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I've had my R52 S for a few years and I'm keeping it as you can't beat some top-down time in the summers here. One of the popular things (besides upgrading to JCW brakes) is to use the EBC Redstuff pads for daily and occasional autocross use.
That's just background - I took ownership of my 2017 F54 JCW literally two days ago. Has 55K on it so far, from the previous single owner.
Today I heard a little squeaking, and since it's only my second drive in it, I thought I'd Google some options just to learn, if nothing else. What pads are available for the JCW? Is there any cult/popular pad for these F54 JCWs?
I'm finding surprisingly few threads here for "F54 JCW pads", "F54 JCW brakes" (other than swaps), etc.
Maybe all roads lead to ECS? I did find some options there, across quite the price range. Anyone have any thoughts on each?
EBC Redstuff pads (I assume it's the same compound I know from the R53 gen) - $228
They also had this intriguing option, given my JCW ismy daily driver (yes I autocross, but only with my manual transmission R52 S):
DD2 "daily driver" brake pad - $84
Definitely interested in any feedback on those options, or any others that you know of from other sellers.
When I need to, I might do the rotors at the same time - I've already seen options from $130 up to $1300 on those - I'm sure I don't need anything fancy, but I of course do want to take full advantage of the brakes I have. No downgrading.
Any forum consensus on what's good out here?
Last edited by geolemon; Oct 24, 2024 at 04:00 PM.
Reason: clarified/revised
I can't remember if I mentioned this in your other thread or not, but I am running Dynamic Friction Euro 5000 ceramic pads. I have tried OEM pads, EBC Reds, and "no-name" OEM-like pads, and these Euro 5000 pads are fantastic. VERY low dust compared to stock, and great stopping power.
I can't remember if I mentioned this in your other thread or not, but I am running Dynamic Friction Euro 5000 ceramic pads. I have tried OEM pads, EBC Reds, and "no-name" OEM-like pads, and these Euro 5000 pads are fantastic. VERY low dust compared to stock, and great stopping power.
That sounds like a winner for sure. Like I said I don't even know if I'm in urgent need of brakes or not but this is one of "those topics" I want to read up on at any rate [but... I'm not finding that much in the JCW-specific section of NAM???].
I did pull the wheel off to check clearance on my new Alzor cup sport clones, see what size spacers I need, and I checked the brakes while I was in there.
Really the pads have some life left on them, but they are down to 1/3 or less. The rotors are smooth, but really worn in deep. Pretty much the same in the back - rotors look better but the pads are lower - still with miles of life though. I really didn't spot what was squeaking on the driver's wheel that I inspected - maybe there's just a squeak to the stock pads in some conditions?
Regardless, it doesn't feel wasteful to do the brakes at this point. Nice to know it isn't urgent before winter, but I think I'll pick up what I need and it might be good to do sooner than later.
I know this is an old thread but FWIW the EBC Reds SUCK! I had them on for less than 1500 miles and they had major overheating issues just driving mountain roads. This is NOT a performance pad. I went back to the OEM JCW pads and they are much better.
Last edited by f56jcw19; Sep 12, 2025 at 01:10 PM.
I pulled the trigger on the purchase, but since my current pads still had plenty of life, I haven't installed them yet -
In my defense, it's only in the cold weather that the factory (I assume) pads squeal.
But the cold weather is coming, I'll be installing these in the next few weeks.
It's unbelievable how HEAVY the front brake rotors are on these JCW. I don't think that's a Zimmerman thing, I've just never had a car with brakes this big!
