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      11-27-2019, 06:56 AM   #2
Ninefourteener
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Drives: 2020 X5 M50i
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: American in Belgium

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In addition to being a mechanic, I've also owned 2 BMW in the past, and installed, uninstalled, and then re-installed an M performance Big Brake Kit on both cars.... and done brake jobs on at least 100 more cars over the past 25 years. While I don't own my G05 yet, I can answer this question pretty thoroughly.

The sensor you are referring to is just a "wire" that has a connection inside the wheelwell, as well as the brake pad itself. It just snaps in - No tools are required, and it is quite simple. And, although BMW will tell you otherwise, unless you wear down your brake pads to the bare minimum, you do not need to replace them unless they are damaged. I used the last set of sensors on2 brake pad changes (neither were more than 50% worn though). The sensor is a Male U-shaped "plug" that snaps into a female U-shaped portion on the base of the brake pad. its designed to be "destroyed" when your pads get too thin, and warn you beforehand. Change your pads at 50-60%, and you can re-use the sensors.

Note, the sensor "wire" has a SOLID copper core.... not braided like most copper wire. Consequently, it breaks easily if you coil or bend it (I know from personal experience). So... be careful with it, dont bend it too sharply,,,, but essentially its just a wire

Front calipers are monobloc style, meaning you don't even have to remove the calipers to change the pads. Pads are held in with 2 pins. All you need to change the pads is a set of pliers to pull the pins out. You will need to compress the 4 pistons before installing the new (thicker) brake pads. As with all multi-piston calipers, removing the brake reservoir cap makes it easier. If not, compressing one piston causes another to protrude.

The rear calipers are "old school" single piston design (which drives me crazy). Simple install - remove the lower caliper bolt, loosen the upper, swing the caliper up, change pads, re-install, re-tighten.

There is an added level of complexity with the rear calipers, because as of 2019, BMW incorporated an electronic e-brake into the caliper (hence, making multi-piston caliper upgrades impossible), but that shouldn't affect the way the pads are changed.

It's a straight-forward job, even for a basic mechanic. Nothing "electronic" or "coding" related needs to occur, so you don't need BMWs involvement.
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2020 X5 M50i, Alpine, B&W, Air Susp, anthracite, coffee, **CD player**:
12+ PAGE BUILD THREAD:https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1694019
690HP / 928nM Dynotune:https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1729813
6-Piston X5M Big Brake Kit:https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1779038

Last edited by Ninefourteener; 11-27-2019 at 07:16 AM..
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