Brake advice (I know, I know)...

[admranger]

Originally Posted by J.Belknap

Just throwing this out there... pretty good stuff.

Pegasus - Castrol SRF Synthetic Racing Brake Fluid

Castrol SRF brake fluid is never, ever needed in an X5. Just use good DOT 4 and flush on a regular schedule (no longer than 2 years please).

As for 'ceramic' brake pads. They do have significantly less dust than stock pads. I have ceramic on the front and stock on the rear and the difference is beyond just noticable. It's huge. That being said, I *hate* the ceramic pads. Their bite is inconsistent and difficult to modulate. The pedal feel is softer than stock (yes, I know how to bleed brakes so please stifle that impulse to reply about that).

I will replace the ceramics with stock pads well before these wear out. Probably this fall when the tires have to come off for my 'winter' set...maybe sooner as they really, truly suck.

[J.Belknap]

Originally Posted by admranger

Castrol SRF brake fluid is never, ever needed in an X5.

Brakesresized.jpg

Whatever you say boss.

Good call on the blanks and pads cfmistry, sounds like that will work out real well for ya. I'd apply some of the savings to a pricey fluid, but that's just me and different strokes for different folks. But perhaps it isn't needed. I don't know. Guess I'll err on the side of caution.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by admranger

....As for 'ceramic' brake pads. ....That being said, I *hate* the ceramic pads. Their bite is inconsistent and difficult to modulate. The pedal feel is softer than stock

There are a wide range of ceramic pads available, with very different characteristics for initial bite and other factors. I wouldn't lump them all together as having similar performance. Which ones did you use?

[admranger]

Originally Posted by JCL

There are a wide range of ceramic pads available, with very different characteristics for initial bite and other factors. I wouldn't lump them all together as having similar performance. Which ones did you use?

Akebono Euro ceramic.

Originally Posted by J.Belknap

Brakesresized.jpg

Whatever you say boss.

What does your picture of a swiss cheese rotor (that has less surface area than a stock rotor) have to do with what brake fluid one uses? Show me a PFC direct-drive rotor and I'll be impressed...

FWIW, we've had X5's driven at several driving schools that I instruct at. One, when it first came out, with the dealer owner, who is a race car driver himself, driving it around the track with 3 passengers. Lap after lap of E-ticket rides and no brake problems of any kind.

I have run more brake fluid through my vehicles than most people. It is a byproduct of from having raced BMWs for over a decade. I never needed $80/liter brake fluid when I raced (Motul RBF600 was fine) so I just don't see why anyone would need it for an X5.

I don't remember the guys in the towing threads having a problem with boiling their brake fluid, so I'm not sure why regular users would have a problem.

[Naz24]

thanks for the thread cfmistry, i'm about to need new front pads and rotors. Want to avoid any type of squeek.. So let me know how these work out, and i will probably order the same

[J.Belknap]

Originally Posted by admranger

that has less surface area than a stock rotor

The (cast "drilled") 380mm rotors have more surface area (and girth) than the stock 355mm 4.6iS rotors, FYI.

Now, show me a blank 380mm friction ring for the Brembo GT hat and I'll buy you a beer.

Originally Posted by admranger

FWIW, we've had X5's driven at several driving schools that I instruct at. One, when it first came out, with the dealer owner, who is a race car driver himself, driving it around the track with 3 passengers. Lap after lap of E-ticket rides and no brake problems of any kind.

Not all track conditions are the same. (repeated downhill braking, etc.)

Originally Posted by admranger

I have run more brake fluid through my vehicles than most people. It is a byproduct of from having raced BMWs for over a decade. I never needed $80/liter brake fluid when I raced (Motul RBF600 was fine) so I just don't see why anyone would need it for an X5.

Noted.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by J.Belknap

The (cast "drilled") 380mm rotors have more surface area (and girth) than the stock 355mm 4.6iS rotors, FYI.

Now, show me a blank 380mm friction ring for the Brembo GT hat and I'll buy you a beer.



Not all track conditions are the same. (repeated downhill braking, etc.)



Noted.

You got me on the 380 mm ring (size does indeed matter!). Upon further review (i.e., I looked closer at the pic), it is obvious that those are not some run of the mill 'drilled' rotor procured for $50. Brembo big brake kit? Nice!

I did find your TOTD video and I can see why you are happy with your brake setup. Looked like a great deal of fun.

[J.Belknap]

I wish they came in a blank flavor, but yes sir.

Well... I guess this is why we have so many brake fluid choices. Something for everyone. :p

[jst2878]

i have nothing but great braking with the genuine bmw rotors(they are the best bang for the buck) purchased at getbmwparts.com As for pads i would stick with genuine as well, unless you cant stand the dust then I would recommend going to zeckhausen racing for some semi metallic compound pads. do not go cheap on these parts you will end up with a bad cases of the squeeks and wobbily warpdidddybopp.

[cfmistry]

So a heads up for those who care, I had the OE BMW rotors and PBR pads installed on my X today. It's a little premature to give any results, but I'll post more as time goes along.

Like everyone says, brake dust is much reduced. I have no squealing or vibration, everything was well installed. Initial bite is not great I would say it's like a normal care (Toyota Camry or Honda Accord). Furthermore what suprises me is that the stopping distance seems longer (granted I haven't really pounced on the brakes yet). All in all I'm sure I'll be happy with the reduced dust... but at what cost? One of my favorite things about BMWs is the excellent braking, I'm not sure it was worth losing that but we'll see. I'm also excited to see what kind of life I'll get out of this pad/rotor combo (I've heard good things).

-Cyrus