Brake pads

[Tampa330i]

Got a dash light this morning on my way home. Was all kinds of worried, then checked the manual:

http://www.mediafire.com/imgbnc.php/abcde5ff87174dbf1cbaff08ba2f8679481d33c29d7bf0074d 5f790483cb955b6g.jpg

First time a car has ever let me know I need brake pads, awesome. Any suggestions on brand/material for a daily driver?

[danewilson77]

Well....many will mention brands. I will leave that to them. I will say to get ceramics though. Additionally, you will need brake pad wear sensors now, since you let the sensor do its job.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[Mtnman]

Welcome back Tampa! Good to see your name up there. I got Akebono Euro Ceramics. Im happy with them, and rims need washing monthly, not weekly/daily!

[knevor]

I just installed Axxis Ultimate Street Brake Pads. On factory motorsports rotors with a bushing upgrade. I will update on how the pads are working.

[Mike V]

For daily driving, OE works great. If you think you might do a HPDE, I really like the Performance Friction Z-Rated. They aren't an all out track pad but they do very well on street and track without a ridiculous amount of dusting (like the Hawk HP+).

[Tampa330i]

Cool, thanks guys. Are the sensors hard to change?

[static667]

The sensor is a simple unplug, remove wire, plug in, run wire job. No big deal.

[Tampa330i]

Cool, thanks! Will be doing this soon, I'll let you guys know what I get for pads.

[static667]

If I were going to be a little closer to you while I'm in Florida next week, I'd help you out.

[SC4ME]

A few months back I jumped on the BMW Performance Rotors deal (front and back). Now I need to finish the process and get the pads, the rears are gone.

Decided to go with Akebono Euro Ceramics. Didnt really need the instant bite, would love less dust, and liked the proposed lower rotor wear. We'll see how it goes with they all go on in a couple weeks. Gotta business trip to east coast then moving into new house, then brakes!

[UdubBadger]

not sure if they make up for e46 brakes but I run cool carbon pads. a bit more performance than oem but the dust on my oem's was TERRIBLE and the cool carbons made it so I only have to wash my wheels every 10 days instead of every 3.

[derbo]

not sure if they make up for e46 brakes but I run cool carbon pads. a bit more performance than oem but the dust on my oem's was TERRIBLE and the cool carbons made it so I only have to wash my wheels every 10 days instead of every 3.


Cool carbons have a set for E46. I used them for a year. They have less initial bite than OEM but it very linear. Some may not like how much pedal travel is involved for it to feel like it is grabbing. GREAT benefit is the low dust output and fairly good braking at HPDE.

I did however started to feel juddering and vibration in the brake pedal during HPDE at Laguna Seca with these brake pads. On the street they are great as you can't beat low dust!! We all know how much of a pity it is to clean style 135 rims.


Anyways I use OEM pads for daily driving now and Carbotech track pads for track weekends.

[danewilson77]

I just installed Axxis Ultimate Street Brake Pads. On factory motorsports rotors with a bushing upgrade. I will update on how the pads are working.

Update please.