[doncarlyon]

What are peoples thoughts on the performance of the standard brakes?

I've always felt that they aren't that great, then the wife said the same thing yesterday. I think its more how responsive they are rather than the actual stopping power.

Her 2014 Focus with drums on the rear is far more responsive.

[sunjas]

I have standard brakes (non M Sport model) on my 325d and have always thought them to be poor. They will stop the car but never have felt very 'sharp'.


My wife's Golf has much more responsive brakes.

[simnew]

Originally Posted by doncarlyon

What are peoples thoughts on the performance of the standard brakes?

I've always felt that they aren't that great, then the wife said the same thing yesterday. I think its more how responsive they are rather than the actual stopping power.

Her 2014 Focus with drums on the rear is far more responsive.

What does aren't that great mean ? Full stopping power or brake fade or initial bite ?

A lot of German cars were criticised in the past - particularly Audi - for having over sensitive brakes which made driving smoothly in traffic rather a challenge.

I have had both the standard and the MSport brakes and the standard brakes are perfectly good enough. The MSport brakes maybe have a bit more in extremis and a little less fade when they get hot.

[doncarlyon]

Initial bite, the response you get from them isn't very sharp at all.

Never had brake fade as I don't drive it hard enough to get that.

They stop the car ok, its more that they are noticeably rubbish compared to a 5yr old diesel focus with drums ha ha!

Maybe its just a BMW thing, similar with the handbrake, its completely useless but that appears to be a common theme.

[lethbridge]

I would tend to agree - I've had standard and M Sport brakes over the years and they are all relatively soft on the uptake but it is only really apparent if you switch between cars. There's nothing wrong with them and they stop well but the characteristics are less aggressive which is surprising given the brand. Another thing I've noticed is that there is a notable difference in performance if you have a full load (you need to apply noticeably more pressure - I always find myself running out of road sooner than expected on first application and then you make a mental adjustment from there) - whilst it is understandable I've never noticed that on other cars - I guess they are just more sensitive to your inputs which is a good thing...

[johnung]

Originally Posted by doncarlyon

What are peoples thoughts on the performance of the standard brakes?

I've always felt that they aren't that great, then the wife said the same thing yesterday. I think its more how responsive they are rather than the actual stopping power.

Her 2014 Focus with drums on the rear is far more responsive.

My suggestion would be to see if there is a Hawk HPS 5.0 brake pad made for your car. Vast improvement over stock pads for daily driving. While you are at it upgrade to stainless steel brake lines which provide a much more solid pedal feel. My StopTech SS lines were $106/ set of 4. Flush and replace the brake fluid which should be done every two years. Moisture build up in the fluid contributes to the symptoms that you mentioned. Hope this helps.

[thescouselander]

A lot of cars are over assisted IMO - a softer bite helps with modulation. Personally I've found the standard brakes on my car pretty good and it's certainly possible to stop very quickly.

That said I do a lot of squats and deadlifts so I've got no problems in burying the pedal in the carpet!