What x5 50i really lacks - 2 things!

[DuSh]

1. There's just not enough brake power. Stock brakes are inadequate for the power that 50i can deliver. I was questioning MPBK earlier - but now I see that it's a must have for 50i unless you drive like a grandma

2. Stock springs are just too soft. If you are not into the whole 70's era Cadillac plush ride thing - it has to be changed. Eibach is my choice, which I hopefully will try soon


Now Eibach springs are around $350-370 from our r33rgsport vendor (thanks goodness we have him), but MPBK is a LOT more expensive and I don't know what can be done about that. Any other options to improve stopping power?

[alphaod]

Actually the brakes are quite good for this car. I'm not saying it couldn't be better but BMW had to find a balance somewhere. The MPBK is very dusty being the only reason I haven't gone for them yet.

Speaking of crappy brakes those Cadillac brakes are the worst especially on that Escalde.

[Dirty Cash]

Originally Posted by DuSh

1. There's just not enough brake power. Stock brakes are inadequate for the power that 50i can deliver. I was questioning MPBK earlier - but now I see that it's a must have for 50i unless you drive like a grandma

2. Stock springs are just too soft. If you are not into the whole 70's era Cadillac plush ride thing - it has to be changed. Eibach is my choice, which I hopefully will try soon


Now Eibach springs are around $350-370 from our r33rgsport vendor (thanks goodness we have him), but MPBK is a LOT more expensive and I don't know what can be done about that. Any other options to improve stopping power?

What???

I don't drive like a Granny and I feel the brakes on my F15.50i are pretty damn good (also, I don't jam on my brakes every time I see a brake light in front of me either.). Granted, will I ever be able to push my 50i to the limits safely w/o tracking the vehicle? No.

Again, I find my brakes (which are 100% stock) to be sufficient.

***Just to be clear, I have the MPBK on my radar of upgrades simply because I like the way they look and it's a personal thing for me***

Not discounting how you feel about your 50i, but brakes on this vehicle are as a previous poster said quite good. Also, if you increase your wheel size anything beyond what the manufacturer suggests, you'd be wise to upgrade your brakes.

[r33_RGSport]

You should try a good aftermarket brake pads.
Unfortunately, I never tried one when I had my car since I was running Brembo.
But, you may want to look into E70 forum, they should have people running aftermarket brake pads which have better stopping power. Both cars using the same brake calipers.

[crackerjack15]

Originally Posted by alphaod

Actually the brakes are quite good for this car. I'm not saying it couldn't be better but BMW had to find a balance somewhere. The MPBK is very dusty being the only reason I haven't gone for them yet.

Speaking of crappy brakes those Cadillac brakes are the worst especially on that Escalde.

Ha, funny you say that... my best friend just complained to me yesterday that he has put 3 sets of rotors on his escalade. Keeps warping them. They are so small in relation to vehicle size. Crazy.

I think the 50i brakes are awesome. I mean your not going to track the thing, but for a few stops from speed, they seem more than adequate. And I have 6 piston brembos on my mustang, so I know how they feel and brake.

[Wardman]

IMO you are forgetting one thing, real rubber!!!! I bet that would help too.

[superdog]

I would like some real tough breaks. Big colorful calipers too. But I've had no luck trying to source them.

[crackerjack15]

Well I agree at this price point they should have more attractive brakes, especially if your getting the m-sport version.

[Maverik259]

They figure those driving SUV don't care as much as those getting M sport on their cars