New rotors - ECS or Centric?

[Clockwork]

Yes you can re-use your brake wear sensors, assuming you can get them out of the existing pads without breaking the brittle plastic.

do not re-use your existing pads on new rotors.

I just went with a Centric blanks and Cool Carbon brake pad set-up and HATE it.
Maybe its due to my colder climate but the brakes squeal about 50 kms after wheels are washed (I assume brake dust causes this) and the brake dust is STILL 100% there (MAYBE MAYBE slightly less than factory pads) but worst part is the stopping power is NOT there compared to factory pads and factory rotors (I have never tracked my X5 and never plan to as its a daily driver in stop-&-go traffic). If i wouldn't loose so much in throwing these new pads/rotors away for new factory equipment I'd have done so already.

[TiAgX5]

Yeah, the Cool Carbon pads are more suited to hot climates.

They need REALLY aggressive bedding (in the link below). Also aggressive heat cycling every few thousand miles to re-establish rotor "transfer layer" of pad material (when not used hard for long periods).

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...rake-pads.html

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by we350z

So consensus is Zimmerman? Where to buy them? I don't want to mess around with warping.

Can I reuse the sensors if they have not gone off? I guess my pads outlasted my rotors. They were replaced at the same time (by me 8 years ago).

What fluid you guys running. Motul?

What bedding process do you use?

--Thanks!

please get a set of new brake pad sensors. if you resuse them we have seen the brake pad warning light illuminate sporadically only to frustrate the customer. Put the new brake pad sensor on the vehicle and no sporadic light.

Another great brake pads are the Carbotech 1521. excellent low dust but great bite after seated properly and no noise after bedding.

[we350z]

Hmm. Was reading rave reviews on cool carbon pads I'm in Bay Area not exactly a hot climate. Great bite and low dust sound like a win win to me... But I have learned my lesson on aggressive pads and excessive pad deposit causing wheel vibrations.

I'll get some new sensors but wondering what is the point seems like pads always outlive the rotors...

[masawyer]

Just to chime in on some options. I went with Brembo rotors

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-34116756847-1

And BMW pads

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...x5-34116761282

Did this on fronts and back. Gotta say I'm very happy with the result. I drive pretty aggressive, have lots of hills where I live. Super smooth breaking, very quick to grab when I stomp on em. Sure break dust is an issue but I apply wax to the rims so it washes away easy enough.


Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

[SlickGT1]

BMW rotor, and red stuff rear pads. BMW rotors and PBR Deluxe for the front. The Deluxe have 95% less dust. Compared to the factory rears, looked like my wheels were powder coated gunmetal compared to the silver fronts. Very nice in cold and hot. Bed in well. Red stuff is also nice, I didn't go with the race version. Brakes feel good and stop great. I'm one of those first off the light type of people.

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by we350z

Hmm. Was reading rave reviews on cool carbon pads I'm in Bay Area not exactly a hot climate. Great bite and low dust sound like a win win to me... But I have learned my lesson on aggressive pads and excessive pad deposit causing wheel vibrations.

I'll get some new sensors but wondering what is the point seems like pads always outlive the rotors...

Its a little disheartening hearing about the cool carbon brake pads. I had considered them at the time I was buying my carbotechs 1521 but they did not have a set for my M5 at the time and X5. I am glad that I went with the carbotechs because they are awesome. Low dust, no squealing, and great bite.

There are others that are forum posters that have the Carbotech pads on their Xs and have good things to say about them. Its great when we have those of us that have experienced a product first hand and can give the feedback as opposed to try and see.

[StephenVA]

Recommendations for 2000 X5 4.4
Rotors
Part Description/Flavor Position Part No. Per Car Qty 2
Brake Discs Premium High Carbon Rotor Front 125.34050
Brake Discs Premium High Carbon Rotor Rear 125.34051

CENTRIC 12534050 High Carbon Alloy $58.99
CENTRIC 12534051 High Carbon Alloy $43.79

Manufacturer's Info: Centric Premium black rotors feature Original Equipment specifications and production processes. These Centric rotors are manufactured to meet QS and ISO Quality System Standards. Centric premium rotors utilize an Electrocoating finish that provides long lasting corrosion protection. E-coating is a superior electro-statically applied finish designed to withstand 400 hours of salt water exposure without rusting

Pads
POWER STOP 17681 Z17 EVOLUTION PLUS w/Hardware Kits (Front) $27.89
POWER STOP 17683 Z17 EVOLUTION PLUS w/Hardware Kits (Rear) $21.99
RockAuto

IMHO, solid rotors are the way to go for street/daily driver applications, which based on your posting is your driving style. Pads that will bite stone cold and provide low dust, good pedal modulation, and OE or better braking power is a premium concern. I would not go with slotted unless the decision is based on looks and HI temp driving like tracking/towing the vehicle. Eye candy or actual usage?
Many have experienced these parts and are happy. You vehicle, your stlye of driving, so it your choice.

Add on Note: Replace the two brake wear sensors as you will find them to be hard and brittle on removal. Cheap part. Also replace the rubber bushings and pins as they are also 16 years old. Cheap aftermarket. I believe your calipers are ATE so find those parts.

[StephenVA]

ATE parts can be found here
https://www.fcpeuro.com/BMW-parts/X5...8&m=227&page=1

[StephenVA]

Originally Posted by we350z

Hmm. Was reading rave reviews on cool carbon pads I'm in Bay Area not exactly a hot climate. Great bite and low dust sound like a win win to me... But I have learned my lesson on aggressive pads and excessive pad deposit causing wheel vibrations.

I'll get some new sensors but wondering what is the point seems like pads always outlive the rotors...

Cool Carbon is a great pad for street performance and light track usage. I use them myself.

Rotors should last 2 sets of pads. I think you are choosing a pad way too aggressive for your driving style so the rotor is taking the hit. Think "How do I drive 90% of the time?" that should be your deciding factor.