Author Topic: what brake pads are you guys running? (Read 4159 times)

dakon · « **on:** July 13, 2011, 09:39:21 PM »

Right now i have hawk hp sport pads.

I do NOT like the way the brakes feel on the 318...

i am thinking about getting some Satisfied grand sport pads.. I have them on my E46.. However the E46 has BBK both up front and in the rear...

I am wanting more bite than the HP sport pads are giving... I have though about getting a wilwood BBK from massivebrakes.com. However, i don't know if i want to spend that money.. if i can get more bite from changing the pad compound and retaining the stock calipers i would rather do that...

What pads have you guys found to give you good bite?

monty23psk · « **Reply #1 on:** July 13, 2011, 10:14:10 PM »

I use porterfields rs4, front and back. I have new front pads that I wont be needing as I will be going 5-lug with e30 m3 parts. They have a great bite. Do some research on them and let me know if you want them, just saying.

Gerta318is · « **Reply #2 on:** July 14, 2011, 12:08:27 AM »

Monty,

I'll look into those. I'm thinking of akebonos .... recommendation on the type of rotors? My car is a daily (when not on jack stands) and I don't expect to do autocross, etc ... just some spirited "sport touring".

Thoughts?

Kevin

monty23psk · « **Reply #3 on:** July 14, 2011, 10:06:11 AM »

Balo brand is the best OEM option out there. The tend to warp the least. That is what I use on my car. Other brands would be ok, like ATE or Brembo. The key for brakes to work efficient is cooling.

KenC · « **Reply #4 on:** July 14, 2011, 10:56:15 AM »

I have the Hawk's too. Their cold bite isn't very good.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #5 on:** July 14, 2011, 05:47:37 PM »

@monty: I'm jealous that you're doing the 5-lug. That seems like the best way to improve the e30's suspension.

@dakon: I have Greenstuff pads on ATE grooved rotors currently. Not too bad, though the pads seem to wear rapidly. I've had them for two years and the fronts are just about done.

@Gert: I use Akebono Euro on my minivan. Not too grabby, but they're not that hard on rotors, last a long time and don't dust that badly. They are also an excellent fit and have never required any brake compound to keep them quiet. Just the usual high-temp grease on the slider pins and spring faces. They used to be a better deal, now they're getting expensive.

monty23psk · « **Reply #6 on:** July 14, 2011, 07:18:21 PM »

Dave, had such a good deal that I couldnt pass it up. So far had it a year but need to finish interior as I need to buy pads and rotors for it so just tackling one project at a time. Then our first child was born so have had to put it behind. Just getting back into the swing of things and my goal is before the end of the year. I know I can go e36 5-lug but too many different stories on it so rather go the correct way the first time.

Rain_E30 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 17, 2011, 04:55:34 AM »

Can you guys recommend brake pads, that fit to the original brake system of the 318is, that produce less brakedust, compared to ATE (Im using ATE now)?
I use the engine brake by downshifting alot and try to avoid heavy braking or even medium braking all the time, still, those ATE just produce brakedust like hell.

Warsteiner · « **Reply #8 on:** July 17, 2011, 07:50:34 AM »

I use Hawk HP Plus. They work great. I have also used Porterfield R4S and they work too.

Why would you downshift to try and slow the car down instead of the brakes? I think that I would rather replace a few Euro worth of pads then to have to replace my transmission from excessive wear, no? Just a thought.

Cheers,
~Ralph

Rain_E30 · « **Reply #9 on:** July 17, 2011, 08:12:13 AM »

I do not downshift all the time at higher RPM, so its fine.
The thing is that I have to clean my rims like all the time, since the current pads give so much dust.
Guess I will just try another brand, when its time to change the pads again.
So that was my question, if you can recommend any pads in generell, beside ATE.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #10 on:** July 17, 2011, 08:37:29 AM »

Rain: I'd recommend the Akebono ceramics, but they're pricey and not especially effective at stopping the car. Your wheels are a very high-contrast color...all pads will dust them more or less.

Ryann · « **Reply #11 on:** July 17, 2011, 10:49:59 PM »

I just installed some Pagid something or others- they seem good during extreme braking but also seem to require more pedal effort in everyday conditions than the OE stuff I had on there before. They're very dusty too.

bacdoc · « **Reply #12 on:** July 18, 2011, 10:18:37 AM »

HPS, Brembo blanks...I autoX. Love them.

Balkanac · « **Reply #13 on:** July 19, 2011, 03:36:12 AM »

i've got textar OEM pads on the car, they seem good, nice bite even when cold but they are noisy when cold and the dust is crazy.

I have a set of EBC redstuff on my golf and they are aewsome. great bite cold or hot, they havent faded yet under repeted hard breaking and they are very low dust. Im waiting for my Textars to wear out and i'll get a set of redstuffs for the BMW. They are only about $100 for a front set from ecstuning, so not too expensive