Brake Pedal Feeling Spongy

[lofrese1]

Hi guys, the first thing I noticed when I picked up my X5 was the brakes how it had a lot more travel in the pedal then my previous F10 550i had. I thought after the 500-600 miles break-in period on the brakes they would get better but that doesn't seem to be the case. Tonight I had a spirited driving with a few hard brakes and turns and after about three hard brakes the brakes became extremely squishy. I know the X5 isn't a sports car but I feel after three hard braking over 10 minute period shouldn't make the brakes extremely squishy. I guess I just expected a better braking system on an X5 equipped with the V8 and M-sport package for spirited drives. But I guess not. Sorry guys for just rambling on.

[MichiganMike]

How old is your X5? Is it possible there is air in the brake fluid lines or the brake fluid needs to be changed? If you are concerned, you might have your dealer check your brakes or ask to test drive a similar vehicle and compare brake function.

https://www.cars.com/articles/can-br...1420676929212/

[stewy604]

Sounds concerning. Even before I upgraded to the MPBK, my brakes never felt spongy or squishy. Might be worth having them checked out. If your tech savvy, just bleed them yourself and see if you have any improvement in performance. Coding for the MPBK raises pressure in the vacuum accumulator, and thus increases pedal feel and firmness. Not sure if the same coding can be applied to the standard brake package?

[Alan l.]

This is one of those things I noticed when compared to my F10 550i to my F15 35i X5. Your stock 50i brakes are slightly bigger than the 35i btw. I solved it by getting the M Performance brake kit on my 35i which made the brakes feel 100x better. Much more confidence and way better initial bite.

Alan

[barcelona]

2014 F15 50i with 12000 km. Brakes are ok. Yesterday had to brake hard from 140km to 80km in short time. That was only hard hard break, rest of day same as before not mushy. Maybe take the technician for a ride.

[lofrese1]

I just made an appointment with my SA to take a look at the vehicle later this week. My vehicle is a 2016 model with only 8500 miles on the odo the brakes should not feel like this. I was considering upgrading the brakes to the m-performance brake system but I couldn't justify the cost especially on a leased vehicle. I should have just went with the X5m which was my first choice before the 50i. But anyways. Thanks guys for getting back to me on this concerning matter!

[rdlink]

Originally Posted by stewy604

Sounds concerning. Even before I upgraded to the MPBK, my brakes never felt spongy or squishy. Might be worth having them checked out. If your tech savvy, just bleed them yourself and see if you have any improvement in performance. Coding for the MPBK raises pressure in the vacuum accumulator, and thus increases pedal feel and firmness. Not sure if the same coding can be applied to the standard brake package?

Hi. So I just installed the MPBK on my 2017 F30 today. When I drove it home I noticed my brakes were much spongier than the stock brakes were. I watched the technician flush the fluid, so I'm reasonably sure they don't have air. Are you saying the MPBK needs to be coded into the car once installed?

[Maverik259]

Yup. Covered many times. Part of the service if installed at dealer.