Braided Rear Brake Lines?
 

Last weekend I replaced most all of the wear components on the right-rear of my X5, but one thing I had overlooked earlier was the rusted brake pipe that runs along the rear wishbone. That particular pipe has a short hard line in the middle and a rubber section on each end, connecting the hard line under the car to the rear caliper. I haven't checked dealer prices on that part, but the ATE aftermarket lines are over $50 a side. Yikes!

So, I started checking around, and that seems to be the going price for the part, but then I bumped into another thread that mentioned using StopTech stainless steel braided lines in place of the stock components. A bonus is that by clicking through the StopTech website and buying the lines through Zeckhaus Racing, the price is only $65 for a full set of lines. I don't see any downsides to converting to braided lines, other than it's not stock, and they wouldn't attach to the wishbone in the same way the stock lines do... But thought I'd throw this up & see how many people have installed them... How about you?

Another interesting thing I found in my digging was this; PartsGeek.com has what appears to be the StopTech brake lines for $49.25. They list the manufacturer as Centric, but Centric appears to be the parent corporation of StopTech, and the photo they use on the site has the StopTech logo on the hoses. I'm thinking that's a good sign. I might just order them and take a chance on them being just that; StopTech braided lines.

http://www.partsgeek.com/assets/dimage/full/1169178.jpg

I've installed them on several cars, the last being an e46. They're very effective for high impact uses and moderate at best for other. Certainly won't have any negative effects if you're replacing a worn part. I can't speak to this brand though. In the past I've used anything from zip ties to Autozone rubber straps to secure them in place.

Zeckhausen sells good products, I wouldn't hesitate to buy from him, and would have confidence that they will install and fit right, even if its not exactly the same as stock. As long as the fitment is good I see no negative effects of installing braided stainless lines, if they are cheaper than stock that is a plus for me, in my VW days stainless lines were usually a price premium.

ECS also advertises an exact fit Stainless line kit for all 4 corners for $95 if you're interested:

BMW E53 X5 M54 3.0L > Braking > Lines > ES#2609185 Exact-Fit Stainless Steel Brake Lines - Kit - 002569ECSKT
I would go ahead and replace lines at all 4 corners if that is the route you were going, give it a nice brake/clutch flush too while you're at it (see I'm always adding projects for you!)

Have had them since 2nd year of ownership. In year 10, I changed them all out, due to one being chafed and since I was bleeding, I decided to swap them all out. Zip tie

Mine has the Stoptech lines as well. Been on the truck for 3 years or so. No issues. Get some high quality fluid in there too.

I went with the ECS tuning lines last time I did my front brakes and rotors I didn't notice a difference in the feel of the brake pedal but the pads and rotors were not the same as those I took off. I feel better that the lines are stronger than OE and will do the rear when pads are due.