interesting thread
the irony here is that we all know BMW dont make brake pads
they done make discs either.
in fact most of the sum total of parts that make up your BMW are not made in 'mainland' europe as its too expensive
Brake development would be done with a partner such as Ferodo ( federal mogul) ATE etc brake performance would be balanced between effectiveness and wear rate, the actual brake material would be chosen from a catalouge of established 'mixes' to keep costs down.
They dont want them to last too long, as us bike lads are conditioned to replacing them every 10k miles ,no good making last for 24k !
and to keep costs down again they most probably manufactured in eastern europe. a lot of mercedes car parts are made in hungary !
So
chosening a well know OE pad manufacturer and you will be OK
If the manufacturer of the pads you want to buy dont supply anyone as original fitment and only aftermarket then ask youself why ? and would you want to use them.
Hungary is mainland Europe!
Most of BMW parts ar manufactured in Romania ,Grece and Hungary



and i do brakes every day one more will not kill me
also brake fluid costs :monkyswin so yep i also 
