What brake pads do you guys use??
 

My 06 4.4 is ready for pads. Are full ceramic overkill? Do they work well when not hot? Can you recommend any other pads that I might find at a NAPA? Should I just go with oem from the dealer? I really really like the way the brakes are on my X and absolutely DO NOT want any diminished performance from them. Ill take brake dust just dont want poor performance. So, what do you guys recommend?

I only use dealer pads

I'm using OEM...

I found that they have the best performance. we went with aftermarket on my Mom's 4.6is, and they squeel like a mofo! not worth it.

Join BMWCCA for parts discounts from the dealer. worth the $40 a year IMO

I'm leaning towards OEM also. I get a discount through my brother who is a mechanic at a Volvo dealership. I'm still open for suggestions. Thanks for the responses so far!

I use Akebono.

According to the tire rack web site "Akebono is the first brake pad manufacturer to produce a true ceramic pad for European vehicles that delivers the same European pedal feel and stopping power as the Original Equipment (OE) pads. Akebono's exclusive clean wheel formulations help to eliminate the heavy brake dust issues normally associated with the OE pads, too, and a definitive control of noise, vibration and harshness is felt."

+1 for Akebono. Not quite as sticky as the OEM's, but still provide great stopping power....with the added bonus you dont have to clean your wheels every second day!

Are we referring to the pure ceramic akebono?

Yes sir. One set of OEM's was enough for me. I know you said you didn't mind the brake dust, but that aside.... to me the OEM's were to 'grabby' for my liking.

Akebono makes great pads, I have used them on my old Mercedes, like others have said, same pedal feel, no squeaking, and no dust! I can't for the life of me figure out why the German makes have such "dusty" pads. I plan to get Akebonos soon.

They use carbon black as a filler. Good thermal properties as a filler, helps keep the pads quiet, but makes black dust. What is more interesting is why all German cars are the same. IMO, because of the old TUV rules that apply to both OE and aftermarket pads in Germany. These were very restrictive regulations. Only a few brake pad manufacturers make pads to those specs, and they have no incentive to innovate, since it is so much work to get new pad materials certified. So they all end up being the same.

Interesting that the TUV rules were just replaced a few years ago by the new ECE 90 rules for brake pad specs for any pad sold in the EU. New rules, new game. Right on cue, BMW came out with a new low dust pad for the X1 two years ago or so. Expect them to be offered for more models. Again, IMO.