Been searching and reading.

I have the same steering wheel shudder problem as many folks apparently do when braking at higher speeds. My hope is that there may be a consensus on the root of the problem in the steering or suspension components. I'm bummed that my X5 feels like my '69 Chevy Nova braking at speed. I won't sell my X for a very long time, so I refuse to give up on this bimmer, but I'd love to fix it in the mean time and without too many $$$.

What I have to contribute:
- '03 E53 3.0i 56k miles. Orig owner.
- Personally replaced the brake pads several times. To try different no dust pads. Not because of any issues. Currently on Axxis Deluxe pads from Zechausen Racing.
- Last job, replaced the rotors with a set from Dave as well. Smooth... no drillings or slots.
- New Conti tires with 132 19" rims. Very well balanced. Also have a set of 18" Y-spokes with Hakka snow tires for winter. Car shudders with either set. Also shuddered with old Michelins. Wheels / tires appear to make no difference. Shudder always there.
- Shudder was never there with the factory OEM Jurid / Pagid "dust yer but off" pads. Only showed up with the various low dust pads I've tried.
- Dealer replaced one of the steering joint parts.. sorry... can't remember which one. Made no difference.

My personal belief is that all E53's have high potential for this issue and that it is brought about by either switching to low dust brake pads, or, may happen to OEM pad owners that don't brake hard enough to burn off the deposits. Low dust pads don't generate enough heat in normal driving to burn off 'normal' deposits. To be clear.. the deposits are not the problem. They are only the trigger. I think a loosely designed steering and or suspension system is just waiting for veeeery slight vibrations from the brakes, which then amplify in the 'loose' susp components via chaos math theory reaction. Factory OEM high dust pads burn off the debris (and the rotors) to prevent the problem from every showing.

I'm thinking.. we may be hosed here because being lucky enough to come across the bad steering or suspension parts and replacing them simply carries the same high likelihood that the problem will still be there.. its design into the parts. They're performing .. as designed. The only viable fix may be to go back to high dust OEM pads.

But, in the event that its possible to get a 'good' set of replacement steering or susp parts, it might be worth the try. Any feedback appreciated. Thanks!

P.S. I've never experienced this issue on either of my Z3's, and they both have the low dust Axxis pads.