[glennbk]

Originally Posted by g11hoonigan

Although there's not a lot of (decent) options to choose from, this comes down to your priorities / driving conditions/habits IMO. Dust, noise, price, coefficient of friction, etc. - which of these characteristics are you willing to forgo? Can't have them all unfortunately. The OEM pad IMO is well-rounded and tough to beat, it's just the dust that some owners don't like (me included). Same is true for rotors. Cross-drilled/slotted won't add anything besides being aesthetically pleasing - unless maybe if you spend a few thousands, which can still be 'best' for the money if you're tracking. That said, the answer largely depends on your use-case

Any experience with Akebono?

[GixY2K]

Originally Posted by g11hoonigan

Although there's not a lot of (decent) options to choose from, this comes down to your priorities / driving conditions/habits IMO. Dust, noise, price, coefficient of friction, etc. - which of these characteristics are you willing to forgo? Can't have them all unfortunately. The OEM pad IMO is well-rounded and tough to beat, it's just the dust that some owners don't like (me included). Same is true for rotors. Cross-drilled/slotted won't add anything besides being aesthetically pleasing - unless maybe if you spend a few thousands, which can still be 'best' for the money if you're tracking. That said, the answer largely depends on your use-case

So, you hit it right on the nail.

Yes, I'm looking for something that performs as well as OEM, but lasts longer and won't produce as much brake dust. Apparently, that does not exist.

I think I came across a post for a DIY for the X3 M40i where they were recommending the R1-Concept Optimum with ceramic pads. https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1720790

But if it's only going to save me a couple of hundreds over OEM, I'll probably stick with OEM.

[mike murphy]

This thread is helpful.

I have the yellow service light come on saying my rear brakes need service in 1200 miles. At 23,976 miles, we had 8mm of pad material left and at 33,868 miles, we had 6mm left. Our 2019 X3 M40i now has 41,554 miles, so I'm guessing we are down to 4mm now. I looked and they look thin, but the advice given at the tire shop said to just let the trip wire flash the red warning and then come in. Don't replace them now. I said, "But maybe we don't want the rotors to have scoring?" He said, "the rotor thickness is so thin, rotors usually need to be replaced anyway."

Any truth to the rotor comment he made above? Should I take the wheel off and measure the pad thickness?

[g11hoonigan]

Originally Posted by mike murphy

This thread is helpful.

I have the yellow service light come on saying my rear brakes need service in 1200 miles. At 23,976 miles, we had 8mm of pad material left and at 33,868 miles, we had 6mm left. Our 2019 X3 M40i now has 41,554 miles, so I'm guessing we are down to 4mm now. I looked and they look thin, but the advice given at the tire shop said to just let the trip wire flash the red warning and then come in. Don't replace them now. I said, "But maybe we don't want the rotors to have scoring?" He said, "the rotor thickness is so thin, rotors usually need to be replaced anyway."

Any truth to the rotor comment he made above? Should I take the wheel off and measure the pad thickness?

You can easily eyeball it - assuming your wheels permit. OEM pads eat rotors so yes, if you ran it this long then your rotors might need replacing as well. Telltale sign is the lip being more pronounced.

But I will suggest not to wait for it to trip the sensor. It's cheap but unnecessary spending. Maybe some techs just rip the sh*t out of it when removing so they conveniently advise to replace it. Took me under 2 mins the first time I did it on BMW - and that includes the time I searched for my flat head screwdriver

Originally Posted by GixY2K

So, you hit it right on the nail.

Yes, I'm looking for something that performs as well as OEM, but lasts longer and won't produce as much brake dust. Apparently, that does not exist.

I think I came across a post for a DIY for the X3 M40i where they were recommending the R1-Concept Optimum with ceramic pads. https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1720790

But if it's only going to save me a couple of hundreds over OEM, I'll probably stick with OEM.

How did yours go btw?

Originally Posted by glennbk

Any experience with Akebono?

Yes - although mostly on Infiniti/Nissan vehicles, not on BMW yet.

[das boots]

Originally Posted by g11hoonigan

You can easily eyeball it - assuming your wheels permit. OEM pads eat rotors so yes, if you ran it this long then your rotors might need replacing as well. Telltale sign is the lip being more pronounced.

But I will suggest not to wait for it to trip the sensor. It's cheap but unnecessary spending. Maybe some techs just rip the sh*t out of it when removing so they conveniently advise to replace it. Took me under 2 mins the first time I did it on BMW - and that includes the time I searched for my flat head screwdriver




How did yours go btw?



Yes - although mostly on Infiniti/Nissan vehicles, not on BMW yet.

Are Brake Sensors for G01 & G02 still located in Front Left and Right Rear like all previous BMWs? And still using the same type?

[g11hoonigan]

Originally Posted by das boots

Are Brake Sensors for G01 & G02 still located in Front Left and Right Rear like all previous BMWs? And still using the same type?

Yes, same location for G01/G02. Not sure how you would define 'type.' Design may be similar but mounting may be a little different.