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  #1  
Old 07-22-2019, 01:14 AM
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OEM Brakes and Rotors

Hey guys,

I take my 2009 BMW X5 to independent shop, and the owner always insists on using genuine BMW brake pads and rotors. On top of that he always pressures me into getting new rotors. I have couple of questions and wanted to see what you all have to say about this:

- Do I have to change rotors every time I change pads, or is it ok to change rotors every other time? Last time I had my rear pads replaced and didn't change rotors, and brakes seem to work just fine.

- Is it true that only genuine BMW brakes will have perfect fit, and everything else just won't work as well. If that's not true, what's a good alternative to genuine BMW brakes?

Thanks!
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  #2  
Old 07-22-2019, 01:27 AM
ard ard is offline
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Just so you know, "genuine BMW" is NOT "OEM" as is in your title. FWIW.


You do NOT need to replace the rotors every time. Measure the thickness, if over the minimum, just replace pads. I would estimate you really need to replace rotors every other pad change.




There is a TON of posts on 'what rotors?'. Multiple recommendations, extensive discussions. I like the akenbonos. lots of options. They all fit fine.
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  #3  
Old 07-22-2019, 05:11 AM
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Firstly, I use original BMW parts whenever reasonable pricing is available.

Going with BMW original brakes is a nice safe bet for him but not necessarily optimal for you. For one thing you are paying a significant premium over very good aftermarket options.

At this point I use mostly Bosch and ATE pads on all of my vehicles. I like the way they bite and have a reasonable life span. Dust is about average (and at any rate I don't think dust should be a major factor in your decision making on a safety item). These pads wear evenly and I can reuse the rotors without first having to resurface them. Every one on this board is likely to have their preferences and reading as many as you can, then make up your mind is a good strategy.
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Old 07-22-2019, 10:38 AM
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I used Centric Premium High Carbon rotors and Post-Quiet Semi-Metallic pads. They work great, are quiet and dust less than the OE stuff that I replaced.

As far as having to replace the rotors every time, I think there are several parts to that answer.

The most obvious answer is do the rotors measure below thickness specification or not? Are they close? Ultimately, that determines whether the rotor needs replacing every time or not.

If you decide to retain the rotors, the second question is are you replacing the pads with like pads? If so, probably worth it to scuff up the surface of the rotor with a non-uniform finish which will speed up the bedding process. You do bed your brakes, right?

Again, if you decide not to replace them and are using a new type of pad, I'd consider getting the rotors skimmed to present new and fresh rotor surface to promote proper bedding.

I don't have enough experience with the X5 to counter other owner's experiences directly but I'd expect every other pad change to require a rotor change. A lot of factors affect that and our opinions/experience, however. The Centric rotors are just over $100 each so I'd be inclined to replace mine every time. I'll let you know what they look like in a few 10k miles.
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  #5  
Old 07-22-2019, 12:12 PM
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Forget that. BMW pads are way too high dust for my liking. And price point? forget about it. I'll just order a decent grade from Rockauto and be happy.

I prefer to change rotors everytime just because of how cheap they are, I don't like dealing with potential brake pulsations. But doing just pads should be fine if minimum thickness is still good on original rotors.
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Old 07-22-2019, 01:09 PM
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As mentioned, everyone is going to have their own take on this. Here's mine. I use BrakeMotive complete "kits" from Ebay. I know... buying parts for your BMW off Ebay... ewwwwww. The horror. I replace rotors/pads at the same time, without exception, no matter what parts I'm using.

Did the wife's 35d complete (front/rear rotors & pads) for $221.91 and reused the sensors as they were still good. Have installed ~10 kits on different BMW's, Nissan, and Infiniti vehicles. No problems with them. Low dust as it seems the BMW kits use StopTech ceramic pads. Not sure if all the kits do, but the ones I have gotten were StopTech branded. Never had noise issues, balance issues, shimmy, etc.

Disclaimer though, initial "bite" of ceramic pads is lower than OE pads. Nothing unsafe or worrisome but something that takes getting used to. If you are looking for the absolute best braking performance, stick with OE/OES.

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Old 07-22-2019, 01:22 PM
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1. The last time we had a brake pad thread, there were 20 recommendations..all fine. The takeaway is that almost any reasonable pad will be fine.


2. Slotted AND drilled is just a pointless, ricer mod. There is utterly NO technical benefit, and multiple downsides. As I recall, only one rotor in the world comes OE drilled and slotted. And may be more to make a style statement than actual performance.


But as we see for pads, this isnt that important for 99% of the X5 uses. (If you are towing, DO NOT do this mod, IMO)
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Old 07-22-2019, 01:30 PM
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NAPA Auto parts for my brakes. I have had no problems at all with them. And, the price is great. Whatever floats your boat.
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Old 07-22-2019, 01:35 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ard View Post
1. The last time we had a brake pad thread, there were 20 recommendations..all fine. The takeaway is that almost any reasonable pad will be fine.


2. Slotted AND drilled is just a pointless, ricer mod. There is utterly NO technical benefit, and multiple downsides. As I recall, only one rotor in the world comes OE drilled and slotted. And may be more to make a style statement than actual performance.


But as we see for pads, this isnt that important for 99% of the X5 uses. (If you are towing, DO NOT do this mod, IMO)
^ All very true. But damn do they look pretty. When I have one crack between the drills, or warp due to heat, I'll be sure to stop using them and will certainly change my recommendations. At least a few hundred thousand miles on the various vehicles installed so far though... no issues.
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Nav, Pano, Sport (Purchased 06/14 w/ 109,000 miles) (Sold 8/15 w/121,000 miles)


2006 X5 4.8is Build 11/05 Maintenance/Build Log
Nav, DSP, Pano, Running Boards, OEM Tow Hitch, Cold Weather Pckg (Purchased 08/15 w/ 90,500 miles)

2010 X5 35d Build 02/10
Nav, HiFi, 6 DVD, Sports Pckg, Cold Weather Pckg, HUD, CAS, Running Boards, Leather Dash, PDC, Pano (Purchased 03/17 w/ 136,120 miles)
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  #10  
Old 07-23-2019, 01:28 AM
ard ard is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by crystalworks View Post
^ All very true. But damn do they look pretty. When I have one crack between the drills, or warp due to heat, I'll be sure to stop using them and will certainly change my recommendations. At least a few hundred thousand miles on the various vehicles installed so far though... no issues.

I hear you.


My issue isnt drilled or slotted- it is both in the same. One. or the other. but both is a odd, pointless product.


No offense, you like it. and many do.


FWIW- I have drilled on one car, slots on the other.
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