The E53 had a single trigger when the pads were worn out. The E70 uses a multi-stage trigger. It is combined with the CBS brake pad wear calculation based on number and severity of stops. You can see inconsistent estimates when it can't figure out what is happening. My E60 got new (dustless) pads at 500 km. It showed 60,000 km remaining on the fronts. It still showed 60,000 km remaining after 3 years (the pads were still good, but it should have moved somewhat). When the sensor eventually wore through the first loop, it would have jumped.

More details:

https://wiki.bentleypublishers.com/d...W+5+Series+E60

My experience is with the E60, but the E70 is on the same platform. BMW changed the sensor design when they went to iDrive. I think it is a safe assumption that the E70 is the same as the E60, but if not I stand to be corrected.

__________________
2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue