Choosing new brake pads...

[m5james]

OEM...nasty dust. I've always gone with Axxis/PBR Metal Masters...same performance, less cost, and better feel than OEM. I've never used EBC's, but I've been using MM's for as long as I've started owning BMW's and never once had issues with them.

[1stE53]

Originally Posted by m5james

OEM...nasty dust. I've always gone with Axxis/PBR Metal Masters...same performance, less cost, and better feel than OEM. I've never used EBC's, but I've been using MM's for as long as I've started owning BMW's and never once had issues with them.

...that dust is annoying as hell!

[HPIA4v2]

Originally Posted by 1stE53

...that dust is annoying as hell!

BMW is switching to dust-less pads from 2010 and on.
It's not because of complaint from owners, which have been going on for years, it's JD-power low rating by some new "convert" that finally wakeup BMW. These converts are ole Lexus, Benz owners who are not used to see that much dust on BMW wheels.

My 2011 335 virtually has no dust after 4 weeks. So it's possible for BMW to chose the correct OEM, I just hope there will be new part number for my 2008 535i, I need to change these soon and not wanting to play musical chair on brake pads anymore.

[Allstarsrd12]

So glad they decided to make that change, in 2010.......

I've seen brake dust catchers..... now I've never seen them, so i have no idea if they are "rice" or not, or if they just look flat out dumb.

[THK]

I too am having to change the brakes on my 05 X3 3.0l. Has anybody tried the Akebono's? I had installed them on my last vehicle and they lasted 60k before I sold the vehicle for the BMW.

Also, any recommendations for rotors?

Thanks in advance!

[HPIA4v2]

Originally Posted by THK

I too am having to change the brakes on my 05 X3 3.0l. Has anybody tried the Akebono's? I had installed them on my last vehicle and they lasted 60k before I sold the vehicle for the BMW.

Also, any recommendations for rotors?

Thanks in advance!

If you search for Akebono you'll see the concensus that they are good pads but less bite compare to Hawk or OEM, especially the initial bite.

This is from my own experience among these three pads, as far as rotors I am using vented Brembo rotor with Akebono on my X5, they are fine for my application.

[m5james]

The brake pads, rotors, etc are the same between the 3.0 and 4.4. OEM may finally be making the switch, but MM's and other brands are still cheaper and will still probably be a better pad all around.

[dpgx5]

Can someone chime in, I had these pads before from previous owner and he gave me these boxes, Im not sure which ones they are... I would like to get another set cause the OEM fronts making my wheels look black... sorry for the big pic..

Im I still ok to switch them out, brakes where done two weeks ago, but I havent driven it much.

Thanks

[FSETH]

^ PBR and Axxis are basically the same company, so I would say those are probably the equivalent to the Axxis Delux pads which typically get good reviews here.

[m5james]

You can also search online stores for the differences between pad types. I installed a set of those on my mother's 328ci and they work well also. I just avoid stock pads since they're so dust heavy and sometimes pricing.