Will 2002 x5 4.6 front caliper and rotor fit a 3.0?

[racingbmwm3]

Originally Posted by x5glenn

I really can't figure it out but I can tell you I ordered rotors online and got the 4.6 ones by mistake so a already have the rotors, however I have uneven pad wear and feel that the original calipers are due for service and was thinking I could keep the 4.6 rotors and swap out my 3.0 calipers for the bigger 4.6 calipers and get a nice upgrade. I was hoping it is a perfect fit bolt on upgrade that I can do myself. I also wonder if i should go with the double piston 4.6 caliper or I think there is also a single piston one as well.. I really need good advise. Thanks!

You can't possibly be using 4.6 rotors with 3.0 calipers as the front rotors are too big (diameter) for the calipers/carrier in the front. It might be possible for the rear rotors to work on your car as they are only thicker, but that would definitely cause uneven wear.

Look at the post above for the upgrade. You just need the caliper carriers, calipers, and rotors.
I'm assuming this is just for looks as you won't notice any performance differences unless you start driving on the track at which point the pad material and brake fluid make more difference than the size of the disc and calipers.

[x5glenn]

I bought the rotors off a online site so I have rotors for a 4.6. I got them by mistake since I thought I was buying the 3.0 rotors. Now that I have them though I was wondering if I can just buy the 4.6 caliper with carrier and bolt them right on to a 3.0. My calipers are over 10 years old so I need new ones anyways.

I can't return the rotors so I thought I maybe should just upgrade to 4.6 calipers / rotors and get a little braking upgrade. If they will fit that is. Just need to know if the 4.6 and 3.0 have the same bolt pattern for the carrier installation.

Thanks

[racingbmwm3]

Yes, 4.6 carriers/calipers/rotors will bolt onto your car, as the steering knuckle (hub carrier) is the same for every model.
As for needing new calipers because they are 10 years old? I've owned many BMW's, my oldest was 25 years old when I sold it and had 370,000 miles and I never had to replace any brake parts other than the pads and rotors. As long as you do your brake flushes every 2 years the calipers should last the life of the car.

[x5glenn]

Thanks for the helpful info. I just did a pad change and had severe uneven pad wear. The passenger side piston side pad was near metal to metal and the driver side was only about half worn. I cleaned the guide Bolts real good and swapped out the rubber boots. We'll see if that helps any. I guess I have about 6 months to decided on the caliper / rotor upsize. Glad I know it is an option though. Thanks again!