I have used Pagid red stuff for many years on several BMWs. They are ceramic so there is that loss of initial bit but not in stopping distance, might even be less, never measured. The is no dust.

For pads I’ve always gone to the dealership.

I did and at the time of install, and added more when they started squealing. Note that they don't squeal all the time - only the first one or two applications of braking after sitting for many hours, and thereafter silence through out the day. :dunno:

Go to any diy brake article to understand how to install pads.
There are many postings on pad options as there are multi opinions on "what is best".
Want cold stoping power? Use OE pads, Want better stoping power on spirited drives? Go aftermarket. Read manufacturers website for recommended selections. New rotors is always best process. Blanks from Brembo, Centrix, Bosch, OE, etc is my personal recommendation.
Driven by price only? See www.rockauto.com for cheap pads, OE like pads, low dust pad options, performance pads, race only pads, etc.
How you drive and the time in traffic will determine what is "best" for your X.

I've tried Akebono on several e39's and e46 over the years. The lack of dust is remarkable, but I could never get used to the lack of bite, either.

I've been driving BMW's with Genuine BMW brake pads for almost 17 years, it is hard to get used to a drop in braking performance in exchange for cleaner wheels.

Will be putting some new BBS wheels on our E53 soon, so the ceramic route is tempting. But I know I'll be disappointed if I do that.

I've been running Akebonos. No complaints about lack of bight from me.

The squealing has stopped over the last 6 months or so. I just love the super low dust, wow:thumbup:.

My favorite pad is Porterfield Racing R4-S compound(pdf).
"the R4-S compound giving a friction level up to .41"..."they will
give you an impressive increase in stopping ability with very minimum amount of pedal effort"..."is also rotor friendly'..."the R4-S compound has the absolute lowest
noise and dust levels possible".
A little pricey but worth it in my opinion. I do have to say that sometimes using their online search tool it doesn't always find the part number. But every time that happens I call them and they provide the part number and I place the order on the phone.

Akebono's are fine until you try OEM pads again. The lack of bite and feel and is very noticeable. I picked up some Textar pads from FCPeuro and wow, no comparison. There is noticeable brake dust but the stopping power is just fantastic. I've come to the conclusion that I prefer the dust over lack of performance.

I get my pads and sensors directly from BMW.