Brake Pads

my325is · 03-25-2007, 03:33 PM

Hey everyone, I own a 93 325is and I am going to change my front brake pads for the very first time on my own next weekend (yeah I know, I'm a newbie). What I want to do is to install the cool carbon brake pads in the front and was wondering if braking performance will be effected if my OEM rear brake pads were left in. Also, I was wondering, for those who have used them, how the cool carbon brake pads are and if they are worth the money or should I just stick with OEM pads. Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions offered.

grafhky52 · 03-25-2007, 05:20 PM

DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY JUST GET SOME FROM THE DEALER

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

I dont know anything about Cool Carbon pads. I would not buy dealer pads, way too much dust.

I like Hawk HPS, low dust and good perf. No problem with different pads on the rear as long as you don't get a normal street pad, nothing extremely aggressive..

my325is · 03-26-2007, 07:43 PM

Thanks Jeron, your replies are always helpful as usual. Are the Hawk HPS pads worth the money? I know I have found in some other posts that you have recommended these pads to people. I know pad life depends on driving style, but less say under the same driving style, environment and situation, do the Hawk HPS last longer than OEM? Also, is braking performance that much better? Thanks.

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

I would say that Hawk HPS have a comparable life to OEM. The fade resistance is probably better but the initial bite might be slightly less. The average person, my wife, would not notice any of this.

At the track or very aggressive driving, the fade resistance would be noticeably better but not major.

What you will notice is 75-80% less dust.

I don't know what OEM price is for your car but I expect the price to nearly the same.

My comparisons are based on my 01 330i which had OEM Jurid's.

my325is · 03-27-2007, 11:50 AM

Hey Jeron, you are the master of all knowledge. I will take your advice and go for the Hawk HPS. I believe they are ~$20 more. Thanks.

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

I have yet to hear anyone who didn't like them. I hope you do too.

dfrost · 03-29-2007, 12:58 PM

I used Mintex "Red Box" pads purchased from BMP. They are much less dusty, and perhaps a slight bit less firm then OEM. If/when I do it again (apparently my driving is very easy on brakes judging from pad life) I'll use PBS or Axxis Metal Master pads, although its good to know about the Hawk pads, too.

I also replaced the rotors at the same time, and the job was straightforward with the directions from "101 Projects ..." and the few additional tools required. I would recommend painting the rotor "hats" before installation. The Ate Power Disc fronts, and especially the Brembo rear discs showed rust very quickly.

LiquidBMW76 · 03-29-2007, 04:41 PM

Has anyboddy tried EBC Green stuff?

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

I am about to put EBC Greens on the F-150 and in a few months I may try them on the 330.

I currently use EBC Yellows for the track and occasonaly on the street between events. I would not use Yellows as a street pad, too much vibration, but as a track pad you can drive on the street safely they are great.

I paint my rotor 'hats'. It works great to ID my street 'silver' and track 'red' sets. The paint wont quite withstand the track temps though.

Bear · 03-30-2007, 01:24 AM

Just to add to the confusion, I use PBR AXXIS Metal Masters (formerly REPCO) and they wear and grip great, also low dust and low cost.

dfrost · 03-30-2007, 09:09 AM

Bear,

With the PBR pads have you had any 'clicking' when braking that could be caused by poor fit between pad and holder? And did you think the pad-to-holder fit was correct?

I'd heard that could be a problem with PBR pads, but maybe it only happens with the less expensive 'Deluxe' pad.

Bear · 03-30-2007, 10:03 AM

I used the PBR Metal Masters on my 750 and PBR organic (deluxe) on the son-in-laws E30 (1990 325ic) and have never had a noise issue.

Jeron · Jeron's Garage

What type of clicking do you refer to? A repetitive clicking or sporadic clicking?

my325is · 03-30-2007, 04:27 PM

Hey everyone, I just changed my front brakes today and I attempted to bleed my brakes but that project came to a halt. I started with the rear right but the bleed nipple was all rusted and stripped. I then decided to try to bleed the rear left but as I opened the bleed nipple and had someone use the pressure bleeder, nothing came out. Has this happened to anyone before? I know Wayne mentioned in his book that this is an indication of my brake lines being clogged. Someone, please help.

dfrost · 03-30-2007, 04:50 PM

Quote:

What type of clicking do you refer to? A repetitive clicking or sporadic clicking?

I presume it would be a click when the brakes are applied, as the pads move to one limit in the holder ("carrier?"). But it sounds (bad unintentional pun!) from Bear's response that he hasn't had this problem. I've never had the problem, just read about it in an old BMW forum somewhere months ago.

Quote:

I used the PBR Metal Masters on my 750 and PBR organic (deluxe) on the son-in-laws E30 (1990 325ic)

Bear,
Which PBR pad did you like better?

Bear · 03-31-2007, 02:47 AM

I have used both and I noticed no difference. I used the Metal Masters on the 750 as it is a much heavier car, but both pads types grip well and do not seem to dust or fade.