New Akebona brake pads
Just wanted to relay to everyone here my recent experience of replacing my front brake pads and rotors.
My 2004 530i has 96,000 miles and the front pads and rotors were very ready to be replaced. I picked up the Akebono Euro ceramic pads and Zimmerman rotors and a new brake sensor.
The install was straightforward and nothing unusual. If anyone has any questions about the install just ask.
The result is much cleaner wheels and no more pulsing brakes at high speeds. I also notice a slight decrease in braking power at lower speeds. I think the temp/coefficient of friction graph shows that these are slightly less effective at low temps but improve as the temps rise.
All-in-all, though, I am happy I made the change and time will tell how well they wear, and how well they really keep the wheels clean. I haven't driven in the rain yet, so that will be the true test for wheel cleanliness
My 2004 530i has 96,000 miles and the front pads and rotors were very ready to be replaced. I picked up the Akebono Euro ceramic pads and Zimmerman rotors and a new brake sensor.
The install was straightforward and nothing unusual. If anyone has any questions about the install just ask.
The result is much cleaner wheels and no more pulsing brakes at high speeds. I also notice a slight decrease in braking power at lower speeds. I think the temp/coefficient of friction graph shows that these are slightly less effective at low temps but improve as the temps rise.
All-in-all, though, I am happy I made the change and time will tell how well they wear, and how well they really keep the wheels clean. I haven't driven in the rain yet, so that will be the true test for wheel cleanliness
I put the Akebonos on in April, almost 4 months now and still think I made the right choice. Braking is a little softer when they are cold, but as they warm up they really bite in. Dust is WAY less than the OEM ones, infact unless you wipe your finger on the wheels you don't think there is dust there because it's light in color.
Anyway, I love them and would absolutely use them again.
Cheers...
D
Anyway, I love them and would absolutely use them again.
Cheers...
D
Originally Posted by vaca' post='947855' date='Jul 20 2009, 05:08 PM
Just wanted to relay to everyone here my recent experience of replacing my front brake pads and rotors.
My 2004 530i has 96,000 miles and the front pads and rotors were very ready to be replaced. I picked up the Akebono Euro ceramic pads and Zimmerman rotors and a new brake sensor.
The install was straightforward and nothing unusual. If anyone has any questions about the install just ask.
The result is much cleaner wheels and no more pulsing brakes at high speeds. I also notice a slight decrease in braking power at lower speeds. I think the temp/coefficient of friction graph shows that these are slightly less effective at low temps but improve as the temps rise.
All-in-all, though, I am happy I made the change and time will tell how well they wear, and how well they really keep the wheels clean. I haven't driven in the rain yet, so that will be the true test for wheel cleanliness
My 2004 530i has 96,000 miles and the front pads and rotors were very ready to be replaced. I picked up the Akebono Euro ceramic pads and Zimmerman rotors and a new brake sensor.
The install was straightforward and nothing unusual. If anyone has any questions about the install just ask.
The result is much cleaner wheels and no more pulsing brakes at high speeds. I also notice a slight decrease in braking power at lower speeds. I think the temp/coefficient of friction graph shows that these are slightly less effective at low temps but improve as the temps rise.
All-in-all, though, I am happy I made the change and time will tell how well they wear, and how well they really keep the wheels clean. I haven't driven in the rain yet, so that will be the true test for wheel cleanliness

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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 872
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From: Toronto, Canada
My Ride: 2004 545i TITANIUM GREY II on Black Dakota Lthr, Comfort Seats, Sports PKG, Premium PKG, Active/Dynamic Drive, NAV, Winter Package.
Any Squeaks as they are not originals? How much for the rotors and pads?
Originally Posted by vaca' post='947855' date='Jul 20 2009, 05:08 PM
Just wanted to relay to everyone here my recent experience of replacing my front brake pads and rotors.
My 2004 530i has 96,000 miles and the front pads and rotors were very ready to be replaced. I picked up the Akebono Euro ceramic pads and Zimmerman rotors and a new brake sensor.
The install was straightforward and nothing unusual. If anyone has any questions about the install just ask.
The result is much cleaner wheels and no more pulsing brakes at high speeds. I also notice a slight decrease in braking power at lower speeds. I think the temp/coefficient of friction graph shows that these are slightly less effective at low temps but improve as the temps rise.
All-in-all, though, I am happy I made the change and time will tell how well they wear, and how well they really keep the wheels clean. I haven't driven in the rain yet, so that will be the true test for wheel cleanliness
My 2004 530i has 96,000 miles and the front pads and rotors were very ready to be replaced. I picked up the Akebono Euro ceramic pads and Zimmerman rotors and a new brake sensor.
The install was straightforward and nothing unusual. If anyone has any questions about the install just ask.
The result is much cleaner wheels and no more pulsing brakes at high speeds. I also notice a slight decrease in braking power at lower speeds. I think the temp/coefficient of friction graph shows that these are slightly less effective at low temps but improve as the temps rise.
All-in-all, though, I am happy I made the change and time will tell how well they wear, and how well they really keep the wheels clean. I haven't driven in the rain yet, so that will be the true test for wheel cleanliness

Originally Posted by theXman' post='948072' date='Jul 20 2009, 07:56 PM
Did you install the pads, rotors and sensor by yourself? If so, give us a DIY with pictures. Thanks
Originally Posted by Moopai' post='948075' date='Jul 20 2009, 07:59 PM
Any Squeaks as they are not originals? How much for the rotors and pads?
The rotors were less than $80 each and the pads were appr0x $100...so less than $300 total. Great deal if you do it yourself. Then it was free to reset the iDrive back to 25,000 miles. I've since driven almost 1000 miles and the iD rive still registers 25,000 miles.
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