Firstfives.org

How thick off the steel backing, less pad thickness than, needing new.

Opinions on source, brand. No dust or squeaking, for normal street driving. I think I've heard Padget, Padgid ?

Such a simple question. Or so it seems. Pads don't always wear evenly, so you can have 1/8" on one side, the one you're looking at of course, and be down to metal on the other. Or if it's wearing evenly, have 20K left. I go with 1/8" which is pretty good, but no guarantee that you'll be ok. Probably, but not for sure. BTW, I got an email from Rockauto recently they had some E12 pads on stupid cheap closeout prices. Axxis Deluxe (which used to be Repco, then something else inbetween) is supposed to be good for everyday street use, low/no dust or squeal, and they have them very low I believe. If you want good, I think, or maybe guess, E12 pads are the same as E28 M5 pads, which there are many good choices for. But it's unverified as of yet so don't go buying them unless you can determine they do in fact fit.

i've heard that if you go for no dust you'll be wearing the rotor faster than it should. so your choice is no dust/buy rotors sooner or dust/rotors last longer. i suggest that whatever the OEM spec is, to buy that type; semi-metallic, non-metallic and so on. More expensive brands don't necessarily last longer or create less dust.

I used Repco/Axxis deluxe pads and they worked well for street/autocross. And I used Mintex pads on the track--no fade even when my son and I shared the car so it did double duty. Just did my wife's car and the shop recommended Akebono.

But I think I must be exceptionally easy on brakes when I hear others' horror stories. A set of rotors went 100K for me, including three plus seasons of autrocross and several drivers' schools.

One other trick that helped in my experience--The rear brakes used to squeal regardless of the type of pad until I cut a slot in the middle to split the single puck of brake lining in two like the front pads. That really made things quieter.

yes, Axxis seams to be a great brand at a cheap price, compared to Pagid which could cost you atleast $200 more. I think Pagid would be strickly track.