Replacing front brake pads.
 

Hi guys,
I'm about to purchase a set of front ATE pads (13.0460.7078.2) for my 2004 X5 online. I've heard that these are better than Bosche, Brembo etc. but please correct me if I'm wrong.
The main question I'd like to ask is the pad sensors. Do I need to purchase these seperately or are they included in the Pad sets?
Thanks a lot for any advice. Kev

You should check with what the supplier says about the sensors... I would assume if you are not getting them from BMW directly, that they do not include sensors. but what do i know?

Regarding pads--I usually stick with OEM.. Haven't heard much about ATE

Hi,
You need to buy just one sensor and it's sold separately.
Ate are ok,my rotors and pads are ATE.They are as dusty as the OEs.

If you haven't worn the previous pads to the point Of a brake lining indicator on the dash, you don't need to replace the pad wear sensor.

+1

If you didn't get the warning light, you should be okay, just be careful when reinstalling the existing sensor...

Funny you should say this! That's the only reason I actually had to replace mine----It chipped when I was stuffing it back in.

The plastic deteriorates when it sits there for a few years so it's a lot easier to break it...

TIP/FYI: when using the online part databases (like realoem.com or bmwfans.info) which I highly recommend when buying parts...it helps in directing you to the correct items for your vehicle which may be different on certain models during the X5s production run from 1999-2006. You can tell if items can be purchased in a "set" as well as what's included in that set...if multiple item nbrs. are included in a bracket. :)

For example, in the diagram below (front brakes for the 2006 4.4 X5 which I used because you have no model/model year/ build date info listed)...you can see that the carrier (item #2) can be purchased as a "set" which includes items #s 4, 5, & 6. If an item is illustrated with it's own number in the diagram, then it can be purchased separately and has its own 11 digit BMW part nbr. which should be listed below the diagram in the part nbr index. As you can see...the brake pad sensor (#12) is listed by itself...which means that it must be purchased separately. :)

All good info.

In this case, however, the OP was asking about purchasing aftermarket pads (ATE in this case) and so the above is not applicable. It is entirely up to the aftermarket vendor as to whether they bundle items like sensors with their pads, or not.

You cant go wrong with ATE, Brembo, or Zimmermann.