Rusting brake calipers
 

Hello everone.
New 2009 X5 3.0 owner here. Purchased the truck with 59K miles about two weeks ago for my wife and she loves it!
I've owned BMW's since the 1980's including 320i, 318i 525i 545i 325i and 2 M3's and very familiar with the brand. One of the concerns that I have with the X5 is the rust/corrosion/pitting on all the calipers and rotor hats. It is a brown thick rust usually associated with rusting iron. I have never seen this on a BMW before. Usually it's a light grey type corrosion typical of aluminum.
The brakes work fine with the usual dusting on the front wheels indicating OE type pads.
The dealer and independant PPI said the rust is normal. The truck has been in N. Florida all it's live so as far as I know hasn't been exposed to excessive road salt.
Has anyone experienced this with the X5?
I plan to wire brush the calipers and rotor hats and paint soon.
Also, any recommendations on good caliper paint? I prefer to spray paint.

Thx in advance.

I've had great luck with Rust-Oleum Engine Enamel Spray on calipers over the past 15+ years:
Auto Specialty Paints Engine Enamel Product Page

Lots of color options, and stays great looking for years. Might want to prime your rusted surfaces first.

Thanks got cha!

The original caliper had a corrosion resistant plating/coating of some sort. I suspect that somewhere along the line an aggressive wheel cleaner was used that removed the protective layer.

Yes I think this could be the case. There is no other rust on the underside of the truck. I originally though they drove it in salt water in the beach. There are several beaches nearby that you can drive on.
Meanwhile I have a lot of sanding and painting to do. I'd just replace the calipers but they seen OK otherwise and cost $$$$.

I completely rebuilt my E46 calipers recently and after tearing them apart I sand blasted them followed with 3 coats of caliper paint. Came out awesome and easy to clean now.

Here are some pics:

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...psad9638d3.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...psd4a9a8df.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...psa5b05949.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r...psfc509f7b.jpg

Wow nice. Blasting make a huge difference! Gets all the rust off ind it won't come back. Unfortunately don't have access to one so I'm stuck with the wire wheel and brush technique.

Truck?

;)