Brakes too sensitive for anyone???

[Rwc0920]

Have a 2016 X5 35i and was wondering if anybody has had the issue of brakes being pretty sensitive but sort of in a bad way. If the brakes are cold and I step on them around 5-10mph, I feel like I'm going to eat the steering wheel. There is no happy medium. They get a little better after they warm up but still pretty sensitive. Also noticed when brake and then apply more pressure, the brake force seems to be too aggressive. Anyone else? I'm the second owner of this car, not sure if the last owner has done any brake fluid flush or replaced the rotors/pads. I looked at them the other weekend and there's a good amount of meat left of them. Rotors also looked good.

[tlow98]

This is the way bmw has gone over the last decade. They’re touchy!

After I get out of my e46 I find myself bobble-heading around until I develop a light touch.

[F15_SGM]

Not sure brakes are brakes. Try Ceramic Akebono pads. They Don't have an initial bite like OEM.

[Danyal.N55]

I’ve had 6 BMW’s since 2014 and never had this issue.. Is it the Brake Pads and rotors?

[ErikV55]

I felt like mine weren't sensitive enough at stock. I put M Performance breaks on and those helped a lot.

[Clifton]

Rwc0920 - Is it possible that you are not use to brake on BMWs or that you are new to your particular BMW?

If you switch between cars with an over boosted vacuum assisted brake pedal, or those with long pedal travel, or those needing their brake lines blead, you may find BMW brakes in general will feel a bit "touchy".

If the grabbiness you described is accompanied by grinding noises, pulling the car to one side of the road, or high pitched screeching, then there may be a mechanical issue.

Other than that, I think what you are describing is normal. Some pay extra for that level of initial brake bite or dial it out with different pad compounds as mentioned above.

[unluky]

Swap in ceramic pads. Initial bite is a little softer (I prefer it actually) and you get the added benefit of GREATLY reduced brake dust on your wheels. Win-Win

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by unluky

Swap in ceramic pads. Initial bite is a little softer (I prefer it actually) and you get the added benefit of GREATLY reduced brake dust on your wheels. Win-Win

Side note here is be very careful if you’re towing any serious weight. Anything other than stock is a bit of a gamble unless you have first hand experience.

I’ve been there, and wish I wouldn’t have been, le sigh.

[Rwc0920]

Thanks for all the input! Going to be swapping out for ceramic pads, new front rotors, and doing a brake fluid flush and see if there's a difference. Stay tuned