E53 brake rotor question.

[KyleNatolix5]

I ordered new rotors for the front of my X, but when purchasing i couldn't find any options for the vented rear rotors. I chose the vented front set. Are the rears the same as the front? Both my front and rear are vented, but autoanything.com only offered vented front non vented rears? Could I just order another set of front vented. They are Brembo sport drilled rotors if that matters. Also picked up OEM sensors, EBC Red stuff pads all around, Stoptech stainless lines all around. Just need the rear rotors now.

[Gregory891]

You didn't mentioned what engine size you have as this has a bearing on the answer.

ALL X5 (E53) have vented front rotors. The only version of the X5 (E53) to have vented rear rotors were those with 4.8 engines.

The (thicker) rear vented rotors require different rear calipers and carriers to accommodate the thicker rotor (I had researched this and decided to stay with what I have and upgrade to Ate Power Disc's when I need to change rotors).

I've done this on other cars (E34 525i touring) in upgrading to brakes of another version (540i). For an X5, you could do the same but the brake design is to accommodate the weight and engine power of the car, with reserve for those who might also tow a trailer.

If you want good braking, less likely brake squeal and something that meets German TUV spec go with Ate rotors but take the power disc version - which is available both front & rear. As you are in NJ, I don't know what your local state inspection will allow.

[tmv]

Front and rear rotors are NOT the same.
Gregory891 gave you detailed answer above.

[epdarks]

The 4.6is also had vented rear rotors. I have the complete 4.6is brake setup for sale if you're interested in upgrading.

[Gregory891]

The ONLY BMW I know of (and I've owned two) where the front & rear brakes were essentially the same was the Farmobil (and it's organ donor, the BMW 700).

Front & rear drum brakes, same size on all four corners. Front wheel cylinders had a bigger diameter than the rear, as you need more braking force on the front axle vs. the rear.

SO, if you want the ultime BMW "real truck", buy a Farmobil - I can still find them.

[Gregory891]

The ONLY BMW I know of (and I've owned two) where the front & rear brakes were essentially the same was the Farmobil (and it's organ donor, the BMW 700).

Front & rear drum brakes, same size on all four corners. Front wheel cylinders had a bigger diameter than the rear, as you need more braking force on the front axle vs. the rear.

SO, if you want the ultime BMW "real truck", buy a Farmobil - I can still find them.

[KyleNatolix5]

Sorry for the huge picture of the rotor. I thought this meant it was vented. I just want to be sure before I spend the money

[tmv]

^Yes it's vented. Still front and rear rotor are different.

[KyleNatolix5]

Hmm maybe th brembos do not offer a vented rear rotor for the rear of e53.

[jcp240z]

First you need to tell us what E53 you have. It is possible that a previous owner upgraded your brakes to an iS setup. That is what Dan has available. You should find out prior to ordering anything. For the rears the pads are the same for all models. On the iS models the carrier and caliper are different to handle the thicker vented disc.
If you have a vented rear, then you may have the larger iS fronts as well. Totally different beast (pads, rotors, calipers and carrier).