Brake pads Carbotech or OEM Mazda

I got my 2015 M3 2.5, 3 years ago with 30k Miles, now at 150k miles I have gone thru a lot of maintenance items. Additionally, my 15’ M3 GTS is “Made in Japan” not in Mexico, (some parts are actually different, Like my brake pads!) I attribute this to having a better built car.

So far I've spent 400€ on brakes, 100€ new battery, 1200€ on axles and other components related to them and maybe 150€ on oil and filters (2 oil changes so far)

Carbotech is the way :) Seriously though, I have XP-12 front and XP-8 rear on my Elise and had XP-12 on my Focus ST and they are great. Tried the Hawks on one car, and hated them. Downside of the carbotech is the insane squealing on the street.

Second the recommendation for the Carbotech 1521 compound, good choice for the street.

I've had very good results using Carbotech pads. Their street pad compount 1521 is comparable to OEM but without the brake dust and their various XP track pads have been very consistent and predictable.

I have the 1521’s, and will add another data point - less initial bite, great modulation. No dust, No noise. Overall I’m happy with them, but will continue to experiment - next round of braking components - floating/2 piece rotors and new calipers.

I have used the Carbotech 1521 pads for a while and have been very satisfied. They are also made in the USA.

Received the brake pads today. They look pretty massive.

Stock pads are terrible for longevity. They have to do too many different things from factory, buy a set of aftermarket to your needs. I had a set of Carbotech which lasted 50k in the front and over 60k in the rear, with aggressive driving.

Mazda brakes are notoriously shit. They’re garbage. Buy a set of PowerStop brakes and be done with it. They’re far superior to the Mazda brakes. Go on any forum and you’ll see countless people having the same issue as you. New brakes between 15-20,000 miles. Me included. I’ve owned 2 6s from new. Both needed brakes around 20,000 miles. Both times I put on PowerStops and never had another issue.