I think I'm going to need new pads very soon. I have white wheels that were ruined by brake dust very soon after I bought the MINI...I think partly do to a poor powder coat job. I'm probably going to have my wheels powder coated again. I want something with low dust and high performance. I've been looking at EBC and Hawk...then I ran across these at the Tire Rack:

Akebono - Euro Ultra-Premium Pads

Anyone used them?

I have 'em and they do a good job. I went from OEM to these and they work better with very low dust (compared to stock). Can't comment on how they stack up against high performance pads but they work well for me.

Akebono's are excelent with respect to reasonable breaking, less noise and lower dust.

I'd target the Hawk Ceramics for a bit better stopping power, I prefer the way they modulate, a bit better pedal feel for me, and lower dust.

Alex

I'm quite happy with Carbotech 1525 Bobcat pads. Brake well, easy on disks, very little dust, no noise.

I have them on my '02 MCS and really like them. Pedal feel is good, as is fade (or lack thereof).
And no dust!

Alex, Better than the Akebonos, I assume? What about the lack of fitment on the rears for the MINI's electronic wear indicator? What about Hawks front with Akebonos rear, would that work?

Noticibly better based on my testing.

I personally think wear sensors are the easy way out vs visual inspection of your brake pads during tire rotation, JMO.

I usually pull pads prior to the sensor being activated, if your careful you can get 2 sets of pads out of 1 set of sensors - I hare having to rebuy diposables, so for me it saves $ and promotes me to be resposible for my brake wear.

It also helps me keep my rotors from needing replacment prior to acheiving grooving/min safe thickness.

Mixing in that exact circumstance with higher friction coeffcient pads in front is acceptable on most street cars, Mini included.

Alex

I purchased the Hawk Ceramics on Alex' recommendation and they are the worst pads that I've ever used. No bite, have to really stomp on them to get the car to stop. I think that brown laundry soap bars would work better. I forget how bad they are until I borrow my wife's MX-5 Mazdaspeed or her Subaru Outback Sport, both with OEM pads. I'm looking to replace the Hawks. Carbotech seem to be the favorites for low dust but they are so expensive that I'm still searching.

I apologize thoroughly, I must have not qualified you sufficiently.

Please email me with your billing phone number, I'd like to check out the purchase.