Brake Job

[Clockwork]

Centric is a great brake rotor, and actually makes Stoptech rotors (or other way around). Anyhow, tey get rave reviews on the 8 series forum

http://www.stoptech.com/about/about-us

[X5SND]

FWIW, Im currently using the stop tech/centric drilled rotors with the black "e-coating" and Akebono ceramic pads all around. I prefer the softer initial bite of the Akes to the oem pads, and nearly zero brake dust.

The black coating on the rotors covers the hat as well the veins inside....it's holding up much better than my OEM rotors did.

What they look like:

[tomsawyer]

I wanted to let everyone know the brake job is completed - Centric rotors, acebono pads and sensors. Everything went smoothly and no issues during the install. I have driven for the past day and I won't say the stopping power is exactly the same as oem, but it ain't far off. This definitely justifies the almost $500 difference in parts cost.

Thanks to everyone that contributed.

[Bargain Bucket]

The new pads will take a few hundred miles to bed in so won't feel to great initially but will improve with the miles.

[Qsilver7]

Which axle did you replace? All 4 or were only the front or rear pads & rotors worn? I ask because I didn't see it mentioned reading through the thread...and just because the CHECK BRAKE LINING warning light illuminated, doesn't mean that all 4 rotors need to be replaced...you have to determine which of the sensors (front axle or rear axle) set off the warning.

Just curious.

[Kristophe]

I did my brakes this past summer with aftermaket with very good results but when I flushed the fluid later that September THAT made a noticeable improvement. Since I wasn't the orginal owner and the old brake fluid was pretty yucky who knows when the last time it was changed.

[AZX54.4]

I use zimmerman rotors and jurid pads. I have also used Brembo rotors! All work great and I would highly recommend.

[X5Cat]

I have been running the Powerstop Revolution Ceramic pads for about 3 years now, with excellent results. Almost no visible dust, and braking performance to me feels just like the OE. You can usually get some really good buys on Ebay or Amazon on these.

I try to use these on all my vehicles now. I installed a set of "top of the line" ceramics purchased locally from one of the big chains, on my Pontiac van a couple of years ago. They were advertised as low dust. Very disappointing, though, as they generate considerable ugly dust!

Tradeoff for buying online is that I can't simply run down to the local big chain store for free lifetime warranty replacements when I wear a set out.

[CrazyOneToo]

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

Which axle did you replace? All 4 or were only the front or rear pads & rotors worn? I ask because I didn't see it mentioned reading through the thread...and just because the CHECK BRAKE LINING warning light illuminated, doesn't mean that all 4 rotors need to be replaced...you have to determine which of the sensors (front axle or rear axle) set off the warning.

Just curious.

Does the BRAKE light coming on and being lit up red along with the "Check Brake Linings" notification mean its just the pads/wear sensor ?
I am new to the X5 world. Thanks

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by CrazyOneToo

Does the BRAKE light coming on and being lit up red along with the "Check Brake Linings" notification mean its just the pads/wear sensor ?
I am new to the X5 world. Thanks

Generally, yes.

You can visually check the pads to see how much brake pad material remains. If the pads are good, check the sensor wire, the connection at the pads and the connection at the other end of the sensor wire.