[//TMT]

Has anyone found a source for ceramic pads for the M35i? Nobody lists front pads that I've seen. On the other end, do the Akebono EUR1762 rear pads actually fit? Very inconsistent listings for those.

[trnguyen]

I know. I spent many hours to search about it and it's not the same information depending on the site.

If EUR1762 is for the rear on the xDrive28i, I am not sure it fit. I see the neighbor of my parents with the xDrive28i and the rear looks smaller. It seems that the front of that model looks like more the rear of the M35i.

Based on other model forums, the VIN with the S2NHA should use the Akebono EUR1880 for front and Akebono EUR1656 rear. However their model has the front brake disc with 370mm. Ours are 360mm, but some people say the disc size doesn't matter.

I took the chance to order the EUR1880, it's not that expensive even if it doesn't fit. But I did not try it yet. I might wait until I have to change for winter tires.

That said, my front pads are down to 3mm. I should have it done soon I guess. But I am a bit lazy and tempted to have it done at the dealer, but I hate the dust with the OEM pads. The dealer only use OEM, so I might search for a garage who is willing to try what I bought. I should have more time in September, if I try it before you, I'll let you know.

[rice_rocket88]

What is interesting is the size of the rotors seem the same between the models, just that with the Msport brakes it's a much much bigger caliper. I am pretty amazed when I look between the two cars.. although I haven't actually taken off the rotor to compare, when I was doing the brake job on the wife's X1 I held up the front rotor and rear rotor to my X2 and it looked the same (the fitment chart when buying the X1 rotor said both would fit the X2 m35i which I thought wasn't right (for the fronts at least). Let us know what you find! I would also assume that the msport brakes would be the same actual caliper among a lot of cars.. say the 1 and 2 series at least.. then the same pad would fit.

[//TMT]

It would be great to confirm those Akebono 1880/1656 but if you're down to 3mm, don't delay. If the sensors are not making contact it's a simple pad swap and service reset. Otherwise it's a bigger job and cost to replace them.

I'm skeptical that the M-sport brakes use the exact same spec pads as the full M35i. But it would be good to know either way.

[rice_rocket88]

I was just online at brake overstock, whom I get a lot of rotors from over the years.. they list the x2 m35i as well as the clubman with ceramic pads... Not sure what cross reference.. they even sell brembo fronts as:

Condition: New Interchange Part Number: 34106860020, 34 10 6 860 020, 34106884224, 34 10 6 884 224, 34106889266, 34 10 6 889 266
Height (mm): 91.2 Pad Material: Ceramic
Placement on Vehicle: Driver and Passenger Side, Left, Right, Front Manufacturer Part Number: P06097N
Other Part Number: D1875 8991 / D1875 9222 Width (mm): 114.7
Brand: Brembo Part Type: Disc Brake Pad Set
Fitment Type: Direct Replacement Part Number: P06097N
Nominal Thickness: 15 Position Name: Front
Surface Type: Chamfered Brake System: Brembo
Indicator type: prepared for wear indicator Hardware Material: with hardware
UPC: 8020584081938

[rice_rocket88]

Also to add on.. the X2 M35i is listed along with the regular X2's, X1's as well as mini cooper clubmans.

[//TMT]

Indeed! That UPC pops a ton of sources, including this eBay listing that you can check compatibility on:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/15449388155...Display%3A2.0L

It's a little unclear if it's full ceramic though, going to research more.

[Pyrat 2]

Off topic but why the interest in ceramics? Just curious. Guessing it's less dust albeit with braking compromise.

[rice_rocket88]

Do some reading on ceramic pads and you'll get your answer.. the only downsides are sometimes the first few stops are slower until the pads warm up.. otherwise superior in every way including less brake dust.

[//TMT]

Less dust and also less snatchy. I've had great results with Akebono pads on my Volvo and I find the stock M35i pads a little bit unpredictable. Pads are consumables and easy to swap, so I want to try a change.

[trnguyen]

I am due for an maintenance at the dealer very soon, so I decided to test the Akebono EUR1880 this weekend. If it doesn't work, I'll have it done at the same time.
This is my first time ever that I did a brake job on a car. So for you guys who have experiences, feel free to correct me for my next time

The EUR1880 is the exact match with the OEM pads, except 2 issues that I encountered (maybe it's a newbie things):

1. The Akebono pads are a tiny too thick. I think by 0.5mm or less than 1mm for sure.
   - The interior pads for both sides went in fine and stuck at 0.5 inch left. I did not want to force it in.
   - The exterior pads didn't want to go in. The shim on the back of the pads seems to be in the way.
   I finally decided to sand the pads down a bit and they all go it nicely.
   
2. I don't know if because of the thickness issue above, the Akebone pads come with the metal wings (sorry I don't know how to call it - see red box in the picture below). I thought that they would be blocked by the caliper or very tight if they go in. So I decided to remove them.
   Afterwards when I did the passenger side, I thought that they could fit in or maybe just to trim the exterior side a bit would be fine. Because I removed on the driver side, I have to do the same.

Here are some pictures of the EUR 1880 with the OEM.

[rice_rocket88]

Hmm very interesting those wings. It probably is for other cars as the pads themselves look right. The flat metal shims are anti rattle pieces and it has to be left on. Often times the pads and or calipers get gunk on and need some persuasion to get in. I've only had to file some pads down a couple of times when it was obvious there was extra material. Otherwise, usually some brake clean and wire brushes will do. Also caliper grease and or anti seize will help things slide in. Great job for a first time ! Our minivan also had a massive rear brake failure that I did not hear any wear down, and I managed a personal best of 45 minutes from literal start to finish and back rolling again this weekend. Having a quick jack is so awesome!

[trnguyen]

The caliper opening seems to be bigger on some other models like this M235i to leave the wings in place:

For the 2nd set, I found the easy way to remove it. I drilled a hole in it (from smaller bit to larger) to almost fit the hole on the pad without touching it. Then the metal is hot, thin wall and empty in the center, I just hit it on the anvil and it broke out or bent out. I don't know if trimming the exterior side by few milliter is easier or just remove it.

I thought about removing the shims but I recalled that they are needed (comparing to cheaper pads). That's why I file down the pad side.

I think on the Akebono shims, it's the glue and the rubber layer add a bit more thickness to it. Maybe not the pad material.

[//TMT]

Looks like the wings are there for the other calipers, to keep the pads centered vertically in the taller opening. Interesting you had to drill them to remove, they didn't yield to a drift punch?

The metal backing plates are not shims, they are there to quiet any rattles but more importantly to prevent vibration from causing squeaks. If the pad won't go in freely, check for debris on the pistons, and for a ridge on the rotor. Worst-case, sand off a little with 40-grit flat on the workbench, float the pad right on top.

Ok, so Brembos up front and Akebonos in back, are an option. Time to give them all a try!

[trnguyen]

Originally Posted by //TMT

Looks like the wings are there for the other calipers, to keep the pads centered vertically in the taller opening. Interesting you had to drill them to remove, they didn't yield to a drift punch?

I am not well equiped yet. I don't have a drift punch and still haven't bought a vise too.

[trnguyen]

Just to share that Akebono EUR1656 doesn't fit with the M35i rear brake pads.
I cannot find yet anything with Akebono to fit with it. Thanks to TMT to remind me that EUR1762 is not for the M35i either.

Brembo seems to have the BRAKE PAD P 06 117 for the rear, but I cannot find it anywhere to buy. So I ended up using the Power Stop Z23 2240. Perfect fit.

I did not take the chance and lazy, so I bough the full license for Bimmerlink (I think that the feature to put the electronic brakes in service mode comes with the free version).

With the full license, I was able to put in service mode and reset the maintenance service reminder for the brakes. It was as charm.
I know there is a way to reset the service warning with the button on the dash, but again, I was lazy.

I let the the brake sensor made contact and waited 3 weeks to do it because lack of time. So annoying with the red exclamation mark in the dash and the message on the center screen every time I start the car.