Ferodo’s DS range spans road-oriented performance pads through to dedicated racing compounds. That makes “Ferodo DS pads” too broad a description for choosing the right product. DS Performance, DS2500, DS1.11 and DSUNO have different temperature windows, approvals and intended uses.
Ferodo DS Performance
DS Performance is the road-focused option. Ferodo describes it as a high-performance road pad with racing-derived feel while retaining road refinement. The standard DS Performance range is ECE R90 compliant for the relevant applications.
Ferodo’s current catalogue gives the standard DS Performance material an optimal operating range of roughly 0 to 460°C. This makes it the logical starting point for a car that is primarily used on the road.
Ferodo DS2500
DS2500 is widely used for track-day and light-race applications. Ferodo’s current racing catalogue lists an optimal operating range of 0 to 500°C for DS2500 and notes that the cited racing applications do not carry R90 certification.
That combination of cold usability and higher-temperature capability is why DS2500 appears so often on mixed-use cars, but road legality must be checked for the exact part and market rather than assumed from the compound name.
Ferodo DS1.11
DS1.11 is a dedicated racing compound with much higher temperature capability. Ferodo lists an optimal operating range of approximately 200 to 750°C on current racing pad families and marks it as not suitable for road use.
It is therefore aimed at cars that consistently generate enough brake temperature to keep the pad in its intended window. Choosing it for a lightly used road car simply because it is a “higher” compound is the wrong approach.
Ferodo DSUNO
DSUNO is another racing compound. Current Ferodo data also lists approximately 200 to 750°C as its optimal range on many pad shapes and marks it as not suitable for road use. Its friction character differs from DS1.11, so the choice should consider driver preference, axle balance and the exact vehicle.
Ferodo compound comparison
| Compound | Typical use | Current Ferodo temperature guidance | Road-use position |
|---|---|---|---|
| DS Performance | Performance road | About 0–460°C | R90 compliant on standard applicable range |
| DS2500 | Track day / light race | About 0–500°C | Check exact application; racing catalogue examples show no R90 certification |
| DS1.11 | Race / high-temperature track use | About 200–750°C | Not suitable for road use |
| DSUNO | Race / high-temperature track use | About 200–750°C | Not suitable for road use |
Temperature figures are manufacturer guidance for the compound families. The full brake system and pad shape still need to suit the vehicle.
Ferodo for BMW M cars
Popular applications include Ferodo DS2500 front pads for BMW F2X/F8X performance models and the matching rear DS2500 pads. Always confirm the actual caliper because BMW standard M Compound, 2NH and later G-series brake systems use different shapes.
Ferodo for VAG cars
Our range includes Ferodo DS Performance front pads for Audi RS3 8P, Ferodo DS2500 front pads for Volkswagen Golf Mk8 R and numerous Golf, Leon, Octavia, S3 and TT applications.
Ferodo pad FAQs
Is DS2500 road legal?
Do not assume it is. Ferodo’s racing catalogue examples identify DS2500 as having no R90 certification. Check the exact part number and the legal requirements for the vehicle and market.
Is DS1.11 better than DS2500?
It has a higher intended temperature window, but that does not make it better for every car. A pad that needs higher temperature can be a poor choice if the vehicle never operates in that range.
Can I mix Ferodo compounds front and rear?
Different compounds can be used as part of a deliberate brake-balance strategy, but this should be based on the vehicle, ABS behaviour, tyre grip and driver requirements. Do not mix compounds casually.
What else should I change for track days?
Check disc condition, brake-fluid boiling point, cooling, pad thickness and pedal feel. A race pad cannot compensate for old fluid or damaged discs.
Browse the full Ferodo braking range at Nineteen72 Performance.
