[JUSKIDN]

Has anyone replaced their brakes themselves? I wanted to get some input. I saw a youtube video and it only showed one sensor on a front wheel. Some sites for brakes say both sensors or included and Im guessing thats front and rear? I was looking to get the Hawk ceramic ones with slotted rotors or maybe the red stuff ones, anything that will stop all the factory brake dust.

[John in VA]

Brake pad sensors are used at the front left & right rear corners.

[spitpilot]

Originally Posted by John in VA

Brake pad sensors are used at the front left & right rear corners.

Yes and BMW warns against reusing sensors if you change pads B4 they are worn...something about removing sensor from pad destroys the senor's mounting so it can't lock into place in the new pad.

[a803sgo]

Originally Posted by spitpilot

Yes and BMW warns against reusing sensors if you change pads B4 they are worn...something about removing sensor from pad destroys the senor's mounting so it can't lock into place in the new pad.

Nope. they only need replacing if they've been triggered, if not carefully remove them and reinstall.

[floydarogers]

Originally Posted by a803sgo

Nope. they only need replacing if they've been triggered, if not carefully remove them and reinstall.

This is not correct. The newer sensors (for the E9x and F3x) have a two-stage system. One wire wears through after a short time, to give the system a rate-of-wear; that drives the estimate in the service menu. The 2nd wire, when it wears out means CHANGE PADS NOW!

[Orion4]

Originally Posted by floydarogers

This is not correct. The newer sensors (for the E9x and F3x) have a two-stage system. One wire wears through after a short time, to give the system a rate-of-wear; that drives the estimate in the service menu. The 2nd wire, when it wears out means CHANGE PADS NOW!

Whats the source of that info? According to Turner, for the F-series, the sensor only must be replaced if the Brake Pad warning has been tripped. They do recommend replacing the sensor even if not tripped since they become brittle over time and may fail while removing. I can't find a reference to the two stage system you describe.

[floydarogers]

Originally Posted by Orion4

Whats the source of that info? According to Turner, for the F-series, the sensor only must be replaced if the Brake Pad warning has been tripped. They do recommend replacing the sensor even if not tripped since they become brittle over time and may fail while removing. I can't find a reference to the two stage system you describe.

It was going around on one or more forums, can't remember which, back in the E9x days. Perhaps it's fake news.

In any case, I'd replace it - the old ones often crack getting them out of the old pad.

Here's one source. The poster is an extremely reliable individual. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...4&postcount=16
and http://www.tomorrowstechnician.com/b...-wear-sensors/

[Orion4]

Originally Posted by floydarogers

It was going around on one or more forums, can't remember which, back in the E9x days. Perhaps it's fake news.

In any case, I'd replace it - the old ones often crack getting them out of the old pad.

Here's one source. The poster is an extremely reliable individual. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...4&postcount=16
and http://www.tomorrowstechnician.com/b...-wear-sensors/

That's a new one on me and I've banging on these cars for years. Regardless, I agree- change the sensors at the same time while its convenient and you wont have to redo the work

[Class5Kayaker]

Originally Posted by John in VA

Brake pad sensors are used at the front left & right rear corners.

^^^^^^
THIS

Also, sensors are really fragile and a royal pain to remove without breaking the clip. They're relatively inexpensive. I always just order new ones and yank out the old ones without worrying about re-using them. Plus if you tried to reuse them, and didn't have new ones on hand, and broke the sensor while removing, then you'd have to order new ones, and then get back in there to replace at a later date.

Just order new sensors and replace.

[JUSKIDN]

are the sensors included in after market brake sets or do those have to purchased from dealer??

[1QuikWS6]

Originally Posted by JUSKIDN

are the sensors included in after market brake sets or do those have to purchased from dealer??

Normally sensors are not included unless buying a kit that specifically states they are...

I buy my rotors from R1Concepts, pads from whomever has the best deal on brand I like, & sensors from ECSTuning

And I agree, whether they need replacing or not - best practice is to buy new & replace at every pad change - cost is $56 for both in OEM BMW from ECS - it's not like you change the brakes that often (or at least you shouldn't be on a daily driver)

I actually made it a habit to replace the Guide Bushings & Anti-Rattle Clips on the brakes of my BMW's if they have them...

[spitpilot]

If you want to go with OEM pads...BMW has "value parts kit" that the dealers use for Value Service I guess..anyway they include BMW OEM sensor and ECS sells the kits..at least for my E90...was better price than buying pads and sensor separately for sure.

[JUSKIDN]

Originally Posted by spitpilot

If you want to go with OEM pads...BMW has "value parts kit" that the dealers use for Value Service I guess..anyway they include BMW OEM sensor and ECS sells the kits..at least for my E90...was better price than buying pads and sensor separately for sure.

Im done with BMW OEM pads......the dust is ridiculous. Wanting to go with Hawk ceramic ones.

[JUSKIDN]

Originally Posted by 1QuikWS6

Normally sensors are not included unless buying a kit that specifically states they are...

I buy my rotors from R1Concepts, pads from whomever has the best deal on brand I like, & sensors from ECSTuning

And I agree, whether they need replacing or not - best practice is to buy new & replace at every pad change - cost is $56 for both in OEM BMW from ECS - it's not like you change the brakes that often (or at least you shouldn't be on a daily driver)

I actually made it a habit to replace the Guide Bushings & Anti-Rattle Clips on the brakes of my BMW's if they have them...

So which rotors did you get? I see plain, drilled, slotted then drilled and slotted. And are you happy with them?

[1QuikWS6]

Originally Posted by JUSKIDN

So which rotors did you get? I see plain, drilled, slotted then drilled and slotted. And are you happy with them?

Drilled/slotted

Very happy with them - I had a set on my E92 previous to my F32

[Orion4]

Originally Posted by JUSKIDN

Im done with BMW OEM pads......the dust is ridiculous. Wanting to go with Hawk ceramic ones.

I installed Hawk ceramics on my 99 540 sport and 08 335i when they came due for their first brake change. Loved them, low dust, no squeal, initial bite is not quite as aggressive as BMW OEM pads (Dust!), but firm and very linear progressive braking. Will be installing them this Spring on my 13 335i

[BunkerJ]

Just be careful with the sensors and you're fine. Can't hurt to replace them ofc, but I've used the same sensors twice now.

[nanook]

Replaced front brake pads with OEM parts and brake sensor (NAPA) around 2000 miles ago. Service brake light came on recently and I pulled the tires to ensure everything was still connected (it was). Is replacing the brake sensor again the best option?

[Billfitz]

A sensor shouldn't fail after only 2k miles. Check the thickness of that inner pad again. Another possibility is that the sensor came loose at the other end.