Akebono Euro review

So it's almost 1 month I mounted the Akebono pads together with Zimmermann cross-drilled rotors.
Impressions:
If the bite of the OEM Jurid on a scale from 1 to 10 is 10, then the Akebono Euro are probably 8.
On a scale from 1 to 10 concerning dust brake, Jurid are probably 4 or 5.
Akebono 9 or 10.
For the last 2 weeks we had only rain. And usually, the OEM combined with wetness will deposit not only the filthy black dust, but also a nast film like a slime (also black).
Well, surprise-surprise. My wheels were almost clean after this said month.
I washed the car & wheels today, so the observation I made, was that actually I had a whiteish powder on the wheels. This was noted only when I hosed off the wheels - that's when I noted they were a bit dull on the not wetted part. The white dust washes off sooooo easy!!! I was impressed. I can remember all the elbow grease every 2 weeks or so, and did I mention elbow grease?
It's a snap now. Sure, the initial bite is less than the Jurid (remember i believe it's 8), but once the brakes are warmed up, they feel almost like the OEM.
Now I will see how they will hold up. I know the Jurids didn't have a long life.
Now, here are some pics of the wheels after a spirited drive with lots of aggressive braking:

Front:



Rear:



My car - I tinted the windows and a slight tint on the headlights:

Good succinct review. Thank you!

Are the Akebonos quiet? Do you find it easy to compensate for the reduced bite by increasing the pressure?

I've been running the Akebono's now for about a month and I really didn't know what to think about them. I did notice the bite wasn't quite the same as the OEM pads but I have now gotten use to it and the stop just as well if not better. No dust to speak of on the wheels.

Originally Posted by Graham E39 528i

Good succinct review. Thank you!

Are the Akebonos quiet? Do you find it easy to compensate for the reduced bite by increasing the pressure?

They are quiet, no problems. initial bite is a bit less than the OEM, so you would compensate by increasing the pedal pressue. Once the pads warm up, they feel almost like the OEM's. Easy to modulate. The loss of brake dust is stunning. usually I would start to see the black stuff in 2-3 days after a wash. If it rains, sometimes you would see it the same day. Not so with these.

Cool, nice review. I have the Axxis Deluxe pads and those bad boys are noisy. But I drive like grandma, slow and steady, so I know that contributes to the noise. I've been thinking of trying these next. Let us know if they develop any noise or problems. Thanks again.

I put Axxis Deluxe pads on about 6 months ago. Virtually no dust, only a slightly less braking power and quiet until they get wet. I can't complain, I hated the black film within 2 days from the OEM pads.

Originally Posted by TemporarySanity

I put Axxis Deluxe pads on about 6 months ago. Virtually no dust, only a slightly less braking power and quiet until they get wet. I can't complain, I hated the black film within 2 days from the OEM pads.

As I mentioned, I drove through steady rain for the last 2 weeks and there was no noise and absolutely no reduction in braking power compared to dry conditions. - the Ake's Euro's. Again rain in the forecast..

I'd be glad to help if anyone else would like to try a set of the Akebono pads. We also have some great deals on brake kits with these pads.

Nice review. I've had similar experiences with both the Euros and the Axxis. I prefer the Euros overall. The Axxis would squeak periodically until rebedded.

Originally Posted by Fudman

Nice review. I've had similar experiences with both the Euros and the Axxis. I prefer the Euros overall. The Axxis would squeak periodically until rebedded.

I forgot to mention that I did bed the brakes (as per Zeckhausen) - what a smell they had!!!!! Now I'm not sure if you really have to bed these ceramic pads..........

Tire Rack states Akebonos don't need bedding. Just easy driving for the first couple hundred miles.

Akebono rep told me no bedding needed. I replaced my OEM pads 1.5 years ago. The OEM pads were like new at the time. Less than 10K miles. I could not take the brake dust anymore. Akebono Euro will be used again when these are shot. 40K miles later though, less than 1/2 worn.

i put my akebonos on about 3 weeks ago. i also had the jurid pads b4 the akebonos and brake dust was such a difference. i remember how much time i spent cleaning my rims every week. now its been about 3 and theres nothing there. But instead of the zimmeran cross drilled i just got the balo rotors

Originally Posted by doru

I forgot to mention that I did bed the brakes (as per Zeckhausen) - what a smell they had!!!!! Now I'm not sure if you really have to bed these ceramic pads..........

Ha! I got that same smell!!!! I thought I had cooked my brakes!

BTW, nice wheels!

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/page...ions_nov06.pdf

Pads I am looking at...
TRACK/STREET: Axxis Ultimate, Pagid Blue, Hawk HP Plus
__________________

This thread has good info about aftermarket pads versus OEM pads IMO.:
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1261321

Here's another great thread:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho....php?p=5143655
Look at post #29.

Jason you should be a salesman.....

Originally Posted by doru

Jason you should be a salesman.....

LOL!
I have been told that before...
LOL!


Who should I sell for?

Originally Posted by Jason5driver

LOL!
I have been told that before...
LOL!


Who should I sell for?

Let's team up..

Akebono's are definitely top notch. They are, by far, the top selling pad. I bet over 90% of customers ask for them.

Personally, I still like to bed them. I like to get my pad seated to their rotors. A lot of manufacturers state their pads don't need bedded, but it usually seems to help establish a good wear pattern.

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html...ad_guide.shtml

The best part about the Akebono pads we carry is they sell themselves. Post all the links you want, nothing is more powerful than the word of mouth from unbiased members of the forums. Thanks for your orders guys!

Late to the thread but I am curious what Part # you are all running for your Akebonos? Looking at ECS tuning site and there are dozens of different options all for the 540i

Akebono's are the best.....I lov'em. I have had them on the 540 for 40 days and......I just lov'em

Great thread! Ceramics are just awesome awesome! I could not get the stock $hitty, black dusty pads off my car fast enough when I bought it. Great info Doru and those reps are lookin' good!! Mark I'll be coming to you soon for some new pads. At 60k+ on my posi-quiets I'm sure I'll be due.

mark, how much for a set on an 01 525 sport. thanks!