[slowblackx3f25]

So today I noticed my x3 struggling to brake after it sat in the cold for a few hours, during cold start, after waiting for the RPM's to settle, I started driving, the front brakes would make a thump noise when coming to a full stop, after driving and braking for 2-5 km's, the noise went away.


After I got home and parked the x3, I did a visual inspection and noticed the front L+R rotors looking all beat up (see pics) and the pads look worn out as well.

The rear L+R rotors and pads were replaced last year, the front a couple years ago, so I'll probably replace the front rotors and pads in the next few days.


But based off the pics, what do you guys think?
(The drilled and slotted rotors are the rears).

[Opie55]

Those pads are not even 1/4 worn out. Those slotted rotors look fine. The only question is those spots on the other rotors. They don't look worn, just spotted. Any chance you have air in your lines so that you are not getting full braking pressure?

[Wgosma]

Pads and rotors look like they have plenty of material. Maybe it's just the cold temps, pads don't provide optimal bite when they are cold…..is this a new issue or have you noticed this before?

[slowblackx3f25]

Originally Posted by Opie55

Those pads are not even 1/4 worn out. Those slotted rotors look fine. The only question is those spots on the other rotors. They don't look worn, just spotted. Any chance you have air in your lines so that you are not getting full braking pressure?

I did get brake fluid service done the last time I replaced the brakes, so there should not be air in the brake lines… I do notice the spots and I did wonder the same.

I'm concerned about the inner-side brake pad.
I'm going to go ahead and replace the front rotors and pads (to slotted and drilled performance rotors + ceramic brake pads)

The front rotors look bad to me and by feeling up the front rotors with my finger, it feels really rough, compared to the feel of the rear rotors. The rear rotors look and feel fine to me.

[slowblackx3f25]

Originally Posted by Wgosma

Pads and rotors look like they have plenty of material. Maybe it's just the cold temps, pads don't provide optimal bite when they are cold…..is this a new issue or have you noticed this before?

Thinking back to when I first installed the front rotors and brake pads, yes! I always noticed the "thump" noise when coming to a full stop (when it's cold outside).

It doesn't make noise after warming up the brakes by braking for 2-5 km's of driving, or in the summer time.

So it's nothing new.

It's just that it was a louder thump yesterday morning so I decided to shine light at the rotors/pads/callipers to see what was going on and found the front rotors surface to be all roughed up…

Yes I know there's way worse out there but I like to compare my cars to the cars that have excellent brakes. Like this X5 I seen at a shop!

Back to my x3, I will be changing the front rotors and pads. The rear rotors and pads can wait until next year December.

Thank you all and happy holidays!!!!

[najnad]

Stainless steel brake lines if you haven't already. But it sounds like you have brake pistons binding and/or brake master cylinder issue. And slotted&drilled rotors do little to nothing other than cost more. I do swear by Akebono Euro ceramic pads though, they are great.