The Hawk BMW 135i HPS Street Front Brake Pads (MPN HB603F.616) use Hawk's High Performance Street compound. The result is a unique ferro-carbon compound that Hawk developed from aerospace design and motorsport braking technology. Compared with stock pads, the High Performance Street compound offers a higher coefficient of friction over stock brake pads, and the manufacturer says that can mean 20-40% more stopping power and better fade resistance than most standard replacement pads. Hawk also reports less fade means you will have better pedal feel and more consistent performance, with less dust, which suits a daily-driven 135i that sees occasional spirited use or autocross. Keep in mind the pads are not compatible with carbon ceramic rotors, so they belong on the iron rotors that ship on these cars. Search terms: HPS front brake pads BMW 135i, E82 135i street brake upgrade, 135i stopping power pad, N54 N55 front pads.
Fitment should be checked against your VIN before ordering, because sources do not agree on model years. Hawk's own fitment for this exact part number was not found in research, so confirm the 2008–2013 135i coupe, convertible, and 135is application with the manufacturer. The HB603F.616 pad is a front-axle pad only. Fitting it is a manageable weekend job for a home mechanic with a 10mm Allen socket, a caliper piston tool or C-clamp, and a torque wrench, and owners on user forums say the caliper bracket can be removed as a unit to simplify the work.
No. The manufacturer states that its compounds are not compatible with carbon ceramic rotors and that its pads are designed for iron/metal rotors.
Details vary between fitment sources. The manufacturer's application data should be checked against your exact model year and trim before ordering.
The manufacturer says the HPS compound produces less dust than many standard replacement pads, though exact results depend on driving style and rotor type.
Owners on user forums report that the front caliper is held by 10mm Allen bolts, and that the rear caliper bracket bolts are the ones to loosen first. One owner found it easier to remove the caliper bracket than to pull the caliper off the bracket. Pull the wear sensor clip out of the old pad and seat it into the new one. Before reassembly, BMW reportedly recommends a thin layer of anti-squeal compound on metal-to-metal contact points in the caliper, which is a good step to take. Plan on a few hours and a proper bedding-in procedure after installation.
