Pad selection for ZCP Brakes

[t44tq]

I find the stock brakes to be a little lacking (non-ZCP), so I personally prioritize performance. Outside of stock BMW pads, I've run (so far) Hawk HPS 5.0 and the "old" HPS- I prefer the "old" HPS so far. I've considered going to Carbotech Bobcat or Porterfield R4S, but I'm getting "free" pads under warranty through FCP, so I'm running what they offer.

HPS definitely don't dust more than the stock BMW pads, and to me, they feel better- not as "soft," if that makes sense. The dust is a bit red/purple, unlike the black dust that BMW pads make.

[Estoril]

I find the stock brakes to be a little lacking (non-ZCP), so I personally prioritize performance. Outside of stock BMW pads, I've run (so far) Hawk HPS 5.0 and the "old" HPS- I prefer the "old" HPS so far. I've considered going to Carbotech Bobcat or Porterfield R4S, but I'm getting "free" pads under warranty through FCP, so I'm running what they offer.

HPS definitely don't dust more than the stock BMW pads, and to me, they feel better- not as "soft," if that makes sense. The dust is a bit red/purple, unlike the black dust that BMW pads make.

Just don't go near a track with HPS or HP+. They're fine.... until they reach MOT and then they fall off a cliff.

I'm surprised you describe them as a performance pad.

[BlueBimmers]

There is a fantastic FCP video about brake pads and rotors that is worth the watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkX22JSiBaM

[///Marecki]

There is a fantastic FCP video about brake pads and rotors that is worth the watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkX22JSiBaM

Yeah that was a good watch, thanks for the share!

[cornerbalanced]

Is it just me who absolutely loves the factory ZCP pads? From the two ZCPs I've owned (with stock pads) - they felt pretty amazing, great bite, no noise, and with stainless lines and SRF fluid...it took some serious driving to get them to fade. I think the factory pads suffice for like...80% of people. Stock non-ZCP pads however? Absolute garbage.

[chris719]

Does anyone know if the newer Textar pads are just as good as the old/original/genuine were? If you notice, the new Textar pads have yellow print and are made in Romania and also have a different friction material, they are listed as FE instead of FF rated and different Textar material code T4104 vs original T4089 .

[///Marecki]

Is it just me who absolutely loves the factory ZCP pads? From the two ZCPs I've owned (with stock pads) - they felt pretty amazing, great bite, no noise, and with stainless lines and SRF fluid...it took some serious driving to get them to fade. I think the factory pads suffice for like...80% of people. Stock non-ZCP pads however? Absolute garbage.

The cost of the factory BMW pads have gotten to a place where one would be remiss not to consider other options.

$230 for the fronts
$280 for the rears

[t44tq]

Just don't go near a track with HPS or HP+. They're fine.... until they reach MOT and then they fall off a cliff.

I'm surprised you describe them as a performance pad.

Very late reply, but I wouldn’t use Hawk HPS for track use. I’m just talking about for road use.

[old///MFanatic]

The cost of the factory BMW pads have gotten to a place where one would be remiss not to consider other options.
$230 for the fronts
$280 for the rears

Wow I haven’t looked in a while but yikes I might just sell my ZCP front/rear pads still in their boxes.

[hogger453]

Endless pads over anything else in any category.

[Estoril]

Endless pads over anything else in any category.

A rather sweeping assertion with no specifics at all to back it up - n'est pas?

[hogger453]

A rather sweeping assertion with no specifics at all to back it up - n'est pas?

Yes, it is. I'm not writing my resume here but I've gone through all those pads mentioned above and more. These pads are outstanding especially where it matters, modulation, and rotor wear.
All the pads mentions above apart OE are almost to fade free. So fade is not an issue.

[chris719]

BTW I used the new Pagid Street+ on my Z4M. Cannot recommend at all. The bite is impressive but noisy as hell and even dustier than the OE pads and the dust is a really sticky brown. They also feel very different cold vs warm. If they were a track pad I would be ok with these compromises but they are marketed as street pads...

[chris719]

Yes, it is. I'm not writing my resume here but I've gone through all those pads mentioned above and more. These pads are outstanding especially where it matters, modulation, and rotor wear.
All the pads mentions above apart OE are almost to fade free. So fade is not an issue.

Which ones for street? MX72? MX87?

[maupineda]

BTW I used the new Pagid Street+ on my Z4M. Cannot recommend at all. The bite is impressive but noisy as hell and even dustier than the OE pads and the dust is a really sticky brown. They also feel very different cold vs warm. If they were a track pad I would be ok with these compromises but they are marketed as street pads...

I have them on mine, albeit my calipers are different, zero noise, nice bite and great overall pedal feel, but they do dust a lot!!! Also, I have not noticed any difference in cold v hot.