the bmw only uses a single master and slave cylinder for the entire brake system. the fluid has nothing to do with pad wear. the level is the same even if the pad is as thick as new or as worn down as bare metal plates. the pistons in the calipers only move as necessary so the fluid cannot be used as an indication for pad wear.

if there were two resevoirs for front and rear brakes, a much more sophisticated brake bias system. some race cars have a limited adjustment they can use for brake bias and that requires seperate master cylinders for each front and rear system. however, the fluid still does not indicate pad thickness/wear amount for the same reason above.

hope that makes sense...

front sensor ?
 

I have a 2001 x5 3.0 and my sensor has a hex nut on the brake unit. I have to undo this to remove. It looks like the end has some brake bad material on it.

The one Bavarian auto sent looks nothing like the one on my car...the rotor end that is.

Any ideas? I am calling them on Monday, but very strange.

CHeers
Kevin

the hex nut is your bleed nipple screw. do not remove that.
have a look at this diy article. starting at step 14 is how to remove the brake sensor.

http://www.xoutpost.com/showarticle-196.html

different sensor
 

My sensor does not look like that at all, I have one that is on the passengers side, it goes into the back of the brake assembly, it has a hex nut that holds it on.

It has a brake pad material on the end of it. Like a 2 inch plug that goes in and it has a 6mm hex that holds it in to one side.

I put it back together as I don't have a picture of it.

Maybe my 2001 has an older style of sensor?

Cheers,
kevin

i had a 01 x5 3.0 as well, and it used the same sensor as all the others. the x5 in the article is an 01 x5 3.0 also. as you can see, the sensor is the same.

do you have a picture?

not same sensor
 

I looked at your awesome details on the break job instructions. Very nice job.

My sensor is nothing like that. Mine plugs into the back or the rotor houseing or dust shield see pics below.

pic 1

pic 2

pic 3

Now that I look at it, is this maybe the slip sensor?

Thanks!
Kevin

thats the e-brake cable... not the pad wear sensor.. the sensor goes directly on the pad.

I am getting raady tp do my pads. I just bought new sensors. For $30 total why sweat it! Get new ones
:thumbup:

clear bra
 

Hi
I noticed you have a clear bra on your x5, how do you like it and where is a good place to buy or install one? I live in Phoenix and there are lots of rocks that are kicked up.

Thanks
Kevin

I had a local shop in town that also does tinting do it.
I have been very happy with results so far.
I do a lot of skiing and snow driving so it will get really tested this winter. My first winter with the X :thumbup: