Hawk HPS for street, Blues for track... (archive)

I have an M5 that doesn't stop for s**t compared to my 535i. I have E28 M5 front brakes and E34 rears on that 535 with Hawk HPS pads, and it stops so fast it will make your stomach turn. My M5 has its stock brakes, so I will upgrade to the E34 rear brakes (525/530/535 are not vented, 540/M5 are) and put Hawk HPS pads. I think the M5 currently has MetalMasters, but that's just a guess from their dusting characteristics. They are terrible compared to the Hawks. You get what you pay for, and the MMs are just decent but cheap pads. They don't really inspire confidence. I also put Hawk HPS pads and new rotors on my 88 M3, and boy, talk about good braking. Not as good as the M's 4-piston calipers, but still excellent never-the-less. The M3 needs better tires before I can really compare them.

If you want to track the car, either bring extra HPS pads, as you will probably toast them in a day, or get racing pads and dedicated rotors. Using street pads on the track is only for beginners. No street pad can withstand the punishment of a track without destroying itself, the rotor, or both. And cutting corners with your brakes is like buying the $20 helmet instead of the $300 Snell helmet--it's just not a good idea. These cars are very powerful and very heavy, so they need good brakes on the track.

Good Luck, and have fun with the M5. I sure do!
James
james_535@yahoo.com
88 M5
88 M3
83 535i

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