Brake Pad/Rotor job

[matt21484]

Looking to replace my front pads & rotors and want to make sure I'm buying a decent enough kit. This is is the first time I've done brakes on the X5. This will be for a 2017 50i, I do a bit of towing, but mostly just across town and back w/ a 21' ski boat. Looking to buy everything from FCP Euro

Rotors x2

Pads

Wear Sensor


Caliper brush, hangers, and anti rattle greasae are all in my cart, using their coupon, comes out to 485 shipped. I've got various hand/power tools at home to do the job, but will re-watch the FCP Euro video to make sure I have all the right sized tools. The one thing I don't have is a jack big enough for the X5. Seems like a 3 ton model from HF should do the job? Any thoughts on all the items above is appreciated! I'm looking to buy asap and potentially get this done over the weekend.

[Straddle55]

I think you're way overpaying just to get BMW factory brakepads. There are a lot of quality pads at FCP that cost a lot less and will be absolutely fine.

Your peace of mind, your call

[1004ron]

I used Akebono pads bought from RockAuto.com, and the front and rear wear sensors from an eBay parts supplier.

Front and rear pad replacement with sensors $160.00

My rotors were fine at 112K miles.

Cant think of anything else that you haven't listed.

[matt21484]

Originally Posted by Straddle55

I think you're way overpaying just to get BMW factory brakepads. There are a lot of quality pads at FCP that cost a lot less and will be absolutely fine.

Your peace of mind, your call

Thanks, any alternative reccomendations? EBC Greenstuff, Textar or ATE are really the only options since I don't have the MSport kit

[matt21484]

Originally Posted by 1004ron

I used Akebono pads bought from RockAuto.com, and the front and rear wear sensors from an eBay parts supplier.

Front and rear pad replacement with sensors $160.00

My rotors were fine at 112K miles.

Cant think of anything else that you haven't listed.

Dang, those are cheap. I don't see any Akebono available for my year/model. Only brands I recongize are Brembo and PowerStop. You've been happy with the kit you got?

[1004ron]

Very happy with the Akebono - first time using this US brand.

Took about a week to reach full braking performance and haven't noticed any dust on the new wheels yet.

[Straddle55]

Originally Posted by matt21484

Thanks, any alternative reccomendations? EBC Greenstuff, Textar or ATE are really the only options since I don't have the MSport kit

I just got this X5 with new pads and rotors all around, so I won't be dealing with it for a while and I can't say from firsthand experience. I usually go with a brand name semi-metallic.

Out of that selection, I've used the EBC Greenstuffs (and reds) on other cars, I can say that they're noticeably more dusty than other pads I've used. ATE is an OEM for German cars, and I'd consider them premium quality overall

[tlow98]

I vote for the OE pads. I’ve been round and round this issues for the last 6 BMWs. Unless they are OE or OE formula I don’t like the feel of the others. Plus I like the insurance while towing.

You’re already saving $1k by DIY’ing, so the extra cost is pretty minimal in the grand scheme of things. Rotors and sensors I buy aftermarket.

[matt21484]

Thanks all, went with the ATE. Order won't get here til the 1st, so won't get them installed until next weekend.

[matt21484]

Alright, I need some help with step 3, ha. I can't get the guide pins out as they don't appear to fit a 7-10mm hex socket. Pictures below for reference.

View post on imgur.com

So I'm working on the slide pins in the BMW diagram. There's 2 pictures of the pin (one is fuzzy, but just for reference) and the second w/ the color markings is how I'm verifying the Hex socket is sliding around and not "biting". I can feel that it's pushed against surface 1, then slightly move it to hit surface 2, then move it slightly again and it has to be hitting the pink area next, right? My problem is that a 7 & 8 hex socket (this set) just spins once it hits the pink surface. 10mm doesn't fit. What size should this be? Is there really a 9mm size? As far as I'm aware, these are the stock brakes from a 2017 50i without M sport. Picture of the caliper with what I'm assuming is the serial/model # stamped on it.

[1004ron]

Originally Posted by matt21484

There's 2 pictures of the pin (one is fuzzy, but just for reference) and the second w/ the color markings is how I'm verifying the Hex socket is sliding around and not "biting".

Not seeing these pictures - best to post them directly to the forum, not remote linked.

What size should this be?

It is a 7 mm.

[matt21484]

Originally Posted by 1004ron

Not seeing these pictures - best to post them directly to the forum, not remote linked.

It is a 7 mm.

Pictures are inbedded via Imgur links. And it was definitely a 9mm Hex socket. I had a 9mm ordered via Amazon here today and pulled out the pins no problem. I do have dual piston calipers, which I’m guessing is the difference on the 50i vs 35. I managed to mangle the drivers side rotor set screw so I skipped the rotor replacements for now, but other than the mishap with the Hex size, this is pretty straightforward

[Straddle55]

Impact screwdrivers make quick work of the rotor set screws

https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-t...ase-64812.html

[matt21484]

Originally Posted by Straddle55

Impact screwdrivers make quick work of the rotor set screws

https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-t...ase-64812.html

I’ve got this exact one and all it did was mangle up the bit I was trying to use. I did the dumb thing and practically rounded out the hex insert. It sits a little recessed into the rotor so my dremel wheel didn’t work either (was trying to create a notch), it kept hitting the rotor. I welcome any other ideas though!

[Straddle55]

I see. For now, I would recommend hammering in a just slightly larger torx bit and that should have enough grab to break it loose. Anti-seize on the screws after