More Brake Talk
 

So after thinking about the whole 4.6 upgrade to my 4.4 and doing a little searching on the interwebs, it seems that the e39 and e53 share a lot of their brake components. Can anyone say how much of the brake components are shared? Are the rotors the same off a 540/m5 as the 4.4 x5? Calipers/carriers? I have a set of rotors for my 540 sitting on the shelf, can I use them for my x5? The truck in question is an 03 4.4 and the 540 is a 98.

I also ask because I came across this, which is a bolt on upgrade for the 540 cars.

BMW E38 740i M62 4.4L Braking Big Brake OEM ES#2628472 OE Front Big Brake Kit (334x32) - 34116757756KT

several people have used this kit on there cars over on bimmerforums, and Im wondering if this is something we can use on our trucks?

Let me know what you think guys.

Dave

Excellent timing - I just did brakes on my 2003 4.4L.

The E39, E38 and E53 share the same front rotors, pads and calipers. The E53 shares the same rears rotors and pads as the E39 M5.

You will have an issue with the 750 Big Brake Upgrade because the Caliper Carrier is different from the E39, the E38 740 and of course the E53. That kit is not a complete bolt on for the 540 - you'll still need the 750 carriers for the calipers.

There are other options on EAC's website for the E39 like OEM Motorsport Rotors which will mount on to the E53 as well.

Cheers,

Michael

Looks like the brake carrier and disc are specific to the X5. So this is a case where the geometries are not shared between vehicles. Aren't the X5 brakes already larger than the E39/E38? I know the 4.6 brakes were the largest offered until the E60 M5 and M6 came out.

Amazingly enough, the E53 X5 shares front brake rotors and pads with the E39 540 and the E38 740 models. Exact same parts. The rears brake rotors and pads are from the E39 M5. I think the rotor is slightly thicker though.

It can get a bit confusing. The 4.6 and even the 4.8 share the same pads as the 4.4L and E39 M5. However, they do not share rotors. That is specific to the E53 3.0 and 4.4 only.

searching on realOEM, the only common brake part between the 5/7/X are the calipers and brake pads. discs and carriers are different.

Correct - I got that wrong in my first response. Sorry.

Ok so im confused....the rotors are the same for the e38 740, e39 540 and 4.4 x? What do you mean its not a complete bolt on kit? There are several people over on bimmerforums running that kit on their 540's. If the brakes are the same, why wouldn't it work on the 4.4 x's? if its the carriers in question, can the carriers be used to install? or is it just easier to get the 4.6 carriers/calipers/rotors for the fronts of the 4.4's. Are the rears the same on all of the v8 x's? If the rears are the same on the 4.4 x's and the e39 M5, can the M5 calipers be used in the rear?

Click this link for clarification: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/select.do

Then there's the part nbr cross reference search feature...just look up the part you know you need, then copy & paste it into the cross reference search to see what other BMW models use the same part:

The brakes are not the same, only the calipers and brake pads are the same on the 5/7/X. Everything else is different.
The discs on the E39/E38 are 324mm. The discs on the X5 are 332mm. Its likely the hat is a different offset as well. The stock brakes on the X are already larger than the E38/9, and barely smaller than that ECS kit (334mm). I don't see any benefit.

The 4.6is brakes are even larger at 356mm, and if you get the carriers, discs, calipers, they are guaranteed to fit as long as your wheels are 18"+.

Or you could get a BBK from Stoptech or Brembo or Dinan...

Why do you want to upgrade? If you just want more braking power or better feeling brakes, I'd just get stainless lines and better pads. Track duty or towing, upgrade to racing pads.

yes, after reading Q's post, I see that now...

As far as upgrading....im getting a shudder in the front end when brakeing and im thinking its time to replace them, they are making weird noises as well. I figured while im there, why not upgrade, so initially I was thinking the 4.6 route as I can get the carriers/calipers for a decent price, rebuild them and get new rotors/pads at the same time. I most likely will do the rears at the same time, and SS lines, and some new fluids. I just recently put on the OEM tow receiver and it would be nice to use the X to haul small stuff around instead of using my 1 ton. At most would probably be my car hauler and my e39/60. It will probably break just fine using the factory components when towing, so honestly will there be any benefit to going to the 4.6 brake components? I do drive a little "spirited" on most occasions so any gain in performance would be noticed.

What is everybody's opinion? Any particular pad or fluid to use or stay away from?

Thanks for the help
Dave