Check Brake Lining

[bakersx5]

On my way home today, my "Check Brake Line" warning came on. No big deal to replace the brakes but I need to know a couple of things. 1) Do i have to replaces both the fronts and rears 2) Do i HAVE to replace the rotors. 3) Can i buy the replacement stuff at the local NAPA Auto parts store or must I order all part online to get OEM BMW parts 4) Do I replace the pad sensor or can i use the old one? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[JCL]

1) Not necessarily. It depends whether the front brake sensor tripped the light, or the rear one. You have to inspect the pads to be able to tell. There is one sensor on the left front, and one on the right rear.
2) You don't have to replace the rotors, but it is good practice to do so. It isn't recommended to turn the rotors, as they don't have a lot of meat on them. If the rotor surface finish is good, they are above the minimum thickness that is stamped on them, and you are willing to take a chance on brake noise, you can reuse them. Many of us replace them so as to not have brake noise, and to get the best braking surface/performance.
3) You can't buy BMW parts at NAPA, but you can buy will-fit jobber parts there. Depends what you want. If you are looking for a low-dust pad, many of us are happy with Axxis Deluxe, available on-line from www.Zeckhausenracing.com, and other sites.
4) You have to replace the pad sensor that tripped the light, it is a one-time use sensor that is now rubbed through. You don't necessarily have to replace the other sensor (if you are doing both axles), but they are cheap and it is common to replace them when you do brakes as they harden with age and heat.

Lots of further info if you do a search on the site.

[bakersx5]

Thanks man. After I typed my post I went out and kind of felt of the rotor with my finger tip. It seems to have kind of a "lip" around the edge. The x5 has 108k on it and since i bought it used i am not sure sure about the brakes. I am going to check it out tomorrow and see what i find. hopefully i wont have to do both front and back.

[JCL]

Sounds like you should plan to replace the rotors

[bakersx5]

Anybody have an opinion on Centric or Balo Rotors just for OE replacement? What about Pagid or NPN pads??

[jek889]

I've used the Centric rotors on my 4.8 and they are very good OE type replacements. I've also used the Axxis pads and they are very good for low dust and also good for stopping power, but they are harder to find now.

[PersonaNonGrata]

I have four Centric rotors with Axxis Deluxe pads and am totally satisfied with both. I have no noise at all and the amount of dust as compared to the OEM pads is like night and day. Buying the rotors are a tricky proposition because shipping can be killer with such heavy items. I found an online retailer that had good prices and offered free shipping.

I always take what JCL has to say as solid expert opinion so go with his information. I would agree that you should just do a complete brake job so that you know for sure those systems are good to go.

[bakersx5]

Thanks for the info guys. This site is awesome. i always find good advice on here. I know where the X up on the four corners but where is a good place to put a jack stand. i looked on here for some info but didnt find much. My X is and E53. any suggestions?? i have never put brakes on my X before and i know there are brake sensors which turned on the dash warning light to "check brake lining" will it be obvious to me whether it is front or back which sensor set the warning off. it has been raining here so i havent been able to do anything yet. Sorry for all of the questions but just want to be prepared.