BMW brake pads refer to the intensely heat-resistant coating or layers attached to the brake actuator. The brake pads are the ones that directly have contact with the braking surface. The braking surface can either be the internal wall of the brake drum or the faces of the brake disc. The main purpose of the brake pads is to stop the rotation of the braking surface. This is achieved through friction. As the brake pads press against the braking surface, the braking surface (brake disc or brake drum) slows down or abruptly stop. The stopping power of the brake pads is dependent on the hydraulic force and on the capacity of the brake pads to withstand friction and heat.
Like other brake pads, BMW brake pads are typically constructed out of layers of carbon fiber and ceramic powder. Formerly asbestos is used as the main material for brake pads. However, the use of asbestos had been discontinued because of the ill-effect of asbestos fibers. Asbestos fibers are found to be carcinogenic and can cause serious lung diseases. Regardless of the type of brake system, the brake pads are the common factors. Both the brake drum system and the brake disc system have brake pads attached to their respective actuators. The actuators are the components that press the brake pads on the braking surface.
Brake rotor systems have brake calipers as actuators. On the other hand, brake drum systems have brake shoes as actuators. These actuators are operated by the hydraulic components of the brake system. Since, the brake pads commonly wear down easily, discount BMW brake pads are more cost effective options compared to OEM BMW brake pads.
