[AlecNguyen330i]

Hi all, Yesterday I took my new brake pads (Akebono Euro 1061 and Euro 1170 from FCPEuro) for my 06’ 330i, and wires to the shop (C Adam Toney- associated with TirePros) and had them installed. It cost me $170 for the labor. Immediately when I left I noticed the pedal was spongy at first. Brakes had a noticeable squeal that I could hear with windows up. Akebono doesn’t provide a break in or bedding procedure. But with the noise and spongy brake pedal which now idk it’s either gone away or I’ve gotten used to it.

This evening I stopped back in the shop and told them they were very squealy and that my brake pedal felt spongy. Basically they asked so what brand are they? Akebono. Are they Ceramic? Yes. They said it may be normal but they wouldn’t take a look at them because I brought my own parts and obviously they don’t warranty the parts but I expect them to warranty the WORK as in was the job done right? I’m not a brake expert but I’m talking about using anti squeal paste lubing the pins you know?

I’ve been driving very moderately not aggressive and plan on going out and bedding them in fairly. But I got to looking and I noticed the new pads don’t completely cover the rotor. I checked the fluid and it’s not bad looks like light tea and is full. Old pads I assumed were genuine bmw because they dusted like crazy. And I notice the rotors just look bad to me they didn’t look like this before. What are those heat marks? Or warping? Could the pads be dragging slightly while driving? Will they break in? I need some help and insight this is my second BMW and I’m losing faith. I’ve had tons of issues lately and this is going to be the end of me with BMWs.

[ki_soarer]

I don't see pics, but from your description, that doesn't sound normal.

[AlecNguyen330i]

Originally Posted by ki_soarer

I don't see pics, but from your description, that doesn't sound normal.

I apologize, see photos now. First three are from the front, last three rear. I’m worried my rotors are shot now, I hope I haven’t been to hard on them since having them installed I didn’t do any emergency stops but a few “bed-in” type decelerations without coming to a stop.

As stated the big issue is the brake when using more than 50% pedal feel, squeak when almost at a stop, like the last couple feet. They especially squeak in reverse when I am backing down the driveway. But other than the initial sponginess I thought I felt the brakes don’t vibrate or shudder, grind whatever you want to call it. It’s my understanding that the Akebono Euro Ceramic pads don’t have the “bite” that Genuine BMW pads do but still offer the same performance and stopping power. Any help or insight from anyone is very much appreciated!

[Biginboca]

I think it’s fine. BMW oem pads are very grabby as in they have a lot of initial bite. Your new ceramics trade that bite for low dust, hence the spongy feel. You will get used to it. The pads will take some time to break in and sweep the full rotor surface. That’s normal too

[TGTIW]

New brake pads always seem to have a bit of sponginess to them until they break in. It does appear that your rotors have a small lip on the outer edge from previous wear, I would have had them re-surfaced with the new pads, or if there isn't sufficient thickness with the rotors they would need to be replaced. The front pads riding on that outer edge may be contributing to your concerns.

[Evochuck]

So you did not replace the rotors? Did they turn them at least?

[ki_soarer]

Looks pretty normal to me. As other have said, it’s probably due to the used rotors. I wouldn’t worry about it.

[AlecNguyen330i]

Thank you All for the feedback!

[Amitt]

The initial bite with the Akebonos isn't the same as OEM

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

This may very well be just the result of putting new pads on worn/used rotors.

Although manufactures bed in process vary, they should be bedding in on the initial drive.

I'd get out there and bed them in per manufacturers guidelines.

I typically do 20-5, 30-5, 40-5 and cool down for 5 minutes. Then a 50-5. (MPH). Use a safe road away from others as you don't want to impede traffic.

[avocet]

In the top 2 pics it looks like the pad is catching the wear lip of the rotor. This will cause a funny feel. And it just might cause some noise.