[KillerB]

Has anyone used the Brembo Ceramic brake pads? If so, how is the initial bite? Is it even close to the original Brembo pads?

[430Scud]

I'm currently using the Brembo ceramic pads on my 2001 E39 540M-Sport and can tell you they do not have the initial bite like factory pads. They are very similar to the Akebono Euro Ceramic pads. While not great, it is more than acceptable for my daily driver.

What is most interesting, and what I particularly like about the Brembo ceramic, is they produce next to no dust...even less than Akebono Euro Ceramic. I went over 6 weeks without washing my car and was amazed at how the wheels had next to no brake dust.

When I need pads on my M550iX, I will probably get the Brembo ceramic.

[KillerB]

That's what I figured from ceramic! Maybe I will try the Brembo Low-Met Pads. Thanks!

[430Scud]

Originally Posted by KillerB

That's what I figured from ceramic! Maybe I will try the Brembo Low-Met Pads. Thanks!

Those should be closer to the OEM BMW pads. I'm not sure who is the OEM supplier to BMW on the M550iX. The front calipers are Brembo, the rear are ATE. FCP Euro says the OE pads for the M550iX are supplied by ATE for BMW and they carry both. Obviously less expensive packaged in the ATE box versus the BMW box.

[KillerB]

Since the Brembo Ceramic doesn't give that initial bite, I will probably go with PowerStop. Ive been using PS for about 3 years on different cars. No issues. But who knows? I may try Brembo ceramic. Thanks!

[xander_g]

Have them, sounds like they won't have the bite you're looking for. Definitely better than the oem pads though. I used ebc redstuff on my e92 m3 but couldn't find anywhere that had them in stock for the g30 at the time.

[KillerB]

For sure the PowerStop doesn't have the initial bite but no brake dust. Had several of them. PS cost is less than Brembo but I do like the hard bite when the brake is pressed.

[TEF]

I recently replaced OE brake pads on my 540d xdrive with Power Stop ceramics and notice
no preceptible difference in initial bite. Even if braking was technically deminished, I still prefer the ceramics to the brake dust generated by the OE pads.

[PetieD 7]

I have good user experience with EBC Redstuff in my M-Sport brake system (blue caliper). Although, the pads are on the pricy side tho.