I was just wondering if someone could give me some insight as to which brake pads would be a good replacement for the OEM pads. I have researched the carbotechs and Hawks but I have found mixed reviews on both and is driving me crazy

I would like to just upgrade everything, pads, rotors brake lines but that is not in the budget right now so just the pads for now.

Any help is greatly appreciated

 

I switched from OEM to "GreenStuff" brake pads cuz I read that they generate less dust. IMO, not so. My rims still get dusty as before, maybe 10% less dust, but not much. I will admit that they do bite pretty well, so I'm happy with them.

 

I changed out the OEM pads for the CarboTECH 1521 Bobcats after two months of ownership. A great reduction in dust and a different color! Go for it!

 

Choose based upon driving style...from what I have been reading....
IF you brakes stay warm/hot, Carbotec Bobcats seem great, many people report great modulation (unlike the on/off of the OEM) and are just OK when cool. Generaly called low dust...remember..there are many types of Carbotec pads....many are more track or race....so be sure to pick the right ones.
Green stuff (EBC), better cooler, pretty good hot, but not a good track pad, as they don't stand the heat...but many people have warped rotors...love them or hate them...all products have people who great or bad experiences!! Considered very gentle on rotors. Less dust, but not a low dust pad IMO. Also from EBC are yellow stuff, and red stuff.....the color generally refers to temperature range...pretty good way to think about it....but yellows just got reformulated...so I''m waiting to hear the new reviews.
Since I do lots of highway driving, I'm leaning towards Akeabonoo pads....pricey, but well liked and still good when cool. Ceramic...very low dust/noise by all reports. But green stuff might still get my nod.....bit more dust though....
Mintex (std) and EBC ultimates (a lower end pad from the makers of green stuff,) seem to be generally considered OEM replacements, with less dust.
Many have used Mintex Red box...their performance pad...but they seem to have been surpassed...not many users lately...
As for Hawks...lost of conflicting info...i think lost of people get the hawk ceramic and std mixed up....so it is hard to tell from the reviews....I'm in the same boat with you...confused. As a company they do have a good reputation in high performance cars....

Rule #1 IMO...choose the pad that meets your need and style....all pads are compromises....no one pad is best at everything!!
I would go to tire rack...and do a sort on product reviews by car and driving style....might help you!!
A good MINI guy/MINI shop like WayMotorWorks is sure to have some good opinions too....highly rated in my book. A discussion of your needs, desires and driving style would help you hone in on your "perfect pad".

 

I'm happy with the Carbotech 1521 Bobcats. These are a street pad that are supposed to last longer than OEM and be easier on rotors. They put out very little dust. I prefer the feel (modulation) of the Bobcats over the grabbiness of OEM pads.

 

Stock pads grab very well. Yes, they dust but they are well worth the hassle imho.

 

Lots of good info thanks. I think the EBC red stuff fits my needs the most. We'll see after I put them on.

 

The EBC Reds worked great and lasted 15K. I noticed dust was not as bad as stock but they still generated a good amount of dust. The only issue I had was that these pads were very abrasive to the disc and after using these pads a 2mm groove about the height of the pad. I ended up going to Wilwoods which are night and day compared to factory setup. I have heard that the carbotechs are very rotor friendly. I am going to try a set on the rears as it is about time to swap those out.

 

We've had good luck with both the Carbotechs, and EBC's.

 

I'm going with the EBC Reds. Way Motor Works was very helpful in helping me to make my decision, thanks Way

If I need to replace the rotors then its a good way to justify the BBK upgrade!