Brake pads

M

MrGringo

Member
 Oxford
I've had a search for information about replacing brake pads and couldn't find much other than the upgrade topics in the how-to section, so please forgive me if I have missed the obvious thread.

My brake sensor lit up the other day so I've just been looking into replacement pads. I have a few noob-ish questions...
As my car ('56 2.0i se with ~33K) is under BMW extended warranty, do you think this means I have to use BMW brake pads?

If not then would can anybody recommend some? I have found EBC Greenstuff brake pads, which are similarly priced to the BMW OEM ones, do you think they'd be any better?

Finally, is there a quick & easy way to identify whether it is the front or the rear pads which need replacing? do all of the corners have sensors on?

Many thanks
MrG
 
Not sure about the warranty issue but i would look at maybe EBC Redstuff, greenstuff would be more on par with OEM at a guess. I run EBC Greenstuff on my mk1 mr2.
 
I see no reason why you have to use OEM pads, however if for instance you have a problem with a disk then they would blame the pads and not pay, however if say the roof motor failed it makes no difference. For safety therefore you may wish to stick with OEM.

EBC Greenstuff is good. Pretty much same performance as OEM but low dust. Several on here use them

There are sensors on one front and one rear so have a visual inspection. It's most likely to be fronts as they wear far more.
 
I have Redstuff at the moment (front only in effort to aid rear-brake bias when cold). While they are good in summer on long hard runs, i've recently noticed that their initial bite when very cold is rather bad. So bad that the OEM rears lock up well before. Something ive not noticed in the dry, summer months.

They have a very linear friction throughout their full operating temp range however and if you really stamp on, they work beautifully. Ill either replace the rears for redstuffs too, or may go for Mintex 1155 or Ferodo DS2500's if i can haggle a good deal - they are excellent pads in my experience :)
 
EdButler said:
I have Redstuff at the moment (front only in effort to aid rear-brake bias when cold). While they are good in summer on long hard runs, i've recently noticed that their initial bite when very cold is rather bad. So bad that the OEM rears lock up well before. Something ive not noticed in the dry, summer months.

They have a very linear friction throughout their full operating temp range however and if you really stamp on, they work beautifully. Ill either replace the rears for redstuffs too, or may go for Mintex 1155 or Ferodo DS2500's if i can haggle a good deal - they are excellent pads in my experience :)
Click to expand...

That is interesting. I went for Green on the front and back. I was concerned that the Red would not be so good when cold.
I am very happy with the Greenstuff and the EBC disks - stopping power is really improved.
 
Ed - you hit on the very reason that people should not fit redstuff on a normal roadcar - they don't work when cold. Just because people get lured in by the idea of 'fast road' they imho should be kept for cars that are tracked and rarely use normal UK road conditions.

I can imagine explaining to MrsCJ that she needs to stamp on the brakes unless she's on a spirited run to Tesco. I'd have a lost front bumper in days :thumbsdown:
 
I notice the cold bite isnt so good in winter on my mr2 with greenstuff but need to upgrade them for track as there not very good there.

I really dont think the Z4 needs upgrading for normal road use. The brakes are very good IMO and ive not thought once i need abit more stopping power.

They dont seem to list them for teh Z4 but Carbotechs are awesome pads on the mr2.
 
Thanks for all the useful info everyone.
Whilst like un1eash, I haven't felt the need for more stopping power I quite like the sound of less brake dust so think I may well go for the EBC greenstuff pads. Might take the opportunity to paint my calipers too, does anyone know a good blue (similar to my montego) paint that would work?
 
The best paint for a simple brush paint job is the Halfords caliper paint. It's heat resistant and durable. I recall they have a blue in the range.
Other have used Hammerite and some VHT aerosol so lots of choices
 
un1eash said:
I notice the cold bite isnt so good in winter on my mr2 with greenstuff but need to upgrade them for track as there not very good there.

I really dont think the Z4 needs upgrading for normal road use. The brakes are very good IMO and ive not thought once i need abit more stopping power.

They dont seem to list them for teh Z4 but Carbotechs are awesome pads on the mr2.
Click to expand...


Agree with this the OEM brakes on my Z4 i think are good one of the things that i was very pleased with after buying the car they are gentle around town but aggresive when needed.

Re the greenstuff i ran these on my Calibra and to be honest no a lot better than OEM Vauxhall and not good when cold but the one thing i did like especially driving an Auto was a lot less brake dust
 
I have the redstuff pads on the front of my 3.0(with ebc drilled n grooved discs),and feel they are ok cold,and also like the improved feel when warmer weather is here
the brake dust is alot less/far easier keepn wheels clean,so going to fit redstuff pads to rear b4 long :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom