Brakes

Brake pad

Presses friction material against the disc to slow the car.

Drag to turn it Open in the 3D lab
Where it sits

Inside the brake caliper on both sides of the disc.

How it works

A backing plate supports a friction compound chosen for its temperature, noise and wear behavior.

Think of it as

The gripping blocks in a powerful bicycle brake.

Symptoms when it fails

Wear warnings, grinding or reduced braking require inspection of the complete brake assembly.

Lifespan

Pads and discs are measured wear items. Driving, environment and regenerative braking change wear; use the actual inspection limits.

Repair cost

Ordinary friction service differs greatly from carbon-ceramic replacement or hydraulic-controller work; obtain a vehicle-specific quote.

The BMW angle

BMW M and standard pads may have different compounds and fitment despite a similar outline.

Used in

BMW models with hydraulic friction brakes; performance equipment and parking-brake design vary.

Sources
Same system

Brakes