[bmwbob]

Hi all,

I have a 2018 BMW M550i and brake pads needs changing. The rotors are find and I'm thinking of reusing them. I'm looking to buy the parts myself and bring it to the dealer or some indy shop to put them on. I've read some suggestions to use Brembo, ECS, Akebono... but not really sure which one really is the best. I'm looking for similar brake feel as OEM or better brake performance but less brake dust.

So just have a few questions:

1. Is it okay to reuse the brake rotors if they're in good condition? Can they but used with non OEM brake pads?
2. Which brand / model would you recommend and could I have a link to the product?
3. Are there any other parts I need to replace like sensors? Could I have a link to the product?

Thanks!

[LittleBlue]

I've used Akebono previously and literally no dust at all, yes slightly less stopping power but top notch brand. I can't wait to change mine out when it's time on my '22 G30 M Sport with 20" wheels, the dust is rediculous! But Akebono will always be my go to when it's time. I know you have to change the sensors and buy those separately. As for rotors, what I've done is kept them and put me pads, but once I started feeling vibrations then I went ahead and swapped them out but that was on my second set of pads after the originals. But it's up to you, of course dealers say you should. I'm not sure if I'm right but that's what I did. Hope this helps. Good luck.

[430Scud]

Seriously consider the Brembo ceramic pads. While I was previously a fan of Akebono Euro Ceramic, I just switched to Bremo ceramic on my E39 540 BMW and braking performance is similar to the Akebono, but the dust is even less, if you can believe that.

I'm not due for pads on my 2018 M550iX yet...but when I am, I'm probably going Brembo ceramic.

[kosmokratur]

I now have the Brembos on all 4 corners. No issues, no headaches.

[tsbrown]

If planning to not change your rotors you need at least 50% remaining thickness. The rotors are marked with minimum thickness on the hub and the max can usually be found on the RealOEM part number listing. Front and rear will be different. Measure with calipers in a couple places. Also you don’t want a thick lip or bad surface scoring.

I replaced my rear pads at 32k miles with oem pads from FCP Euro. Kept the original rotors after checking thickness and overall condition as I mentioned above. Car now has 41k miles and still running the original front pads/rotors. On past BMWs I would usually replace the OEM pads for low dust pads but those cars had all silver wheels that showed the dust, especially after a track weekend. The bi-color wheels hide dust so I don’t worry about it much anymore. Also, the low dust pads often give up some of the initial bite feel you get with OEM pads.