Ceramic Front Brake Pads for F85 X5M ?

[KCTiger]

Originally Posted by ICBM

PowerStop customer service reply to my inquiry regarding front brake pads :

"Hello,

I do apologize we only make the z26 pads for your vehicle for the rear z26-919b.

- Any plans of making the front pads as well?

I am unaware of that at this time. I apologize. Feel free to visit our website at a later date, or reach out. Thank you"

I think you'll like Z23s. I would give them a try. I read through the differences and didn't think they were that great compared to Z26. Just my opinion that is worth nothing lol.

[ICBM]

Originally Posted by KCTiger

I think you'll like Z23s. I would give them a try. I read through the differences and didn't think they were that great compared to Z26. Just my opinion that is worth nothing lol.

Let me know how they perform, I will wait for some feedback. From description they also seems to be like the Disc Italia Hyper ceramic. I will probably get them for the front. I just purchased the z26 for the rear.
UPDATE: Since the only difference in between z23/z26 it is the stainless steel plate material, I just ordered the z23s for the front. So for me it is z26rear/z23s front

[Hd818]

Any update on people who installed the z23 sets?

[Yuille36]

I’m using Powerstop Z16 Evolution Ceramic Pads, no dust 👍🏽
I’ve just a similar pad on my E63 AMG, and I’m quite happy with those pads. They have decent bite, and no dust. I literally can go weeks without cleaning my wheels. I can only go a few days with the current pads on the X5M.

[1badttx5m]

I ordered and have the z23 pads, I will be putting them on in the next week or 2. I will update as soon as they are installed

[Yuille36]

Not only are ceramic pads dustless, but one added benefit is that, their rotor friendly.
Meaning that do not wear out that rotor as fast as metallic or semi-metallic pads do. I've installed ceramic pads on my E63 AMG back in 2018, and there isn't even a hint of wear shown on the rotors. And the thing is, Brembo made the rotors so robust for AMG, that you typically go thru three sets of metallic pads before the rotors require replacement.

[ViperBoy2]

Had the Hawk Performance Ceramic installed last month. They absolutely cured the dust problem for my beautiful rims that wouldn't last 100 miles previously, but grip is definitely not up to OEM - especially when cold. I'm pretty much used to it now, but the first several days took definite foot memory adjustment. They also seem to have slightly non-linear grab even though I bought new OEM rotors at the same time

[Yuille36]

I can’t wait until my pads and rotors wear out, so that I can install my new rotors and ceramic pads. I just had my wheels refinished, and they look so good when there cleaned.

[Hd818]

Front pads are huge 😳

[KCTiger]

Originally Posted by Hd818

Front pads are huge 😳

As are the rotors. I was parked next to a G63 yesterday and the rotors looked tiny compared to our ride.

[Hd818]

Just swapped the OEM ones out for carbon ceramic definitely not the same stopping power.

[alex.zz]

Don't do custom brake pads, if you driving aggressively.
Your rotors won't be happy and it could be a result of brake failure (my experience)
Yes, CC pads will brake better, but as they have stiffer material, they gonna eat your rotors fast.

[ICBM]

I just had them installed and I am very happy I did. My OEM pads had half life left and I was 50/50 on to do them now or in the spring, however since it is still beautiful outside and I had some time to waste I decided to go for it and WAW! After bedding they totally transformed! As a matter of fact they feel stronger than the OEM pads! It is so important to do a proper break in. I still need to drive more to get full feedback but so far everything it's perfect. As they warmed up break was even more aggressive which is totally the opposite to my OEM. I ended up getting the z26 Extreme for the rears and z23 for front and I am super happy I did so since the rears had the shins in pretty bad condition so the stainless steel shins of the extreme brake pads are welcomed! Other than that they are the same, z23 have the same brake pad material. I can now have a more exotic calliper paint if I want to

[1badttx5m]

Finally installed my powerstop and they are great so far. They stop well and as for dust I’ll know in a few days. I highly recommend them for an alternative to factory.

[Yuille36]

I cannot wait until my pads and rotors need replacing, so that I can install my new rotors and ceramic pads. When, I purchased this vehicle last November, I immediately bought new rotors and pads, knowing that I would have to do a brake job in the future. I am so tired of the brake dust, it’s something that all European cars suffer from, due to the compound material of their pads. As, I look at my current rotors, and all the built up dust from the pads. I’ve also thought about painting the center hub of my new rotors brilliant silver, to ensure that any brake dust that does stick will come off easy with water. Also they will look good years to come.

[1badttx5m]

Pads are great and produce little to no dust. I highly recommend the power stops

[Klienfeld303]

Originally Posted by JimmyZ06

Here's what I'll tell you. The F10 M5 pad is smaller than the stock X5M pad on the X5M rotor. This leads me to believe the X5M rotor is larger, not the other way around.

If you want an almost dustless solution to the POS carbon pads that come on the F85 X5M, this is an option that works.

Thank you for this information. Just got an 18 X5M and my brakes squeak like a banshee at every stop sign. It's so annoying. I'm going to change pads and I hope this works.

[640ijims]

There are many threads on this subject with references to many manufacturers pluses and minuses. The biggest downside is lack of initial bite. So if you "drive like you stole it" or live NYC where the best drivers in USA live...you may want to factor it in. 5300# stationary, much mass when moving, the last thing you want...

[JVX6M]

Originally Posted by Klienfeld303

Thank you for this information. Just got an 18 X5M and my brakes squeak like a banshee at every stop sign. It's so annoying. I'm going to change pads and I hope this works.

I've got a 17 fairly new to me also and I think my rears are the culprit but also squeal horribly at times... My E70 M did it in reverse at times but what's up w the F85/86 doing it?

[640ijims]

My 18' @ 35k is on third set of pads, have been down the chamfering route, "pad lube" ( whatever that is) & as stated three sets of pads( all warrantied). In all the research I've done on this, the trade off can CAN be braking effectiveness. Now, I drive hard, (not crazy as exhibited by gettinG 26k+ out of a set of MPSS's), and I occasionally find myself praying bite BITE dammit & I'm on BMW OEs...just sayin!

[Yuille36]

Due to how heavy are vehicles are, you definitely need an outstanding ceramic pad.

[Saleeb86]

Originally Posted by enzom

Too bad BMW did not see fit to offer full carbon ceramics on this truck. Had them on my Cayenne and they were amazing. One of the most noticeable differences between this X5M and my Cayenne. Big difference in brake performance and cleanliness of the front wheels.

So what you're saying is, when time to change out pads, go for the full carbon ceramic? Any downsides to carbon ceramic vs carbon metallic oem?