OEM Brake Pad Reformulation

[Kdubski]

Has BMW changed the composition of OEM brake pad material?

Changed brakes recently and they feel a lot weaker (lacking the bite) than they previously had. Put fresh OEM pads + rotors in last summer, also just did a brake fluid flush (ATE 200) hoping for an improved brake response. It feels like I really have to put some heat into them to get the M3 braking back. Wondering if it's the pads and not anything else?

[Estoril]

Did you bed them?

[Kdubski]

Did you bed them?

Of course

[Slideways]

Do the pads have the BMW stamp on them?

[Kdubski]

Do the pads have the BMW stamp on them?

Yes, they're from the dealership purchased 2022. Previously to that, also dealer pads, done in 2017 or so. The brakes where much more aggressive on the prior pads.

[Slideways]

Yes, they're from the dealership purchased 2022. Previously to that, also dealer pads, done in 2017 or so. The brakes where much more aggressive on the prior pads.

Is this standard (Jurid Front, Textar Rear) or ZCP brakes (Textar Front and Rear)? It could be BMW is getting the OEM Textar compound for the OE BMW pads now in 2023. OEM Textar tends to be pretty good though.

[Tbonem3]

It this standard (Jurid Front, Textar Rear) or ZCP brakes (Textar Front and Rear)? It could be BMW is getting the OEM Textar compound for the OE BMW pads now in 2023. OEM Textar tends to be pretty good though.

I was gonna say that. Might be worth trying to get the Euro pads - IIRC, Terra mentioned on the old forum that OE BMW pads for euro cars had a slightly higher temp threshold or something, some sort of different formulation

I would try another bedding session. When you bled the brakes, did you open ABS with software?

FWIW, I don't really like the OE textar pads fro 996. Very little bite, but I've also read that's more down to clamping force (996 has slightly less than stock) than pad formula.

[Estoril]

Yes, they're from the dealership purchased 2022. Previously to that, also dealer pads, done in 2017 or so. The brakes where much more aggressive on the prior pads.

I suggest that you not ignore the fact that you changed rotors at the same time - and then the problem started.

[jbfrancis3]

Do the wheels take longer to get dirty? That would be a clue to formula change which I don't consider outside realm of possible.

[bigjae46]

Do the wheels take longer to get dirty? That would be a clue to formula change which I don't consider outside realm of possible.

This. BMW has virtually eliminated pad changes before 50k miles so newer cars won't get brake pads covered under the maintenance plan. They also dust up a lot less and are quieter at the expense of initial bite.

So if the wheels aren't dirty after driving 10 miles its a new pad compound.

[tlow98]

This. BMW has virtually eliminated pad changes before 50k miles so newer cars won't get brake pads covered under the maintenance plan. They also dust up a lot less and are quieter at the expense of initial bite.

So if the wheels aren't dirty after driving 10 miles its a new pad compound.

Dang, they finally went to some ceramic hybrid mix I’m assuming? That’s a shame…

[bigjae46]

Dang, they finally went to some ceramic hybrid mix I’m assuming? That’s a shame…

Not sure. The newer pads in general are really good and I really like them on newer BMWs...one of the few things I like better on the newer cars.

[Drewrivera]

Aren't akebono the other oem pads used? I just bought a set with new calipers I'll be changing.

[tlow98]

Not sure. The newer pads in general are really good and I really like them on newer BMWs...one of the few things I like better on the newer cars.

now THAT is interesting and good to hear. Cool.

[eacmen]

My experience with ceramic pads is the initial bite isn't as good but if you really get on it they stop just as good as normal semi metallic.