on my X5 (yep similar report here on it, low dust but brake feel is inferior to OEM).
But if you want compromise go get Hawk, still dust albeit less than OEM and the performance very close to OEM (but mine squeal on low speed braking toward traffic light).

GL

Are you using OEM rotors on your X5 with the Akebono pads?

[JCL]

Originally Posted by HPIA4v2

IMHO, dust means better brake no way around it, even BMW can't do anything about it.

It is more complicated than that, it isn't just a trade-off between brake dust and good performance. BMW and other German manufacturers use carbon black in the pad material. That is why the pads leave black dust. Look at any BMW, Mercedes, VW, etc. All pads make dust, but the carbon black and other residues from the bonding compounds stick to the wheel, and are unsightly. They are used because they help make the brakes quiet.

There are alternatives such as Kevlar, and other bonding agents, that don't dust. But they cost more. Factory pads are designed to have good performance, be quiet (to reduce warranty costs), and be cost effective. They are a good, safe, bet for replacement pads. There are other ways to get performance without the visible (black) dust, but they tend to cost more.

I don't get why black wheels are a badge of honour. They are just a result of design tradeoffs that while reasonable for some, aren't acceptable to others.