Brake Pad checking type-?-

[Elvis 3.0]

May be a dumb question but is there a way to check what type of brake pads you are using without pulling both the tire off and then the pad itself off? Also, even if I do above will I definitely be able to tell which pad it is ( are all pads marked or designated with the brand?)

The reason why I ask is i recently got back into an X3 after driving an X5 for years and taking a year off with a 528. My pads on the X3 give off virtually no dust (literally) and bite well, no issues, etc.. Now I have to change my wife's 335 pads and those currently give off a fair amount of dust. Would like to switch over to the type I have and reap the obvious benefits. Just wondering if there was a short cut to pulling the tire. If so I would obviously save the time from pulling my tire an pad and just ordering what I need to .

Thanks

[wfwright2]

Almost impossible to tell, even if pulled from calipers. Color codes are not unique and are meshed up after just a little use. I do not remember any markings on OEM, HAWK, or AXXISS pads. Hawk had pads that are low dust and work well, AXXISS Metal Masters have low dust and work well after they are warmed up, OEM work well but have much dust. A visit to TireRack.com , Hawk's site, BavAuto.com have comparisons of dust and performance.

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[Elvis 3.0]

that is what I figured. And the insight I was looking for from a perspective of someone knowing if there were demarcations or markings or colors that would give a clue. Now I know that it probably isn't even worth it to pull the tire to check as unless I am an industry expert probably wouldn't be able to tell.

Fwiw - the -pads I have on now that I inherited have virtually no dust like no pad I have ever seen. Thanks for your input. Very helpful.

[BavarianE39]

I would recommend Akebono Ceramic pads. I run them on all 3 of my cars, bite is similar to OEM pads, there is literally no dust after weeks of driving. Look them up, they are very popular among the BMW community.

[Elvis 3.0]

thanks for the tip