Brake pads OEM BMW or Hawk Performance

I spoke with someone at Hawk yesterday (not Mr. DeMarino). The rep told me that Hawk Ceramic are more linear than HPS but otherwise have similar friction.

The ideal setup for your Mk5 GTi is actually Hawk Performance DTC-30 up front and Hawk HPS or stock pads in the rear. You will get a very smooth engaging brake with excellent modulation out of the DTC-30 and your rear pads will "Go along for the ride".

I run HP+ now on the jetta and they scream when cold, I could care less, they stop really well when you need it.

I have Powerslot Rotors. Hawk HP+ pads. SS brk lines.

Actually pretty good. Smooth step in, but really bite if pressed hard. I do have much more pedal now with the rears swapped out. I was suprised how thin they were!

I upgraded, I got the Hawk EPS pads from Tire Rack, (see the top photo). I have the Hawk EPS front and rear.

Instead I rebuilt my original calipers with a rebuilt kit from AutoHausAZ, bought a set of Hawk HPS brake pads, ECS stainless steel vinyl-wrapped brake lines all around, and Brembo cross-drilled and slotted rotors times four. Finally I used ATE synthetic blue brake fluid and a power bleeder, which I highly recommend for our cars.

If you'd like to correct the brake balance, put some higher cF pads on the front axle only. Hawk HPS works well. Leave the rear with OEM pads. Seems counterintuitive, but this will prolong the life of the rear pads and reduce ABS activation on hard stops.

I had a track day yesterday and I think my rear brakes are overheating. The rears are 9.1" solid rotors with Hawk HPS pads. The edge of the pads close to the rotors turned an orangy-brown colour and smelled real bad after my last session. I'm pretty sure it is overheating.

I decided to go with the Hawk Ceramic pads and I am now regretting it. The pads give off near 0 brake dust but that initial bite the OEM pads had is gone.