What brake pads do you guys use??

[StephenVA]

On Cool Carbon

Meanwhile we who have the big V8 Beasts, can not get the good stuff....

[TiAgX5]

No doubt.

It seem Cool Carbon is focusing on newer model BMWs......

New Applications Available:
*Now Available in ST formula
BMW Applications
- F3X - 320/328/335/428/435
- F10 - Coming Soon


Porsche Applications
- 911 - 997/997.2
- Boxster/Cayman - 987/987.2

Now Available
BMW 135i - Press Release Here
BMW E60 M5, BMW E63 M6 - Press Release Here

[Clockwork]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

I had the Akebono Euro Ceramics on the E46 for about 2k miles, removed them and installed Cool Carbon.

The Akebono needed a heavy foot, had poor modulation, and started fading after 6 or 7 hard stops from 90mph back to back at 95deg F (on the E46). Had squeaks/squeals too!

The Cool Carbons had zero fade in 12 back to back stops from 90mph at 95deg F.

I think this is where your experience and mine are worlds apart. I never track or test my brakes the way you have. Ever. If I hard brake its odd I have to do it again the same day to be honest!
So maybe in Canada the weather is not conducive to those pads but I imagine the pads would be awesome in warm weather!! No doubt.

[5pterson]

The Akebono is a good replacement. Reliable braking power reliable, no squeaky and less dust.

[THE VEIN]

how about companies like stoptech or axxis ??

[StephenVA]

The Power Stop Z16/17 pads work very well on the V8 models. The provide good stoping power, low dust, and are rotor friendly. Good cold stopping power as well. See RockAuto Parts Catalog for options and pricing.

[X53Jay4.8is]

The Carbotech 1521 pads are great choice. Strong bite low dust no noise

[kevinkay]

I LOVE my Akebono first and foremost because there is little to no brake dust.
Plus they stop the car.....

[TiminIndy]

I'm going to be getting all new pads and rotors soon. No warning message yet, but my rotors have a definite lip around the edges, I get a slight high pitch whine when driving slow through the neighborhood after my 12 mile drive home, and I must do something to reduce the amount of brake dust I get!

Was first looking at the coated Zimmerman rotors, but now I think I have decided on Centric E-coated Premium High Carbon rotors (and the black coating is good for my black X5). For the pads, I think I will go with Centric Posi Quiet Ceramic pads, which come with shims and stainless steel retaining clips. I've read a lot of opinions on pads from many people. So far, I don't think I have read anything bad about these products and the price isn't too bad. I've Googled and price compared and so far, I think the best price I have found for all rotors and pads is $302.74 + shipping from RockAuto.com. Several other sites are just slightly more, and Zeckhausen was WAY more for these products.

I understand the mechanics of how to do this, but I think I will pay my Indy mechanic to make sure it gets done right. I wanted to do the caliper paint kit (glossy black) at the same time, but not sure I will have the time and temps any time soon for that. I think my mechanic wouldn't mind if I did the calipers in situ in his driveway after we pull them off the rotors, but days are getting colder fast.

RockAuto prices:

Centric E-Coated Premium High Carbon Rotors:
Front 125.34050 $64.79
Rear 125.34051 $47.79
Centric Posi-Quiet Ceramic Pads:
Front 105.06810 $46.79
Rear 105.06830 $30.79

[Ricky Bobby]

Good choice on the above for price and stopping power, RockAuto is definitely the way to go for these.