X3 Brakes - XBimmers

mynextbmw · 08-26-2012, 04:35 PM

Guys,

My wife bought the 13 X3 35i in May. SHe thinks the brakes arent very good and the car takes forever to stop. She has the M Sport Package.

WIthout going into detail what other car makes do with their brakes etc.

WHat are the options? Are there BMW Parts for upgrardes? I saw an article on the forum how the new 3 has blue brakes etc. DO those work on the X3? Are they big enough for the bigger car?

Thanks

Mingstar88 · 08-26-2012, 06:26 PM

35i has bigger brakes, i drove 28i loaner, the 35i brakes faster. the problem can be your wife, did u drive it to see?

mynextbmw · 08-26-2012, 06:50 PM

yea i did, the brakes are weak or i would not post. i need to call the parts shop and see if they sell bigger ones.

checking with the folks here as i have seen a post in the past which says bmw is doing something about it as an accessory - not sure if its made it as an accessory and gone downstream to the dealerships as yet.

ZipSpeed · 08-26-2012, 07:19 PM

I find the brakes to be quite good IMO. Above average anyway compared to my Forester.

mynextbmw · 08-26-2012, 07:23 PM

Found the link

http://www.shopbmwusa.com/ProductLis...=144&perf=true

the m performance brakes dont fit the X3

BMW Performance Front Axle Brake System
BMW M Performance Brake System
Orange, Red, Yellow

Guys, all im saying is after driving performance machines. the brakes need to be better. You guys should get drive an M for a a few hundred miles.

bmw b · 08-26-2012, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mynextbmw

Found the link

http://www.shopbmwusa.com/ProductLis...=144&perf=true

the m performance brakes dont fit the X3

BMW Performance Front Axle Brake System
BMW M Performance Brake System
Orange, Red, Yellow

Guys, all im saying is after driving performance machines. the brakes need to be better. You guys should get drive an M for a a few hundred miles.

You need to also remember that a large function of braking is the TIRE and not necessarily all about the size of the caliper and rotor.

blangin · 08-26-2012, 10:53 PM

Coming from an 06 330i - This was my first complaint when I had my first service. The brakes are terrible IMO. I understand it won't brake like a sedan will but it needs to do better. I didn't notice this same issue with the X5's.

nonagon · 08-27-2012, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blangin

Coming from an 06 330i - This was my first complaint when I had my first service. The brakes are terrible IMO. I understand it won't brake like a sedan will but it needs to do better. I didn't notice this same issue with the X5's.

Nothing wrong with the brakes on mine, and I drive fast. It's a 4222 lb. SUV, not a small car so you have to start braking a bit earlier. Obviously improvements can be made but the brakes handle the weight fine.

n55x3 · 08-27-2012, 09:22 AM

I take it you feel they just don't bite as hard as you are expecting? I also have a similar feeling when lazily stopping. It feels like there isn't much initial bite and I do think this is associated with the electronic brake force distribution. In an effort to keep nose dive at a minimum for safety (less chance of an oversteer situation when braking AND turning due to the rear axle being loaded versus the front) and comfort reasons (flat suspension at all 4 corners), in a normal stop, the rear brakes really drag. Also one of the reasons the rears wear out so much quicker. I find that I have to use more pedal pressure (equates to a deeper pedal push) to really get the front brakes to bite. I can even modulate the pedal travel from a light lazy push where the chassis stays level to pressing another half inch or so and really feeling the front calipers bite. When the fronts bite I can really feel it and stopping power is decent.

Obviously you are not stranger to good brakes. Your CTS-V brakes hard and fast all day long. Initial bite is very good, at least in the sedan version which I've had some seat time with.

When our pads are due for service I MAY decide to go with a bit more aggressive pad compound. I've ran Hawk HPS pads for years and really like them on my play cars.

Only other option is a BBK which I really haven't seen available yet. The F30 has some OEM aftermarket options but I honestly have no idea if those packages would work based on our offsets and wheel sizes.

monza2t · 08-27-2012, 10:50 AM

The stopping dist should be 42m from 60mph. For reference a 328i is 40m and an m3 is 37m. 42 isnt terrible, but not class leading either

I would recommend asking your service tech to see if they have dealt with this before. I would be surprised if they haven't.

Also in the past I have dealt with this sort of issue with better pads and freshly turned rotors to break the pads in good. OE pads are 'ok' but others are way better

n55x3 · 08-27-2012, 11:44 AM

Another thing worth mentioning along the lines of more aggressive pads is that the F30 has a couple versions of pads for the same cars depending on where in the world they are sold. Rumor has it that the MSport US models will now get the Euro-spec'd pads. These pads offer better initial bite but will have more brake dust and potentially more chatter than the US pads on non- MSport cars. I wonder if the Erup X3s have different pads than their US cousins. Might be able to get the dealer to install the Euro spec'd pads since they are OEM products.

gferguson · 08-27-2012, 12:44 PM

Noticed this also in my new X35. Have to press harder on the pedal to stop than in my previous 2008 328i. I will wait until it is broken in before raising the issue with the dealer.

rmeir · 08-27-2012, 01:45 PM

im coming from a tundra p/u and they dont stop it at all. I find the x3 brakes much superior. maybe perspective, and maybe you need to press on the pedal harder.

ctwickman · 08-27-2012, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mingstar88

35i has bigger brakes, i drove 28i loaner, the 35i brakes faster. the problem can be your wife, did u drive it to see?

No the 28i and 35i brakes are exactly the same and the 28i should stop faster because it weighs less.

calagod · 08-28-2012, 02:59 AM

One comment from Germany, my feeling is that the brake "power" is ok, but there is a kind "reaction"-second, which can scare the drivers that are not used to it
or at least can cause an irritation, when you are new on the driver seat f the X3 F25.
Especcially when you are using cruise control the feeling while first moment of braking is strange because the car seems not to slow down for a second. Sorry for my bad English.

Jurisprudent · 08-28-2012, 11:26 AM

Perhaps it's just a placebo thing, but I have noticed that my brakes seem to have improved after the first 1500 miles or so. I noticed the same exact thing when I had my brakes redone on my previous 330i. I don't know if it was/is more a matter of me getting used to the required pedal pressure as compared to the car I was previously driving, or if they actually took a little time to break-in. In both cases, the brakes work just fine, it's just that the pedal pressure required to really get some bite was more than perhaps I was used to.

Nahoa · 08-28-2012, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mynextbmw

Found the link

http://www.shopbmwusa.com/ProductLis...=144&perf=true

the m performance brakes dont fit the X3

BMW Performance Front Axle Brake System
BMW M Performance Brake System
Orange, Red, Yellow

Guys, all im saying is after driving performance machines. the brakes need to be better. You guys should get drive an M for a a few hundred miles.

If you want your car to brake like an M-car, buy an M-car. BMW standard braking is at the top of the industry. If this set-up can't stop you in time, you're following too close, simply driving too fast, or too scared to actually press the brake pedal to get what you need.

epiphone3 · 08-28-2012, 04:43 PM

From driving my E90 and the F25 X3, I think the brake pedal is just more progressive than that of a 3-series. THis is likely due to the market they are aimed at. I found the X3 simply required a little more pedal travel to get similar bite to my E90.

96_Impreza · 08-28-2012, 09:31 PM

If braking is a prime concern get a Chevy.
http://www.motortrend.com/features/m...t/viewall.html

mynextbmw · 08-29-2012, 07:28 PM

http://www.leftlanenews.com/next-gen...s-instead.html

something to look out for in the next m sports packages, or with the M badges next time around. The Brakes!!

Did not catch it on this purchase, the last line in the article.

Ranger 6 · 09-06-2012, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mynextbmw

yea i did, the brakes are weak or i would not post. i need to call the parts shop and see if they sell bigger ones.

checking with the folks here as i have seen a post in the past which says bmw is doing something about it as an accessory - not sure if its made it as an accessory and gone downstream to the dealerships as yet.

I would suggest it's your driving style or a problem with the car, maybe they just need bleeding through.

I use mine sometimes as a course car on gravel and tarmac rallies and believe me a 350 mile rally gives the whole thing a workout including the brakes.

ATX78703 · 09-06-2012, 09:44 AM

that's weird to have bad breaking on a bmw - my 5000 lb x5 premium (not even sport trim tires) has awesome breaking! Good feel, stopping distance, and repeatability

08-26-2012, 04:35 PM	#1
mynextbmw New Member Drives: X3 35 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: VA Posts: 15 iTrader: (0)	X3 Brakes Guys, My wife bought the 13 X3 35i in May. SHe thinks the brakes arent very good and the car takes forever to stop. She has the M Sport Package. WIthout going into detail what other car makes do with their brakes etc. WHat are the options? Are there BMW Parts for upgrardes? I saw an article on the forum how the new 3 has blue brakes etc. DO those work on the X3? Are they big enough for the bigger car? Thanks
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08-27-2012, 10:50 AM	#10
monza2t Private First Class Drives: E90 328i, R52 Mini, F25 X3 x35 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Kansas City Posts: 155 iTrader: (0)	The stopping dist should be 42m from 60mph. For reference a 328i is 40m and an m3 is 37m. 42 isnt terrible, but not class leading either I would recommend asking your service tech to see if they have dealt with this before. I would be surprised if they haven't. Also in the past I have dealt with this sort of issue with better pads and freshly turned rotors to break the pads in good. OE pads are 'ok' but others are way better __________________ _____________________________________________ E90 328i Sport & Prem // R52 MINI S JCW // X3 x35i 62 Mini Cooper 997 // 62 Vespa // Laphroaig 30-yr

08-28-2012, 11:26 AM	#16
Jurisprudent Second Lieutenant Drives: '13 X3 35i Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 224 iTrader: (0)	Perhaps it's just a placebo thing, but I have noticed that my brakes seem to have improved after the first 1500 miles or so. I noticed the same exact thing when I had my brakes redone on my previous 330i. I don't know if it was/is more a matter of me getting used to the required pedal pressure as compared to the car I was previously driving, or if they actually took a little time to break-in. In both cases, the brakes work just fine, it's just that the pedal pressure required to really get some bite was more than perhaps I was used to. __________________

09-06-2012, 09:44 AM	#22
ATX78703 Captain Drives: 2011 328i Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 716 iTrader: (0)	that's weird to have bad breaking on a bmw - my 5000 lb x5 premium (not even sport trim tires) has awesome breaking! Good feel, stopping distance, and repeatability __________________ 2011 X5 xDrive 35i Premium - 8AT, Cnv, Tch, 3rd Row, Cmfrt 2011 328i 4dr, 6MT - Sprt, Prm, Cmfrt

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08-26-2012, 06:26 PM	#2
Mingstar88 Private First Class Drives: BMW X3 35i Carbon Black MSport Join Date: May 2011 Location: GTA Posts: 151 iTrader: (0)	35i has bigger brakes, i drove 28i loaner, the 35i brakes faster. the problem can be your wife, did u drive it to see?

08-26-2012, 06:50 PM	#3
mynextbmw New Member Drives: X3 35 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: VA Posts: 15 iTrader: (0)	yea i did, the brakes are weak or i would not post. i need to call the parts shop and see if they sell bigger ones. checking with the folks here as i have seen a post in the past which says bmw is doing something about it as an accessory - not sure if its made it as an accessory and gone downstream to the dealerships as yet.

08-26-2012, 07:19 PM	#4
ZipSpeed Private Drives: 2011 X3 xDrive35i Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 67 iTrader: (0)	I find the brakes to be quite good IMO. Above average anyway compared to my Forester.

08-26-2012, 07:23 PM	#5
mynextbmw New Member Drives: X3 35 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: VA Posts: 15 iTrader: (0)	Found the link http://www.shopbmwusa.com/ProductLis...=144&perf=true the m performance brakes dont fit the X3 BMW Performance Front Axle Brake System BMW M Performance Brake System Orange, Red, Yellow Guys, all im saying is after driving performance machines. the brakes need to be better. You guys should get drive an M for a a few hundred miles.

08-26-2012, 10:53 PM	#7
blangin New Member Drives: 06 330i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: sacramento Posts: 21 iTrader: (0)	Coming from an 06 330i - This was my first complaint when I had my first service. The brakes are terrible IMO. I understand it won't brake like a sedan will but it needs to do better. I didn't notice this same issue with the X5's.

08-27-2012, 09:22 AM	#9
n55x3 Lieutenant Drives: n55 x3 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: us Posts: 411 iTrader: (0)	I take it you feel they just don't bite as hard as you are expecting? I also have a similar feeling when lazily stopping. It feels like there isn't much initial bite and I do think this is associated with the electronic brake force distribution. In an effort to keep nose dive at a minimum for safety (less chance of an oversteer situation when braking AND turning due to the rear axle being loaded versus the front) and comfort reasons (flat suspension at all 4 corners), in a normal stop, the rear brakes really drag. Also one of the reasons the rears wear out so much quicker. I find that I have to use more pedal pressure (equates to a deeper pedal push) to really get the front brakes to bite. I can even modulate the pedal travel from a light lazy push where the chassis stays level to pressing another half inch or so and really feeling the front calipers bite. When the fronts bite I can really feel it and stopping power is decent. Obviously you are not stranger to good brakes. Your CTS-V brakes hard and fast all day long. Initial bite is very good, at least in the sedan version which I've had some seat time with. When our pads are due for service I MAY decide to go with a bit more aggressive pad compound. I've ran Hawk HPS pads for years and really like them on my play cars. Only other option is a BBK which I really haven't seen available yet. The F30 has some OEM aftermarket options but I honestly have no idea if those packages would work based on our offsets and wheel sizes.

08-27-2012, 11:44 AM	#11
n55x3 Lieutenant Drives: n55 x3 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: us Posts: 411 iTrader: (0)	Another thing worth mentioning along the lines of more aggressive pads is that the F30 has a couple versions of pads for the same cars depending on where in the world they are sold. Rumor has it that the MSport US models will now get the Euro-spec'd pads. These pads offer better initial bite but will have more brake dust and potentially more chatter than the US pads on non- MSport cars. I wonder if the Erup X3s have different pads than their US cousins. Might be able to get the dealer to install the Euro spec'd pads since they are OEM products.

08-27-2012, 12:44 PM	#12
gferguson New Member Drives: X3 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 16 iTrader: (0)	Noticed this also in my new X35. Have to press harder on the pedal to stop than in my previous 2008 328i. I will wait until it is broken in before raising the issue with the dealer.

08-27-2012, 01:45 PM	#13
rmeir Private First Class Drives: x3 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: chicago il Posts: 148 iTrader: (0)	im coming from a tundra p/u and they dont stop it at all. I find the x3 brakes much superior. maybe perspective, and maybe you need to press on the pedal harder.

08-28-2012, 02:59 AM	#15
calagod Green Light Drives: 11/11 X3 20d MPack Carbonblack Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Germany Posts: 37 iTrader: (0)	One comment from Germany, my feeling is that the brake "power" is ok, but there is a kind "reaction"-second, which can scare the drivers that are not used to it or at least can cause an irritation, when you are new on the driver seat f the X3 F25. Especcially when you are using cruise control the feeling while first moment of braking is strange because the car seems not to slow down for a second. Sorry for my bad English.

08-28-2012, 04:43 PM	#18
epiphone3 Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 2013 BMW X3 35i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Calgary Posts: 1,641 iTrader: (0)	From driving my E90 and the F25 X3, I think the brake pedal is just more progressive than that of a 3-series. THis is likely due to the market they are aimed at. I found the X3 simply required a little more pedal travel to get similar bite to my E90.

08-28-2012, 09:31 PM	#19
96_Impreza Private Drives: 96 Impreza,07 Vette,11 X3 35i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 55 iTrader: (0)	If braking is a prime concern get a Chevy. http://www.motortrend.com/features/m...t/viewall.html

08-29-2012, 07:28 PM	#20
mynextbmw New Member Drives: X3 35 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: VA Posts: 15 iTrader: (0)	http://www.leftlanenews.com/next-gen...s-instead.html something to look out for in the next m sports packages, or with the M badges next time around. The Brakes!! Did not catch it on this purchase, the last line in the article.