Brake pads of choice? Anyone?
 

What are your pads of choice over stock and why? Especially for the dust factor.
I'm gearing up soon for new wheel set up and don't want to clean as much. Also, i'm sure i'll be due for pad service in the near future anyways.

No direct experience with the X5 yet, but I've always gone with EBC RedStuff pads for low dust low noise good stopping power...

For less dust, most people here seem to like the Axxis Delux pads.

AXXIS BRAKES - Deluxe Advanced Ceramic

I personally use their XBG's.

AXXIS BRAKES - XBG Semi Metallic

Here are the charts where you can compare their pads as far as performance, dust, etc.

AXXIS BRAKES - Technical Charts

There isn't anything wrong with OE pads though. I guess I chose Axxis because most people have been happy with the brand. I chose the XBG's over the Delux pads because I thought they were a better compromise of performance/dust/longevity than the Delux pads for my needs. I was willing to give up a tad bit of life and deal with a bit more dust to get a little better performance. They have been great for about 25,000 miles now.

Also, check out Dave Z. This is a great place to get info and buy brakes.

Zeckhausen Racing

I had the Red Stuff on my X5 and the braking was amazing. I am getting another set soon.

EBC Red or Green Stuff.

Whats the diff between EBC Red Stuff and Green Stuff?
Anyone using Akebono ceramic's?

Hawk

+1 on the Axxis Deluxe, or whatever they are called now (they changed the name slightly). Had them on several vehicles, including the X5, and will use them again.

I prefer the OEM....

The tradeoffs on dust vs. washing outweigh it for me.
Balance of noise, cold bite and just pedal feel.

While the Axxis Deluxe is highly favorable, I did not like how they felt when cold, did have a slight noise when cold and never did modulate for me at well as the OEM pads.

It's the tradeoffs with a dustier pad ;-)

I've had Akebono ceramics on the front for over a year. Just installed them on the rear wheels as I was tired of driving around w/ dirty rear rims. The bite isn't as good as OEM, but the huge reduction in dust is worth the trade off for me.

No noise to date.