2011 X5 Front Brake Pads

[boa1977]

Hello,

My 2011 X5 front bake pads needs replacement. I have 48k miles on the x5 and its unfortunately its not under maintenance anymore. Any idea how much front brake pads and installation will cost? Should i get it through the dealer or outside? Any recommendations would be appreciated.

[mitch808]

I just bought pads and a sensor for the fronts for about $75 from turner motorsports. (Centric PosiQuiet pads), as well as two front rotors from amazon for $40 each.

It took me an hour to change in my garage with hand tools.

You will pay 3x-5x what I paid at the dealer.

[boa1977]

This is the sensor you bought? I have a x5 35i
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/show...0i-e71-x6m-50i

[mitch808]

they have a filter on their site to show you what fits your car.

[Flying Ace]

Rounded to the nearest dollar for each component based on the cheapest dealer online pricing:

$76 for front pads for each corner (x2) = 152
$98 for rear pads for each corner (x2) = 196
$3 for fluid per bottle (x) 2 = 6
$65 front rotor, each (x) 2 = 130
$113 rear rotor, each (x) 2 = 226

Total: $710 for parts

Indy shop labor would range between $400-$500 (just a guess, but can't be $1000 for a 4 hour job).

So let's say grand total of a brake job is $1200, sourcing it privately and having indy shop do this

[mitch808]

That's insane that brake pads cost as much as they do at the dealer, let alone they charge individually. Really, when is it ever a good idea to change just one pad? Their rotor prices are not too bad and not all craycray pricing. :-)

Seriously though, this is a 1hr job per pair, budgeting 3hrs tops to change pads and rotors.
Fluid is something you do once every 1-2yrs based on driving habits. Often it's better done at a dealer, as there are times you need to cycle the ABS system.

[rennis]

Originally Posted by mitch808

That's insane that brake pads cost as much as they do at the dealer, let alone they charge individually. Really, when is it ever a good idea to change just one pad? Their rotor prices are not too bad and not all craycray pricing. :-)

Seriously though, this is a 1hr job per pair, budgeting 3hrs tops to change pads and rotors.
Fluid is something you do once every 1-2yrs based on driving habits. Often it's better done at a dealer, as there are times you need to cycle the ABS system.

2nd this - do it yourself, it's a cake job. Tutorials on youtube are easy to find.

Only handtool I didn't have was the correct 6 point/allen to loosen one of the carrier bolts on the caliper. If memory serves it's a 9mm bolt, which isn't a common size if you've got average joe hand tools.

[PAX5]

Originally Posted by rennis

2nd this - do it yourself, it's a cake job. Tutorials on youtube are easy to find.

Only handtool I didn't have was the correct 6 point/allen to loosen one of the carrier bolts on the caliper. If memory serves it's a 9mm bolt, which isn't a common size if you've got average joe hand tools.

Caliper carrier bolt is a special E-socket (star) #18. Don't attempt to do the job with a 6 point socket ... it will strip the bolt:

[djrabbi]

Any aftermarket recommendations? I feel like factory brakes aren't up to par or maybe just me? I drive my dad's ML and MDX, feels like the car stops where X5 takes a while to come to a complete stop

[mitch808]

The centric setup I just bought is fine. The key is good bedding.

Your current pads probably need a good sanding on the rotors, and the pads rebed. Or just replace with new stuff and bed in properly.

[mweisdorfer]

Akebono pads and new oem sensor like BOWA Might run you $90.00. Make sure you clean up the brake caliper sliding bolts and re-lube the casing they go into like:

wiCRC 05361 Silaramic Brake System Grease - 5 oz.