[07GraphiteXI]

Hey all,

I have an '07 328xi e90. My BRAKE light just turned on, from what I have read, and CBS was reading as my front brakes needing to be done. My car is a former lease, has about 64k miles. My questions are:

1. Can I just change out the pads or do I also have to do rotors as well?
2. I'm assuming I also have to buy a replacement wear sensor, is this true?
3. I'm probably going to just buy OEM pads off of tischer/bavauto. Is there any reason to get some other brand?
4. I'll be able to change them next weekend - is it okay to drive ~100 miles like this?

Here's a pic of the pads/rotor contact:

[kevin@bavarianx]

1. You can change just the pads unless your rotors are at minimal thickness(measure with a caliper).
2. If the brake light came on then you need to change the sensor.
3. If you don't mind the dust then stick with OEM pads. People change to other brands because they want less dust or a pad that won't fade at higher brake usage/temperatures.
4. Your pad should last the 100 miles if you are paranoid just take it easy and downshift a lot since you have a 6 speed.

[wesborl898]

Originally Posted by 07GraphiteXI

Hey all,

I have an '07 328xi e90. My BRAKE light just turned on, from what I have read, and CBS was reading as my front brakes needing to be done. My car is a former lease, has about 64k miles. My questions are:

1. Can I just change out the pads or do I also have to do rotors as well?
2. I'm assuming I also have to buy a replacement wear sensor, is this true?
3. I'm probably going to just buy OEM pads off of tischer/bavauto. Is there any reason to get some other brand?
4. I'll be able to change them next weekend - is it okay to drive ~100 miles like this?

Here's a pic of the pads/rotor contact:

Sometimes the CBS computer says you need your brakes changed even before they are due. It is not a direct correlation to pad life, just an estimate.
However, looking at your picture, it seems that the CBS data is correct and you should be changing your brake pads soon.

To answer your questions:
1- You do not need to change your rotors if it is still within spec. The spec for the rotor should be engraved on the outer rim of the rotor. Use a dial caliper to measure this.
2-Once your wear sensor is triggered (which it is in this case), you need to replace the sensor. This item is relatively cheap and easy to replace.
3-If you are happy and satisfied with OEM pads, stay with them.
4-Judging from that one picture, you should be fine. If you drive easy and don't track the car, you will most likely be able to drive past 100 miles.

[07GraphiteXI]

So I ended up getting the Axxis/PBR Metal Master Brake Pads off of Turner as per their recommendation. I will report back on how they are...

[Blue Streak]

Originally Posted by 07GraphiteXI

So I ended up getting the Axxis/PBR Metal Master Brake Pads off of Turner as per their recommendation. I will report back on how they are...

So how do you like them so far? I was thinking about the same pads. Did you install a new wear sensor too? How were the rotors and did you get them resurfaced/machined?