520d (e60) front brake pads

irish bloke

Hi have a 520d msport that require new front brake pads.

Replaced them a few years ago and remember paying €200ish for BMW pads as read a lot about the sensors not reusable or working on the non OWN versions

Can anyone tell me is this still the case and if not can they recommend a really good alternative pad with sensors.

ThanksðŸ‘

Stoolbend

Any decent brand pads and wear indicator will work.

FixitFelix

Micksgarage or misterauto is where I get mine, alot cheaper than that

irish bloke

Stoolbend wrote: »

Any decent brand pads and wear indicator will work.

Normally I would say you are right, but there is an issue with non OEM wear sensors not operating correctly and also the fact reusing them does not work well.

Has anyone any experience on this?

Thanks

rex-x

If you had only pads last time then you will likely need discs this time, the e60 is quite heavy on discs.

irish bloke

rex-x wrote: »

If you had only pads last time then you will likely need discs this time, the e60 is quite heavy on discs.

Seriously guys, if you don't know about the specific issue I am referring to then I would prefer no answer.
Thanks..

irish bloke

rex-x wrote: »

If you had only pads last time then you will likely need discs this time, the e60 is quite heavy on discs.

Seriously guys, if you don't know about the specific issue I am referring to then I would prefer no answer.
Thanks..

George Dalton

You can’t re-use the old sensors but you don’t have to use genuine.

George Dalton

rex-x wrote: »

If you had only pads last time then you will likely need discs this time, the e60 is quite heavy on discs.

And I’d agree with this 100%

rebel.ranter

irish bloke wrote: »

Hi have a 520d msport that require new front brake pads.

Replaced them a few years ago and remember paying €200ish for BMW pads as read a lot about the sensors not reusable or working on the non OWN versions

Can anyone tell me is this still the case and if not can they recommend a really good alternative pad with sensors.

Thanks

The brake pad wear sensors whether they are OEM or not are a 2 stage item. The 2 stages allow the sensor to be a little bit more accurate reporting back to iDrive menu. The reason you cannot re-use them is the first stage wears away as part of the process. The iDrive brake wear indicator cannot be reset is the first stage is worn.

A good alternative pad is an ATE branded pad (& sensor), ATE are one of the parts manufacturers that make brake components (including pads & discs) for BMW. BMW branded brake parts are actually made by the likes of ATE, Jurid & Pagid. Go to eurocarparts and there is always a discount code available (obtain by googling) that makes them reasonably priced.

Oh, as others have said, get discs as well, the minimum thickness for brake discs for a 520d (assume that’s what you have) is 22.4mm front & 18.4mm on the rear. If the discs are close to this you run the risk of sub-optimal braking right up to the possibility of wearing through the disc. You don’t want that....

irish bloke

George Dalton wrote: »

You can’t re-use the old sensors but you don’t have to use genuine.

Thanks for the reply. Can you let me know what are the non OEM pads that are OK?

irish bloke

rebel.ranter wrote: »

The brake pad wear sensors whether they are OEM or not are a 2 stage item. The 2 stages allow the sensor to be a little bit more accurate reporting back to iDrive menu. The reason you cannot re-use them is the first stage wears away as part of the process. The iDrive brake wear indicator cannot be reset is the first stage is worn.

A good alternative pad is an ATE branded pad (& sensor), ATE are one of the parts manufacturers that make brake components (including pads & discs) for BMW. BMW branded brake parts are actually made by the likes of ATE, Jurid & Pagid. Go to eurocarparts and there is always a discount code available (obtain by googling) that makes them reasonably priced.

Oh, as others have said, get discs as well, the minimum thickness for brake discs for a 520d (assume that’s what you have) is 22.4mm front & 18.4mm on the rear. If the discs are close to this you run the risk of sub-optimal braking right up to the possibility of wearing through the disc. You don’t want that....

Sound, thanks for that. I will inspect discs like I always do to determine if they are OK or not

George Dalton

irish bloke wrote: »

Thanks for the reply. Can you let me know what are the non OEM pads that are OK?

We use Delphi wear sensors usually but also various other aftermarket brands and we never have any problems with them.

As for the pads themselves it’s up to you. To be honest if it was my own car I’d buy the parts from BMW. Their value line kit of pads and sensors is actually pretty reasonably priced. Failing that I would suggest sticking with the better quality aftermarket suppliers, EG Brembo, ATE, Bosch, Ferodo, Jurid, Pagid, TRW etc. There are plenty of cheaper options as well but you get what you pay for IMO.

irish bloke

George Dalton wrote: »

We use Delphi wear sensors usually but also various other aftermarket brands and we never have any problems with them.

As for the pads themselves it’s up to you. To be honest if it was my own car I’d buy the parts from BMW. Their value line kit of pads and sensors is actually pretty reasonably priced. Failing that I would suggest sticking with the better quality aftermarket suppliers, EG Brembo, ATE, Bosch, Ferodo, Jurid, Pagid, TRW etc. There are plenty of cheaper options as well but you get what you pay for IMO.

Great info, thanks for that