Aftermarket pads for brake dust?

[Penguin]

> but that isn't warranty, it is the maintenance plan.

Otherwise known as a "distinction without a difference."

> If you wear out the non-OEM pads, get a brake job from your dealer with OEM pads, and they will install new rotors.

Again, it depend upon how friendly your dealer is. Since a harder/less dusty pad can cause accelerated rotor wear, it is quite reasonable that BMW would not replace worn rotors for free if non-OEM pads are used.

BMW uses a soft/dusty pad because it provides the best brake performance in terms of feel and other factors, such as wet operation. If the dust is a major inconvenience, one can replace them with other pads that will provide good performance and much less dust, but one should be aware that the dealer might understandably decline to provide the free brake maintenance if this is done.

[JCL]

Penguin:

The distinction between warranty and maintenance matters to BMW, and also to all those of us who are not US residents, since we have warranties but we don't have the maintenance plan. Agree it may not matter to you.

Apart from the wear issue, and not getting free (but dusty) OEM pads in the US, under the maintenance plan, any squeal issues are not likely to be covered by warranty. I do think that the distinction has some relevance.

My experience with Axxis Deluxe pads was that while they lasted longer, they were no harder on the rotors than the OEM pads. BMW typically replace rotors when they replace pads (not always, but usually) and with the Axxis pads they would be paying for rotors less often. Just my experience.

[Penguin]

> with the Axxis pads they would be paying for rotors less often.

Yes, which makes you wonder why BMW doesn't use those type of pads, rather than their current soft and dusty pads. With BMW's volume they could have pads manufactured to such low-dust specs if they wanted, the overall cost to BMW would be less, and they wouldn't have constant dust complaints from customers.

The only conclusion I can come to is that either (a) BMW engineers are idiots, or (b) the soft, high-dust pads provide better performance that BMW is not willing to give up to reduce dust.

I have not done a comparision test of pads, so I cannot say whether the answer is (a) or (b).

[brian5]

Originally Posted by Penguin

> with the Axxis pads they would be paying for rotors less often.

Yes, which makes you wonder why BMW doesn't use those type of pads, rather than their current soft and dusty pads. With BMW's volume they could have pads manufactured to such low-dust specs if they wanted, the overall cost to BMW would be less, and they wouldn't have constant dust complaints from customers.

The only conclusion I can come to is that either (a) BMW engineers are idiots, or (b) the soft, high-dust pads provide better performance that BMW is not willing to give up to reduce dust.

I have not done a comparision test of pads, so I cannot say whether the answer is (a) or (b).

or (c) BMW makes more money off the soft, high-dust pads because they are cheaper; wear out quicker or we have to pay more often to have them replaced

[JCL]

Actually, I think it is:

(d) The pad BMW uses is reasonably priced, has good performance (CoF, pedal feel), and has absolutely no chance of brake squeal.

Customers visiting dealers for squealing brakes represent a very high warranty cost, and whatever else you may think about the OEM pads, they are completely quiet. Dust doesn't cost money to BMW, and they have even managed to make it a badge of honour whereby many owners are convinced that any other pad will result in a performance decrease.

My Axxis Deluxe pads were reasonably quiet, but not as quiet as the OEM pads. First applications, especially after being parked for a week, had some noise. No squeal, but a roughness. Every time you visit a dealer with a complaint it costs the manufacturer and/or the dealer money.

As an aside, I really don't think the BMW pads are very soft. SAAB and VW pads regularly wear out after 6000 km in my experience. I got approximately 40,000 km from them, so they are a middle of the road pad, IMO. The dust is because of the carbon black they use in the pad, not because of the softness.

[brian5]

Originally Posted by JCL

Actually, I think it is:

(d) The pad BMW uses is reasonably priced, has good performance (CoF, pedal feel), and has absolutely no chance of brake squeal. <<snip>>

OK, I like that option

[KEF]

Originally Posted by Penguin

The only conclusion I can come to is that either (a) BMW engineers are idiots, or (b) the soft, high-dust pads provide better performance that BMW is not willing to give up to reduce dust.

Of interest, the E46 M3 was available with cross drilled rotors and a was rumored to have different brake pad compound in Europe; while in the US we only got plain rotors and soft pads...

Why?

Us basically. Yes, the typical US driver who runs to the dealer with every squeek, rattle and chirp.

The pads that dust less tend to make a bit more noise, and at times squeel when cold. Ditto on the drilled rotors - they are also audible, a no-no for the US market.

Hence, we get super-soft pads that don't make any noise and dust a significant amount.

It is what it is unfortunately...

KEF

[jago]

kleenwheels dust shields. i have used them on about 5 different german cars over the last 10 years, including the X, with no problems. we have the 18" non sport wheels. i dont know if fitments are available for other sizes.

[Denalio]

Originally Posted by crazy4cars

I ordered the EBC and did not fit. they were smaller than the oem.

May be a silly question, but did you order the correct pads? There are two different sizes depending on what engine you have. 4.8i pads are larger I believe and the rotors are larger as well.

[crazy4cars]

Originally Posted by Denalio

May be a silly question, but did you order the correct pads? There are two different sizes depending on what engine you have. 4.8i pads are larger I believe and the rotors are larger as well.

I ordered the pads for the 3.0D and they were smaller than mine, I brought a customer with an E53 3.0i and they fitted perfect.