brake pad warning light - United Bimmer Community

DEATH2000 · 08-15-2005, 12:32 PM

When i was coming back from camping with some freinds and i noticed the brake pad warnign light come on. At first i didnt know what it was, then after reading the owners manual i found out it was the pad warning light. Now ive been doing a fair bit of highway driving and ive put alot of stress on my brakes so that may have helped.

What i need to now is when it comes on does it mean all the pads need replacing? Cause i thought normally the OBC would come on and say something, like which pads were worn or how badly, but so far it hasnt.

So since ill most likley have to replace my pads, what type should i go with? I want something that wont give me alot of brake dust but will still be compatible with my stock rotors. Thanks

**xsperf** · 08-15-2005, 12:34 PM

something ceramic reduces brake dust and has good stopping power

**Rooz** · 08-15-2005, 12:46 PM

go with ceramic

**munichman** · 08-15-2005, 01:41 PM

make sure the brake sensors arent going bad, this is a common problem on 3 series

**Dudesky** · 08-15-2005, 02:23 PM

As far as which to replace, you replace them in pairs, if not all, as in front pair or rear pair. Besides, it's not likely that each side would wear out at different rates. Unless you normally drive on 2 wheels

The OBC won't tell you that stuff . . there are only 2 sensors: on the driver side front, and passenger side rear.

**GetCoolParts** · 08-17-2005, 05:19 PM

If the warning light is on that usually means that one of the sensors has been triggered. As Dudesky mentioned, there is one front and one rear. You would need to inspect both sets of pads to determine which need replacing.

When installing new brake pads (and a new sensor) you will want to either resurface/turn or replace your rotors. The ceramic pad suggestion is a good one. I run PBR Metal Masters on my 325. Minimal dust and good performance.

**Dudesky** · 08-18-2005, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GetCoolParts

When installing new brake pads (and a new sensor) you will want to either resurface/turn or replace your rotors.

Really? Doesn't the bedding in procedure bond the pads to the rotors? I thought you only turn/resurface if the discs were grooved.

**bigtom21485** · 11-14-2007, 08:02 PM

does anyone run organic pads on their bmw? i keep hearing that the oem pads & rotors are specially mad to be softer for increased friction and therefore better brake performance with less heat for a given pad & rotor thickness, and i DO NOT want to sacrafice brake performance for anything...i dont care if i have to wash my wheels everyday.

**Numark318i** · 11-14-2007, 08:59 PM

i am running ceramic Euro somethign or others on my 330. I love em. they stop better then with the stock pads.

I didnt turn my rotors either...they now have 130k on them, no warp and no grooves.

**mullethunter3** · 11-14-2007, 11:48 PM

Am I the only poor college student here who thinks that ceramic brake pads are a bit over kill?

johnnybayonne · 11-15-2007, 01:39 PM

Is it price, there not that expensive. They definitely help keep your wheels clean & definitely no noise or squeal!!!!!

I have them on the front & rear of my car for 3 months. MY WHEELS NEVER TURN BLACK & I''LL NEVER GO BACK TO METALLIC!!

http://www.bimmerzone.com/BMW_Parts.htm

N1010-186512 Brake Pad Set EURO Ceramic w/ Shims Akebono IN STOCK $67.53

johnnybayonne · 11-15-2007, 06:48 PM

They also sell the brake pad sensors at bimmerzone.com

**GreenTourer** · 11-15-2007, 07:09 PM

Actually one of my front brake pads has uneven wear! I noticed while painting the calipers. Guess I have a sticking caliper; an easy, although fiddly, job to deal with.......

**xsperf** · 11-15-2007, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mullethunter3

Am I the only poor college student here who thinks that ceramic brake pads are a bit over kill?

yes, they are not that expensive, and especially when it comes to brakes, something one probably shouldnt cheap out on either way, and since i know its gonna take a heck of a lot of money to make my car fast, well atleast i kinda get that nimble feeling when i can stop on a dime! the things i cheap out on would be like an oil filter or an air filter/microfilter

**Eskimo** · 10-17-2012, 06:49 PM

Hey Death 2000:
It doesn't look like you are road racing this car- put regular semi-metallic pads on it.
Don't turn any rotors either-the sensors are easy to put on also. Don't spend a lot,
expensive parts are not necessarily the best for your application.
Eskimo