300 miles on my new Akebono Euro ceramics and my wheels look like I just washed them. Awesome. They stop as well as OEM too. Also installed Powerflex bushing in the lower engine mount. Very responsive throttle and I don't misshift 3rd anymore. Not sure I like the trade off of the low resonance vibration in the cabin though.
I've been running a set of Akebono pads on my wife's Audi for a couple years now, and you're right - the wheels stay clean as can be! They seem to wear well too.....
+2 I have used & like the Akebono ceramic pads. Next pad change on the MINI & GTI I'll be using them.
I finally got the ones I bought on Dave.0s suggestion and I'm loving them so far. Though the rears squeal a little when stopping in reverse. But other than that, they are great.