brake pad advice.. please...

[x54.6]

hey fellow x5 lovers.. i need new pads on rear (brake liner code came on) and have two brands in mind.
hawks hps or ebc redstuff what do you guys think. also how much time from code flashing do i have to change brakes.. thanks in advance..

[JCL]

The sensor is only on one rear wheel, not both, so strictly speaking, it is impossible to say how many miles you have left. The left side could be worn more than the right side, and then you would have very little left. Usually, though, you can go hundreds of miles without any problems. It can be more than that as well.

It isn't actually a code, it is a simple wear strip that triggers the light.

Do you know that it is the rears? Could be front or rear. You need to inspect them to confirm. Make sure you buy a new sensor.

No comments on Hawk or EBC pads, I haven't used them on an X5. Some have commented, do a search. I like Axxis Deluxe, but I am not sure if they are still available.

[HPIA4v2]

Originally Posted by x54.6

hey fellow x5 lovers.. i need new pads on rear (brake liner code came on) and have two brands in mind.
hawks hps or ebc redstuff what do you guys think. also how much time from code flashing do i have to change brakes.. thanks in advance..

I had hawk pads, similar to OEM in braking and feel, dust about half. Never try EBC, now I have Akebono which less than Hawk but virtually dustless. BTW, I'd look for the latest "carbon cool" pads, BMW start using these from 2010 and on, virtually dustless and close ot typical BMW braking power. GL.

[CharlieHustleX5]

Originally Posted by JCL

The sensor is only on one rear wheel, not both, so strictly speaking, it is impossible to say how many miles you have left. The left side could be worn more than the right side, and then you would have very little left. Usually, though, you can go hundreds of miles without any problems. It can be more than that as well.

It isn't actually a code, it is a simple wear strip that triggers the light.

Do you know that it is the rears? Could be front or rear. You need to inspect them to confirm. Make sure you buy a new sensor.

[x54.6]

it's definitely the rear's the front are fine for now but i am going to change all around anyway. And yes i do know the it's just a contact sensor. i have done my own brake's on the x5 before with rotors and all so i do know what's involved. Just trying to get some info on pads because the oem are nice but way to much dust after very little driving.

[J.Belknap]

FWIW, I have no complaints with StopTech Street Performance pads. Good performance and acceptable dusting imho.

StopTech Street Performance Brake Pads - Centric Parts

Unfortunately, on Zeckhausen's website, they don't show front or rear fitment for StopTech Street Performance (Centric) pads on OEM 4.6iS calipers/rotors, but it could be worth an email to David to verify.... that is, if these pads catch your interest.

BMW X5 Products - StopTech big brake kits, pads, tires

[TurnAround]

I had Axis Deluxe Plus pads. Nearly dust free. They're no longer available through Zeckhausen Racing, but maybe they're still out there via another vendor.

Next I tried Centric Street Performance pads. I knew they would dust more. Switched.. in an attempt to solve a steering wheel shudder issue when braking at freeway speeds. It didn't solve it, plus, these pads dust too much for my tastes. To be fair to others, I live in a rainy environment. Great rain free summers, but only from June 15 - October 15. Rains every other day the rest of the time. Makes the 'black wheels' much much worse.

I couldn't take it a day longer, and went back to dust free pads. This time Centric Posi-Quiet Ceramic pads. Zeckhausen Racing's replacement for the Axis Deluxe Plus. So far I really like them. I've used these same pads on both of my Z3's for several years; Nearly zero dust, no squeal, no braking issues, extremely long life, better fade resistance in heavy braking if performance driving. Slightly less cold bite than 'dusty' pads.

I just can't do the dirty dusty wheels thing. Really hard on the wheel paint, takes twice as long to clean the wheels, and the front wheels look bad between washings.

[wallyx5]

I had EBC Red Stuff and I was very impressed with them. If your driving style is highly spirited then you will enjoy them as well.

[x54.6]

Originally Posted by wallyx5

I had EBC Red Stuff and I was very impressed with them. If your driving style is highly spirited then you will enjoy them as well.

how's the dust levels on the red stuff pads

[MRTEK]

Red Stuff pads are for track cars, not the road despite whatever they say! Even Green Stuff which are more suited to road are not for X5's! This is coming from experience and a number of brake experts advice.

In the end I went with new slotted rotors from EBC, and EBC Ultimax pads and I have sensational braking now. MUCH cheaper than the Green / Red stuff pads too.