How long do your brake pads and rotors last?

[StephenVA]

I am assuming that you are in Washington STATE not Wash DC, other wise I would have you come over for a DIY session.

[itscoo2pyopants]

I'm in WA state and can lend a hand. I have tools. pm me if you want to DIY

[dkl]

The pads/rotors that came new with the car lasted about 33K. The replacement sets under "free" maintenance lasted 25K. My current Zimmermann rotors/Axxis Deluxe pads setup have 48K and counting on it. Since Axxis are no longer available, I'll go with Akebono ceramics no my next set of pads. The Axxis are definitely way better with rotor wear, barely showing any rotor wears after 48K! My next brake job will most likely be pads only.

Not sure why all the raves on Cool Carbon. I have it on the coupe and not really liking them that much. Dust way too much...just a bit less than OE. I hate that it sticks to the rotors if you let the car sit after washing. These will not be on my "re-buy" list for sure.

Originally Posted by edogg

My previous vehicles (Hondas and Toyotas) have gone well over 100k before needing new brakes.

It's not really a fair comparison. The X5 weights almost 2x as much as your Hondas and Toyotas, plus there's no engine braking in these automatic cars. FYI...I've never gotten more than 50K on a set of brakes on any of my previous Hondas and Toyotas

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by edogg

My indy mentioned that they usually expect rotors to last about 50k miles. Is that what you guys have experienced? My previous vehicles (Hondas and Toyotas) have gone well over 100k before needing new brakes.

I bought my X5 with about 73k miles and now have about 92k miles. About 6 months ago, I started getting a brake shimmy that has gotten worse. So during my last oil change at 90k, I had my indy diagnose the shimmy. They replaced the lower control arm bushings and found that the rotors are warped. But I held off on the brake job so that I could save up for it.

The shimmy has been getting worse so I'm getting ready to go whole hog and have them install new pads and rotors, front and rear. Along with a brake fluid flush.

For what it's worth, my indy normally uses Zimmermann rotors and Textar pads. I think I might ask them to use some Akebono ceramics because I really want longer lasting brakes.

The carbotech brake Pads (model 1521) for the X5 work real well and emit low dust. Carbotech Performance Brakes

[edogg]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

Wow! DIY will run about $400.

Sure, $400 for brakes and rotors.

+specialized tools for brake bleeding and any other odds and ends I don't have
+garage space rental
+convincing the wife to prioritize doing that on a weekend day instead of one of the other things on her "honey do" list
+more time to redo it when I inevitably screw something up
+replacement parts for the random little thing I broke while doing a job
+possibility of running into something because I didn't tighten that one nut perfectly



In my situation, going to a shop and parking my butt in their couch and working remotely for the day is a much cheaper and easier solution.

There's a reason I'm a computer geek and not a mechanic. My handiness only goes so far and I know my limits. Changing an air filter? Sure! Changing my oil? If I had the garage space and time, that's in my wheelhouse. Changing brakes? I did that 20 years ago in high school auto shop class but that's something I'm not about to attempt myself these days.

[edogg]

Originally Posted by StephenVA

I am assuming that you are in Washington STATE not Wash DC, other wise I would have you come over for a DIY session.

Originally Posted by itscoo2pyopants

I'm in WA state and can lend a hand. I have tools. pm me if you want to DIY

Appreciate the offer, guys. But I'm not going to DIY.

Originally Posted by trader4

About 50K on the pads and rotors are original at 175K.

Thanks for this info. 175k is definitely good wear! Wonder why mine are so warped. Maybe the previous owner didn't do a good job on break in.

Originally Posted by dkl

The pads/rotors that came new with the car lasted about 33K. The replacement sets under "free" maintenance lasted 25K. My current Zimmermann rotors/Axxis Deluxe pads setup have 48K and counting on it. Since Axxis are no longer available, I'll go with Akebono ceramics no my next set of pads. The Axxis are definitely way better with rotor wear, barely showing any rotor wears after 48K! My next brake job will most likely be pads only.

Not sure why all the raves on Cool Carbon. I have it on the coupe and not really liking them that much. Dust way too much...just a bit less than OE. I hate that it sticks to the rotors if you let the car sit after washing. These will not be on my "re-buy" list for sure.

Looking back at the CarFax, it looks like the PO had the front and rear brake pads changed around 35k miles and the front rotors replaced around 60k. Both services at the dealership. So that is pretty close to your experience with OEM.

I'm still leaning toward the Akebonos but the Cool Carbon pads are intriguing. Interesting that you find the Cool Carbon pads so dusty. While dust isn't my primary concern, it is a concern.

My dad uses Akebonos ceramics on all of his street rods ('36 Ford Coupe, '56 F100, '39 Ford Sedan) and they work great.

Originally Posted by dkl

It's not really a fair comparison. The X5 weights almost 2x as much as your Hondas and Toyotas, plus there's no engine braking in these automatic cars. FYI...I've never gotten more than 50K on a set of brakes on any of my previous Hondas and Toyotas

Understood that it's not a perfect comparison The X5 is about 1500lbs heavier than my old Tacoma on which I had almost 200k on the OEM rotors. And I think I maybe changed the pads once. But these kinds of cars are my frame of reference since this is my first BMW. Just trying to re-set my brake life expectations.

[crystalworks]

I would not expect 175k edogg. That is definitely not typical. Glad it works for Trader, but again, it's not a usual example. 50k is pretty typical and I change rotors + pads anytime I do a brake job.

The OE rotors might last 100k but again I prefer new pads & rotors at the same time... I do my own work though so it's easy for me to say that as well. You could probably do 2 sets of pads per 1 set of rotors and be okay.

[lhordmclain]

Side note: I have been busy losing weight from 206lbs down 165lbs now , started working out last Dec 2014 ( I know the drill picture or it did not happen!)

As for me: Perfect timing for this thread, I am due for Pads & Rotors Warning: "Check Brake Lining"

I guess I will be ordering the items below this month of Sept, roughly 584.45 USD all parts.
(I will use the e46 or e90 as my DD until I get the e53 back on the road)

Rockauto: (Since I do not see the Cryo-Treated Rotor listed specific/right fit for my 3.0)

CENTRIC 12534051 High Carbon Alloy
Rear; Solid Rear Disc

CENTRIC 12534050 High Carbon Alloy
Front; Solid Rear Disc

Thanks for the tip StephenVA - rockauto wins the best price!
=======================
BavAuto:

$ 239.95 CC KIT 12 Cool Carbon Sport Brake Pad Set - Front & Rear

$ 20.95 Brake Pad Wear Sensor Wire - Front - Genuine BMW Part # : 34 35 1 165 579

$ 20.95 Brake Pad Wear Sensor Wire - Rear - Genuine BMW Part # : 34 35 1 165 580

$ 9.95 x2 Brake Caliper Anti-Rattle Clip - Front Part # : 34 11 1 163 488

$ 10.95 x2 Brake Pad / Caliper Anti Rattle Clip - Rear Part # : 34 21 1 159 963

[crystalworks]

^Is there a reason you are buying new anti rattle clips? I've never replaced one if they were in the correct shape.

EDIT: And congrats on the weight loss. It's tough work for sure. I lost almost 40lbs and have kept most of it off for about 3 years now.

[lhordmclain]

Crystalworks,

Rust and I'm replacing then every 3 brake maintenance

I'm still doing. 80% diet and 20% High intensity interval exercise
Until I hit 150-155 my active/fit weight ( I'm not tall, just 5'7.5)
I already ordered Seven road bike as my 41st gift to me as the saying goes life begins at 40. Congrats too to your success in getting back into shape/fit

Originally Posted by crystalworks

^Is there a reason you are buying new anti rattle clips? I've never replaced one if they were in the correct shape.

EDIT: And congrats on the weight loss. It's tough work for sure. I lost almost 40lbs and have kept most of it off for about 3 years now.