[rohan_b79]

I just thought I would share my experience with other fellow X3 owners. Also I am providing some parts and labor pricing for reference with which you can go with for negotiations. Specifications also being given as I feel many threads miss this vital information.

At 63k miles my 2011 X3 35i, requires its third set of rear brake pads and rotors.
The rotors have a min spec of 18.4mm if anyone is curious , mine were at 18.1. Cost $128 for a pair.
The pads need to be replaced once below 3mm. Cost $69

The BMW dealer in Mtn. View quoted me $935, instead I got better quality akebono euro ceramic pads and original German made zimmerman rotors, while BMW uses (Textar brand mostly )OEM parts that are made in China. These after market parts are also OEM suppliers and exceed what stock parts can offer in terms of performance. I came out the door spending $317 (1.2 hr labor @$100/hr) at my local European specialist garage in Milpitas,CA which also included a courtesy brake fluid flush( seperately priced at $75). A total Savings of atleast 66% over what I was quoted by BMW dealer.

I first thought of doing the job myself, but after seeing the guys work for over 2 hours with some issues in taking the wheel off as it gets stuck which is normal. I was happy I didn't undertake the task myself.
The braking performance with akebono ceramics has been great, I won't believe everything I read on numerous threads about the slightly less braking performance. Right out of the door the performance was actually better than stock pads and had nothing lacking. Will go with ceramic again for my fronts when needed.

[Tjalle]

I don't have a problem with Akebono/Zimmerman being better than OEM, but I am curious: how do you define better performance?

Brakepedal feel/force is depending on pads - at given system.

Brake performance - if ABS activated - is related to ABS and tires.

Also: how many front sets of pads/discs have you replaced?

[epiphone3]

Originally Posted by rohan_b79

I just thought I would share my experience with other fellow X3 owners. Also I am providing some parts and labor pricing for reference with which you can go with for negotiations. Specifications also being given as I feel many threads miss this vital information.

At 63k miles my 2011 X3 35i, requires its third set of rear brake pads and rotors.
The rotors have a min spec of 18.4mm if anyone is curious , mine were at 18.1. Cost $128 for a pair.
The pads need to be replaced once below 3mm. Cost $69

The BMW dealer in Mtn. View quoted me $935, instead I got better quality akebono euro ceramic pads and original German made zimmerman rotors, while BMW uses (Textar brand mostly )OEM parts that are made in China. These after market parts are also OEM suppliers and exceed what stock parts can offer in terms of performance. I came out the door spending $317 (1.2 hr labor @$100/hr) at my local European specialist garage in Milpitas,CA which also included a courtesy brake fluid flush( seperately priced at $75). A total Savings of atleast 66% over what I was quoted by BMW dealer.

I first thought of doing the job myself, but after seeing the guys work for over 2 hours with some issues in taking the wheel off as it gets stuck which is normal. I was happy I didn't undertake the task myself.
The braking performance with akebono ceramics has been great, I won't believe everything I read on numerous threads about the slightly less braking performance. Right out of the door the performance was actually better than stock pads and had nothing lacking. Will go with ceramic again for my fronts when needed.

Two things:
1. You seem to go through rear rotors and pads fast. I just had my rear rotors and pads changed at 45,550 miles... the pads were right at the 3mm minimum.
2. Your dealers seems quite the rip off. My dealer charged me $577 Canadian complete the rear rotors and pad replacement.

[exon]

If the rear brakes bite harder than the front, wouldn't that cause instability? somewhat like pulling the hand brake.

[Tjalle]

exon - yes it could, if you don't have ABS and ESP.

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by exon

If the rear brakes bite harder than the front, wouldn't that cause instability? somewhat like pulling the hand brake.

It would not unless you're locking up the rear tires but ABS should prevent that.

In fact, biasing braking to the rear axle would create slightly more stability in straight line braking.

In the F30 335i M Sport RWD with M Sport Brake Option + F80 M3/M4 brake pads, you can feel the rear get very light under heavy braking (120mph to 40mph) with the stock Sport suspension.