Which Brake pads offer more performance, OE or Powerstop

[chris604]

Originally Posted by Yuille36

The X5M isn't a track car, it is very heavy so of course you would have a ton of smoke coming from them. Also, you need to do cool down laps just to cool off the brakes. I'm no brake expert. But you've mentioned that your rotors are worn. If they're not too bad, you can just replace the pads since their cheap. But if you have hills and valley grooves in the rotors, and you're replacing the pads, then replace the rotors. Granted carbon ceramic pads aren't track pads, and I do not know how they will hold up on track. EBC, Hawk, Ferodo and others make dedicated track pads, that you can look into.

yeah. been through that. I had a 2010 x5m and it seemed a bit better. even with a misfire. tho I had lowered it a bit. I made sure to flush brakes b4. But, for sure they bite really well after 5 hard laps, start smoking, but who cares. tires were trashed, as they need some serious camber for the fronts to handle better, as it just kind of pushes in every corner. The rotors are worn down about a mm or 2 I think. But if you put new pads on it, won't they just not bite? I mean you need that layer on the pad like EBC that conforms to the not perfectly flat rotors?? Otherwise, I'm doing track rotors and pads, front and rear, as I push it insanely hard. I tried EBC front and rear on my 2010 with good results, and rears I didnt even change rotors and it took a few days but pads wore and conform to the rotors very quickly

[Yuille36]

If you install new pads, they will just conform to the rotors surface, if not perfectly straight. After the pads are bedded in, it will be the same as before once the pads and rotors are hot. Keep in mind that yes, these are performance vehicles, but definitely not a true track car. If you truly want to get the best out of your vehicle, I recommend installing dedicated rotors, calipers and track pads. If you truly like to explore that track, an M4 would be more suited for this type of work.

[chris604]

Originally Posted by Yuille36

If you install new pads, they will just conform to the rotors surface, if not perfectly straight. After the pads are bedded in, it will be the same as before once the pads and rotors are hot. Keep in mind that yes, these are performance vehicles, but definitely not a true track car. If you truly want to get the best out of your vehicle, I recommend installing dedicated rotors, calipers and track pads. If you truly like to explore that track, an M4 would be more suited for this type of work.

yep, I race my nascar xfinity car as well on the streets, but cops don't like it very much: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/E1TOK9oY67E

But, still want to track and street race the x5m as the weather's kind of bad now. Also, was thinking of ebc bluestuff vs yellowstuff. See the post here: https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=2150330

[chris604]

Originally Posted by Yuille36

If you install new pads, they will just conform to the rotors surface, if not perfectly straight. After the pads are bedded in, it will be the same as before once the pads and rotors are hot. Keep in mind that yes, these are performance vehicles, but definitely not a true track car. If you truly want to get the best out of your vehicle, I recommend installing dedicated rotors, calipers and track pads. If you truly like to explore that track, an M4 would be more suited for this type of work.

Did you ever try machining your rotors? Will it crack if you do that?>

[Yuille36]

Originally Posted by chris604

Did you ever try machining your rotors? Will it crack if you do that?>

I however never machine rotors, I just replace them. During the machining process the rotors actually get thinner, as material is removed causing them to heat up more, which in turn cause more fading.
Also, a lot of machine shops will not machine rotors that are crossed drilled, as it breaks the teeth off the resurfacing bits they use.
Also, the holes need to be chamfered afterwards, as it will create hot spots around the holes, which will cause the rotors to crack along the holes.
If the holes aren't chamfered, they will also gouge into the pad surface decreasing pad life. In this case, with BMW M cars it's better to just replace rotors.

[chris604]

Originally Posted by Yuille36

I however never machine rotors, I just replace them. During the machining process the rotors actually get thinner, as material is removed causing them to heat up more, which in turn cause more fading.
Also, a lot of machine shops will not machine rotors that are crossed drilled, as it breaks the teeth off the resurfacing bits they use.
Also, the holes need to be chamfered afterwards, as it will create hot spots around the holes, which will cause the rotors to crack along the holes.
If the holes aren't chamfered, they will also gouge into the pad surface decreasing pad life. In this case, with BMW M cars it's better to just replace rotors.

yeah, Ok, makes sense. the rotors are not warped, but a tad worn, like a 1mm or slightly more. seems they have a lot left, but I could be wrong. when I tracked it, it really came alive, even with smoke pouring off I could brake deep into any corner, no problem. but, now a few months later street driving, they seem to be fading a bit, performance down, but if I take it back to the track it may just come alive again, lol. I'm thinking for ebc blue stuff, as I dont care about dust or noise, I race it all the time, street and track.

[HDriver74]

I can attest to the great braking performance of the Powerstops, with fresh flush of Motul 600 and proper bedding the beast stops on the dime.
Noises are gone not sure about the brake dust since I replaced few days ago.

[Yuille36]

When the rotors gets nice and hot, due to a track days. What happens is that you apply a nice coating of brake pad material to the surface of the rotor, which increases the braking efficiency. But everyday driving quickly removes that brake material.