Check Brake Linings Warning
 

Ok guys I have done my research through the forum and come to the conclusion I have to do my first ever brake job. My X is an 06 4.4i with approx 96k miles on it. Had her for a little over a year and all I've had to do thus far is replace the battery. I know coming up on 100k is the maintenance time so it stands to reason that this is about the right time for the brakes. I'm new to BMW and I'm curious as to approx how much time i have. I will probably be doing a DIY project as I have a spare car to drive in the interim. Money of course is also an issue as always!! Anyways guys I'm posting on here for help with what parts I need to order and where I should order them from. Not looking for a bunch of different options just a general consensus of the best parts to purchase that will last and keep my kids safe! Also if anyone has a DIY thread with step by step instructions on how to replace the pads, rotors, and sensors I would be more than appreciative! Thanks again guys for all the help!! You guys have always steered me in the right direction and I know you won't let me down!!

:rofl: Good luck with that!!!

Some on here LOVE OE/OEM and won't try anything else, other HATE em.

You would have a better chance of getting a general consensus if you had asked what ice cream flavor is best.

I have Axxis deluxe on mine. They are a recommended pad among BMW forums for the fact of you only lose a little factory "beginning or cold" bite, but they dust 90% less then factory.

On factory pads, yeah i had a slightly better initial bite, but literally could clean the car to perfection, drive 2-3 miles and my front wheels if you swiped your finger had dust already. After 2-3 days wheels look gunmetal/graphite and not hyper silver. With the axxis even after two weeks they arent anywhere near what happens on factory pads in a day or two.

Thats a big thing for me is the dust. Also the axxis pads are pretty cheap.

Vanilla

I usually buy my brakes on Black Friday at Pep Boys because you can normally get them on sale for about 20 bucks an axle. Some people may poo poo the idea of buying brakes for the X at Pep Boys, but do you think they will sell a product that wasn't safe?

But if you are like my wife and need to buy a product with a Brand Name go right ahead and waste your money.

French Vanalla Bean w/cinnamon.

As for pads/rotors............

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...rake-pads.html

My and others views on pads/rotors.

Pads: everything is a trade off. OE is reliable, and it dusts. Axxis Deluxe has much less dust, 5% more noise when cold. There are 100 more choices.

Rotors: plan to replace them. The old ones may be reusable if they aren't too thin and you are willing to sacrifice performance. They can't be turned. I like OE. Best quality, a little more money. There are lots more choices; some are junk and some are OK.

You need a new pad wear sensor. Get OE, the rest are junk. One on the front axle, one on the rear. Check and see which one caused the brake pad light to come on.

Change your brake fluid if it is two years old.

Ice cream: vanilla, or anything if it is made at home from scratch.

Jeff

Ok guys it seems as if the easy choice was the pads. From what I have read in multiple places Cool Carbon is the way to go. Front and rear pads plus two sensors from bavauto running me $259. I haven't really looked around other places. The next decision will be rotors. I like the cross drilled and slotted look. Anyone have any suggestions?

I'm a chocolate guy myself but cookies and cream is my ultimate fav.

I went with BrakeLabs zinc plated drilled/slotted off e-bay. Chose these because they are cast/machined in the good ol' US of A.

$200 for all 4. Did the job 11-13 and coating still looks new (see pic).

Thanks TiAG. I saw those on the original post from a while back in my search. I was wondering what rotors they were. I'm partial to the Made in US factor as well. Will probably be going with them since you are more than pleased with them.

They've worn well with the CC pads, 10k miles (9k town & 1k hwy), the 1.2" thickness when new is down to 1.185". That's only .0075 of surface wear. OE/OEM pads would have shown around 3 times that wear.