Brakes need replacement - 5000 miles only

[kgroschi_VerdeMantis]

Hi guys,

my brakes are shot after 5000 miles incl. some track days. Now I got a good price for BMW OEM replacement, but I wanted to know if there are any other recommendations for people that go on track 2-3 times a year. I don't want to spend a fortune on a full Brembo kit, I am more looking for a cost effective but solid solution. I am just afraid I will keep having to do a full brake job every 5-6k miles at this current rate...

Appreciate any advice.

[FlyingLow78]

I recommend Ferodo DS2500 pads, but they dust a lot more than the stock Brembos. They make no noise, though, and tolerate track use well. I am running them on the rear only and have cooling going directly at the caliper.

Others may recommend Pagid RS29/RSL29, but I will never use those again. They lose friction when they get hot and it’s scary when the car won’t slow down, no matter how hard you press the pedal.

[kgroschi_VerdeMantis]

Originally Posted by FlyingLow78

I recommend Ferodo DS2500 pads, but they dust a lot more than the stock Brembos. They make no noise, though, and tolerate track use well. I am running them on the rear only and have cooling going directly at the caliper.

Others may recommend Pagid RS29/RSL29, but I will never use those again. They lose friction when they get hot and it’s scary when the car won’t slow down, no matter how hard you press the pedal.

Thank you for the info! Appreciate it.

[papasmurf_m3]

Originally Posted by FlyingLow78

I recommend Ferodo DS2500 pads, but they dust a lot more than the stock Brembos. They make no noise, though, and tolerate track use well. I am running them on the rear only and have cooling going directly at the caliper.

Others may recommend Pagid RS29/RSL29, but I will never use those again. They lose friction when they get hot and it's scary when the car won't slow down, no matter how hard you press the pedal.

The brake calipers discolor from the heat? Or fade ?

[G35POPPEDMYCHERRY]

you track on stock pad?

[kgroschi_VerdeMantis]

Originally Posted by G35POPPEDMYCHERRY

you track on stock pad?

Yeah I did. 3 track days.

[FlyingLow78]

Originally Posted by papasmurf_m3

The brake calipers discolor from the heat? Or fade ?

Caliper discoloration is a byproduct of the heat applied. If you install inexpensive Porsche GT3 ducts to direct air at the brakes you could delay the onset of discoloration for a while, but it depends on how hot the brakes get and whether or not you do cool-down laps. I’d suggest the Porsche ducts and temperature strips to keep an eye on peak temperatures. If things are getting too hot, you know you need to go for a more track-focused compound and look for more effective cooling solutions like Revozport ducts or 3D-printed scoops.

Fade has not been an issue with me so far, but it depends a lot of the track, the cooling, outside air temps, and your driving style. If you can provide more info it will be easier to answer.

[G35POPPEDMYCHERRY]

Originally Posted by kgroschi_VerdeMantis

Yeah I did. 3 track days.

nice, i don't track; but form my lurking on the fourms most people keep dedicated track pads and street pads. they are super easy to swap; so youll probably do best with those.

[kgroschi_VerdeMantis]

Originally Posted by G35POPPEDMYCHERRY

nice, i don't track; but form my lurking on the fourms most people keep dedicated track pads and street pads. they are super easy to swap; so youll probably do best with those.

Ya I will probably do that in the future

[BigHunk]

Yes, that's normal.
3-4 track days and your pads are done,race driver probably in 2 days.
Track is eating them as a butter

[kgroschi_VerdeMantis]

Originally Posted by BigHunk

Yes, that's normal.
3-4 track days and your pads are done,race driver probably in 2 days.
Track is eating them as a butter

Yeah that's what I had expected. I did not expect that all 4 disks needed replacement too though...

[FlyingLow78]

Originally Posted by kgroschi_VerdeMantis

Yeah that's what I had expected. I did not expect that all 4 disks needed replacement too though...

I think that’s overkill. It’s recommended to swap rotors when you do pads, and I did my first time around with my ‘15 M3, but haven’t done that since. As long as you bed in the new set properly after swapping them it’s going to be just fine. Essex created a video to explain the process and it’s the same whether your parts are new or just newly-installed.

My first track outing this year I drove to the track on Ferodo DS2500s, then swapped to DTC-70s just before my first session. I ended up having to bed them in the first ten minutes on track, which is a waste of valuable track time, so now I just drive to the track on my race pads. They’re plenty responsive at low temperatures, but rather squeaky.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by BigHunk

Yes, that's normal.
3-4 track days and your pads are done,race driver probably in 2 days.
Track is eating them as a butter

I've gotten through a set of new stock front pads in less than one track day

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by kgroschi_VerdeMantis

Yeah that's what I had expected. I did not expect that all 4 disks needed replacement too though...

That's stealer

I go through 12+ sets of pads before my rotors need replacement. Mind you, I do track a fair bit.

[kgroschi_VerdeMantis]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

That's stealer

I go through 12+ sets of pads before my rotors need replacement. Mind you, I do track a fair bit.

I think my rotors were shot because I tracked past the BRAKE SERVICE warning.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by kgroschi_VerdeMantis

I think my rotors were shot because I tracked past the BRAKE SERVICE warning.

There's still plenty of meat left on the pads after the wear sensor is triggered. Unless you brought the pads down to the backing plate, the rotors should be fine. Are the rotors significantly scored?

[kgroschi_VerdeMantis]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

There's still plenty of meat left on the pads after the wear sensor is triggered. Unless you brought the pads down to the backing plate, the rotors should be fine. Are the rotors significantly scored?

Well ya... that's exactly what happened. Another couple laps and the pedal went to the firewall.