Track pads for OEM M5 brakes... - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Apples · 21st October 2002, 03:29

Whatya you guys recomend for a track pad for an OEM M5 brake set up. Is it easy to change the pads yourself or better to just get a tech to do it.
Any ideas coz l've got a friend heading to the track for a Chin Motorsports day on the weekend after next and l've told him that the brakes will need the extra upgrade. He's a pretty good driver...done 4 Skip Barber 3 day race schools.
APPLES

RAREM5 · 21st October 2002, 04:37

Apples,

After reading up on instructions on how to change the pads, I decided to let the professional do it the first time. After looking over the shoulder of my technician, changing brakes are pretty easy to do. It's all matter of having a right set of tools to do this.

As far as pads are concerns, I have mintex (red) but I don't know if these pads are for track. All I know is that those are dustless.

Sang

greg · 21st October 2002, 05:06

I am interested in this too - I'm ready for pads soon and I'd like to put better pads on the stock rotors. I don't care about dust reduction (although that would be an obvious benefit) as much as I want better fade resistance. Still, can't squeal - so agggressive track pads are out for me.

Also, if someone has documented the pad removal/replacement process, I'd like to see it.

Thanks

01M5 · 21st October 2002, 05:48

Greg and others,

Check out these instructions: http://www.bmwccaeverglades.com/brakes/step1.html

Teutonaddict · 21st October 2002, 06:06

First of all, Najeeb, that's quite a link! Up until seeing that one, I'd used the following useful instructions to begin doing my own brake maintenance:

http://www.bmwtips.com/tipsntricks/C...gBrakePads.htm

Your link is far more comprehensive!

I've now tracked the Beast prolly ten times, and each time I've installed Mintex C-Tech pads up front. For the street, I use Mintex Red Box for their dust-less-than-stock qualities. The C-Techs are more of a race compound pad, and as such, they dust MORE than stock. Last time I checked, they were not available for the rears.

As far as squealing goes, once bedded, they're not much worse than stock. On several occasions (including right now), I've been lazy and did not remove them after a track event. They work fine for the street, but as I said, do dust more.

On the track, I've found them to be quite capable. With the exception of my very first outing in the Beast (bone stock, at 1400 miles!), I've not suffered from brake pad or fluid fade of any significance since making the following mods: Open ducts (per MarkM5Lauderdale's early instrux), Goodridge stainless lines, ATE Super Blue fluid, and the Mintex C-Tech pads.

I'd been kicking around a big brake kit since I first found this board (and had initial conversations with Bob Lee at StopTech to see if they'd do a kit for the E39 M5), but since I made the referenced mods, I've not seen the need. I still love the aesthetics of big red calipers, but I found better ways to spend three large (can you say KW?!).

By far the best place on the web to get Mintex pads cheap is through Adirondack Auto Brokers: www.germanautoparts.com . Ask for Mark or Dave. You can get a set of four Mintex Red Box for the street for under $100, while a pair of the C-Tech fronts will run you ~$150.

Hope that helps!

greg · 21st October 2002, 07:40

Quote:

Originally posted by 01M5
Greg and others,

Check out these instructions: http://www.bmwccaeverglades.com/brakes/step1.html

Thanks - exactly what I was looking for.

greg · 21st October 2002, 09:15

After a quick and impulsive web search I made a quick and impulsive purchase. After reading a bit on the Mintex, Hawk and EBc pads I opted for the " Ebc green road/sport pads". One of the selling factors was that they ( as well as the Hawks) were available through Tire Rack - and I like doing business with them!

Does anyone have these pads?

BTW - Apples - you asked about stock pads, but your sig says you have the Porsche Movit brakes? I'm confused. However in case you need it, I AM familiar with pad R&R on the Porsche system - considerably easier than the BMW brakes since you don't have to dismount the calipers. I documented the procedure a while back.

kAtAnA309 · 21st October 2002, 11:27

greg: Those EBC greenstuff pads are no good on the track. They work well on the road, if you have a light car. I smoked a set of them in my 950 kg. car in 10 laps on track.

For the M5 I would look at something more durable, maybe Ferodo DS2500. They seem to have excellent track qualities: 40 + rounds around the Ring, higher friction levels than the Greenstuffs, and not too hard on the discs.

For the real race junkies, there are the DS3000 pads, but they eat brakediscs for lunch apperently, so maybe that's not really an option.

check
Ferodo Racing for more info .. Although I'm not sure they make them for the M5, would be worth checking into though.

Regards,

Gerrit

Teutonaddict · 21st October 2002, 15:35

Quote:

Originally posted by greg
After a quick and impulsive web search I made a quick and impulsive purchase. After reading a bit on the Mintex, Hawk and EBc pads I opted for the " Ebc green road/sport pads". One of the selling factors was that they ( as well as the Hawks) were available through Tire Rack - and I like doing business with them!

Greg-

I was looking to go with EBC when I first found this board. It seemed to me much of the 'user' feedback I found on various forums was at extreme ends of the continuum: either best thing since sliced bread or worst product ever. That variability scared me off.

I then swapped a lot of info with Elliott (HadE55NowM5), who installed the Panther pads from Carbotech Engineering. He raved about their track performance and streetable capability. Unfortunately, you had to provide the E39 M5 pad backer plates in order for them to make you a set. Since I didn't have any worn pads, and was unwilling to sacrifice a new set, I opted away from that vendor. Now that I have a set each of front and rear worn pads (and therefore some donor backers), I may just give the Carbotech Panthers a shot. That way, at least I can have same compound front and rear on a stock brake system.

Let us know your experience with the EBC GreenStuff. I hope you find them capable on the track!

BTW, I like working with Tire Rack, as well. I try to find reasons to do more business with them, as I've never been disappointed with their pricing or service.

Aussie2U · 21st October 2002, 15:55

What about Pagid pads? Seems to me I've heard "Pagid Orange" for the track mentioned many times on here. Pagid says they are track only pads as they have poor bite when cold. The Pagid Blues look good as a one step down street friendly version. Unless I missed something, I have always thought the oranges would be my next track pad.