Abstract: A brake element for a motor vehicle, having a base body that is planar at least in areas, to the planar sides of which at least two build-up layers are applied in each case, at least in areas. The build-up layers form a surface which, in the mounted state of the brake element on the motor vehicle, is used as a friction surface for a brake pad. A first build-up layer is present that adjoins the base body, and a second build-up layer is applied to the first build-up layer. The second build-up layer is made of a composite of an iron alloy matrix with intercalated tungsten carbide particles or with intercalated titanium carbide particles. At least the first build-up layer is an iron alloy that is alloyed at least with molybdenum in a range of 3 to 20 weight percent.