[Andy198712]

Hi,
I've got a 2010 LCI 325d (n57) E91

Recently I've noticed when I turn the car on its telling me I don't have loads of miles left on the front pads, 1400 miles I think.
Had a look and they are getting low.

At what point do I need to replace the wear sensors too? Is it when I get a warning on the dash, which I don't yet, or will I have to change them now?

I also notice euro lists two kinds from pagid, I'm guessing I want this one as the only difference is this one says from 03/2010 which mine is
http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/BM...504b7e8&000369

Or can I just change the pads and reset the miles for brakes?

I've searched and seen mixed results?....

Thanks
Andy

[Sensible_]

Replace the sensor with the pads the reset via the OBC.

The sensors are cheap as chips but buy original from BMW.

For pads, I go with ATE. It's a personal preference. A lot of people use Pagid.

[Andy198712]

Ordered up some pagid pads this morning, knew the brand so was happy, if they're poop after a fair bedding in I'll swap.
So new sensor and just reset like you do the oil then?

[Andy198712]

Just been out to double check, I drive still has a green OK next to the front pads but says 900miles and tells me it's 900 with ignition on on the dash,

[Sensible_]

Originally Posted by Andy198712

Just been out to double check, I drive still has a green OK next to the front pads but says 900miles and tells me it's 900 with ignition on on the dash,

The brake wear sensor on the e90 is dual stage.

There are two warnings regarding brake pad life.

1) The CBS estimated pad life remaining - yellow light and shows *ESTIMATED* miles left.

2) A red brake light which constantly stays on. This indicates the 2nd stage and you should be replacing the pads.

Best thing to do is visually inspect the pads. Depending on your wheels you can clearly see them and if you compare them to your new pads you can gauge pretty well if they need replacing.

On a side note. I'm running ATE Ceramic pads at the moment. Granted more expensive but very little brake dust and cold / warm braking is excellent.

[E60525d]

I would ignore the idrive pad replacement miles number as it's just an estimate. An estimate that is not very accurate.

I would go off the red brake warning light when you get it.

Idrive said in December that my pads need replacing in 900 miles. Took the wheel off and had a look and there was loads of material left on both pads, only half worn.

[Andy198712]

Thanks for everyones responses, so the yellow warning is whats showing up when i start the car up for 10 second or so.

luckily my wheels are easy to see the pads, id say there is somewhere between 5-7mm left using my mk1 eye ball, i'm more then happy to change then at this.

going to see if bmw part dept is open today and if so pick up a sensor and then collect my pads tomorrow.
will bare the ceramics in mind though as i like to keep my car clean RE brake dust.

i've got a 600+ mile around trip in a weeks time and although it'll be mostly motorway id rather change them first instead of having the red brake like glaring at me, the gong bugs me lol

[Benskett]

Zimmerman updated pads are very good.
I went for all round discs and pads, the initial brake bite is far superior to the general pads fitted before.

[Andy198712]

thanks i'll bare it in mind if these are pants.

picked up the front sensor from BMW today and paid £14.09 with a small haggle lol if anyone is interested in how much from BMW

[bfleming]

Guys, just for clarity, if the wear sensors haven't been triggered (by being worn away) you can re-use them with the new pads. But, you do have to reset the brake service interval on the car, otherwise it'll annoy you every time you start the car. This is one of the features Carly offers - but if you have iDrive (I don't) it might be possible on there.

[Andy198712]

So I did the job tonight and I think there are two kinds of sensors from pictures, one long one and one blob looking one.

I have the latter, and if your idrive still says OK in green, and your miles then I don't see why you can't just reset the system as above (easy on idrive) if it's gone yellow though it means you have started to wear the sensor. Mine went yellow today and I can see the sensor has been just rubbed through.

One thing to note, my inner pads had half the pad left of the outters, I'd say 3-4mm inside (not a lot) but about 6-8mm outside pad.
The sensor goes on the front left inner pad.

I'll try sort some pictures once I sort a new host

[Andy198712]

after the break in of about 5-6 medium brakes from 40 down to about 15, then 5-6 hard brakes from 50-60mph down to 15 ish then drove around for a while without braking to let it all cool, the brakes are very good from the pagid pads, not bad for £32, will update on dust amount.