Check Brake Linings!

[X5Sport]

The warning has just appeared on our E53. Any idea as to approx how long it will be before they actually need replacing? I am ssuming you get a little time before ending up with all metal braking!

The other question is - how do you know which set the warning refers to? The car is still on its original pads and rotors at about 46,000 miles. It seems a little odd that BMW go to all the trouble of adding driver protection and warning information systems, but then don't tell you which end on the car needs looking at. I don't expect all the wheels need doing and am assuming it is more likely to be the fronts given that most of the braking effort is generally applied to the front brakes - hence larger braking units at that ebd.

Anyone know of a good place to get pads from - assuming I don't need OEM - and is it 'good practice' to do the rotors as well? If so from where? Any recommendations from those who have DIY'd it? It does not look like a major job but I have no guide on what needs to come off in what order and what other parts must be done at the same time.

I know I can get some 'how to' info from Xoutpost.

[gmc15]

Sensors are on front near side and rear off side. A visual inspection should tell you which ones need doing, but at 46K I would be inclined to do both front and back. Remember you will need a new sensor as well as they wear through to break a circuit to give the warning signal. Sometimes the inner pad wears more than the outer one so you may need to look behind the discs.
By rotors, do you mean discs? Again a visual inspection should show if they have worn thin and have a lip on the outside edge. I would be inclined to change these as well at the same time as the pads. So it looks like new discs and pads all round

I get my parts from eurocarparts. Just type your reg in and it will find the bits for your car. You then have the choice of which manufacturer to choose from. I always go for OEM parts as they are not too much dearer than other ones.

Changing both pads and discs is quite straight forward if you are OK at car maintanance.

HTH

Graeme.

[pvr]

At 48k, I changed the pads all around. No need to change the disks usually.

I put the Axxis ones on, no more dust. Paid £50 for all 4 sets and 15 minutes per wheel to fit.