General Brake Advise Needed

[ThomHart]

All- Been through brake postings but would like a consensus view. Seems like some DIYers do not cut or replace rotors; is this the norm on X5s? I have an allroad in addition to my X5 and you must replace rotors each brake job as they are shot. Also, is there a consensus brake upgrade and do you need it? Seems like Axxis ceramic pads and Brembo rotors get used but not universally. Time for my first brake job on the X5 at 68k. Thanks in advance. Regards, Thom

[JCL]

Well, I'll start.

BMW does not recommend turning rotors. You can do so, but there isn't much meat on them, so I wouldn't bother. Depends how much your time is worth.

You don't necessarily have to replace rotors every time, but keep in mind that it is not the minimum rotor thickness at the time of the brake job that you need to be concerned about, it is whether the rotors will reach that minimum thickness before the new pads are worn out. I just replaced my rotors, it was easier. I didn't want to go back in and do rotors soon after the brake job.

IMO, you don't need a brake upgrade. Most are cosmetic. The standard brakes are pretty good. If you want to do anything, replace the flexible brake lines for a marginal improvement in pedal feel.

I like Axxis Deluxe pads (Axxis may call them something else by now). I don't think they are really a ceramic pad, but opinions differ on that. Some would call them a ceramic pad. I think of them as an organic pad with additional ingredients. They work great, minimal noise, no dust, and a pedal feel very similar to stock.

Brembo rotors are highly over-rated IMO. They don't represent Brembo brakes, they are just a rotor. If you are going to a top hat design, with multi-piston calipers, then fine. If not, don't pay $$ for a name. If you aren't replacing calipers, go with standard OEM rotors, or possibly Centric. I have used aftermarket rotors, and some rust more than OEM. Centric look pretty good to me, but I haven't used them. I have heard good things about them.

You can get the pads and rotors at Zeckhausen, a board sponsor. I found them to have great service every time I dealt with them.

Make sure you replace the sensors (LF and RR). You can try and reuse them, but they go brittle over time. Get these at the dealer.

Let me know if you have any specific questions, and make sure to check out the DIY articles on brakes on the X5World home page.

Good luck.

[FSETH]

I couldn't agree more with what JCL said.

I have the Centric plain rotors (from Dave Zeckhausen) and I bought Axxis XBG pads from Turner Motorsports. The XBG's are in the middle of the the Delux and Ultimates with regard to dust and performance. I got 4 rotors, 4 sets of pads, and wear sensors for $420.

I haven't noticed any significant increase of dust over OEM and performance is as good or better than OEM, IMO. THe Centric rotors also have a black coated hat that looks good and prevents that ugly rust from forming over time.

Good luck.

[manonskisjr]

I just got some new rear rotors and pads from bavauto but while replacing the rears i determined my rotors were ok for a little more use. Just replacing the rear pads with Padgids made a world of difference. They are a pretty good value and emit almost no dust. $49 i believe. Bavauto has complete sets and are pretty reasonably priced