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Back to BMW Products
BMW X5 (E53)
(2000-2006)
2002 BMW X5 4.6is, courtesy of Alex Beric,
Short Hills, NJ
Click front or back wheel
for close-up of StopTech brakes
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Why Upgrade your Brakes?
Big brakes give your car greater resistance to fade by absorbing and
shedding heat more efficiently. Racers upgrade because stock brakes were
designed for a single stop from high speed, not repeated slow-downs with little
time in between to cool off. For fade resistance, size really does matter.
On the street, fixed-mount, multi-piston calipers give a firmer pedal and
quicker reaction time in panic stops. As little as 0.2 second reduction in
reaction time can translate into 21 feet of stopping distance at 70 mph.
Reaction time is not as important to racers who can compensate by braking
earlier. But on the street, in an unexpected stop, quicker reaction time
can save your life. You don't need to be a racer to benefit from brake
upgrades.
If you track or autocross
your car regularly, your stock brakes are probably not up to the task.
You can start off with better brake fluid, more aggressive brake pads, cooling
ducts, and stainless braided brake lines. But as you
progress from novice to intermediate skill level and beyond, carrying more
speed into the braking zones, your track events will become characterized by
boiling brake fluid, sinking brake pedal, and pad fade. Losing confidence in your brakes
takes the fun out of a track event. Big brake upgrades allow you to dive deeper into the braking zone and
brake harder than you ever thought possible.
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Big Brake Kits |
StopTech big brake kits
are designed to maintain optimum front to rear torque balance, resulting in
the shortest possible stopping distance and total compatibility with ABS and
modern electronic stability control systems. The fixed-mount, multi-piston calipers give you a
firmer pedal feel and a quicker reaction time in panic stops. Every StopTech
application is thoroughly track tested as part of the development process.
[Track testing write-up]
StopTech big brake kits
are available with red or black calipers standard. Silver, gold, blue
or yellow
calipers are available and add 30 days to the
delivery date. Silver is a no-cost upgrade. Blue, yellow and
gold add
$200 per caliper pair. Slotted rotors are standard. Drilled
rotors may be substituted for $100/pair. Drilled rotors are for street
use only and are not appropriate for the race track.
Coming soon! We are an exclusive dealer
for StopTech's exciting new Carbon Ceramic Brake System (CCBS).
Most StopTech 4-wheel brake kits may be optionally equipped with these exotic and
lightweight carbon ceramic rotors. Significantly lighter than cast
iron, these rotors shave as much as 60 pounds of rotating weight
from your brakes, dramatically improving your car's handling, acceleration and
ride. Better heat capacity, resistance to cracking
and oxidation, and improved response in heavy rain than existing ceramic
options, such as Porsche's PCCB system. Not delicate and prone to
chipping, like the 2009 Corvette ZR1 brakes. Zeckhausen Racing has
been conducting durability and usability testing for over a year, including
track, street, and extreme winter conditions. The system has performed
beyond our expectations. Carbon ceramic rotors will be available to
the public in 2009. Call us for details. Will
your wheels clear a StopTech big brake kit?
Click here for a comprehensive set of wheel
fitment templates and instructions for using them.
Replacement
brake pads, rotors, and other hardware for your StopTech big brake kit.
To purchase a StopTech brake kit on-line,
click here:
 and then enter the part number
into the Product Finder box in the upper left corner of the page.
Or feel free to call us at (800)222-8893 for help selecting the proper kit
for your needs. |
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Front 14" brake kit
with
ST-40 4-piston calipers, floating 355mm x 32mm AeroRotors, stainless steel
braided brake lines, and high performance street pads
Fits stock wheels |
$2695 |
83-143-4700 |
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Front 14" Heavy
Duty brake kit
with
ST-40 4-piston calipers, floating 355mm x 35mm AeroRotors, stainless steel
braided brake lines, and high performance street pads
Requires spacers to fit stock wheels |
$2795 |
83-143-4C00 |
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Rear 14" brake kit
with
ST-22 2-piston calipers, floating 355mm x 32mm rotors, stainless steel
braided brake lines, and Axxis ULT high performance street pads
Fits stock wheels |
$2595 |
83-143-0027 |
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Better than stock rotors! Centric Premium rotors are identical in
dimensions and internal vane design to the factory originals. During assembly,
rotors are straddle cut for the most accurate machining, then double disc ground
for optimum parallelism, minimal runout, and near zero thickness variation.
A non-directional finish is applied for better initial pad bedding. All
surfaces, including the hat, are machined and non-swept surfaces are electrostatically coated with a durable, black finish
(unless noted otherwise below) for corrosion protection
and good looks. Finally, all rotors are computer mill balanced to
incredibly tight tolerances. You won't find a better replacement rotor
anywhere. Click here for more details.
StopTech SportStop rotors are available for
many applications, offering all the advantages of Centric Premium rotors, with
the addition of slotting and/or drilling. Slotted rotors provide additional bite and maintain
consistent friction level over the life of your pads. These are ideal
for aggressive street and even road racing applications. Slotted and drilled
rotors offer even more bite and stunning looks, but should be used on the street and not for racing. If you prefer slotted
or slotted and drilled rotors and there is no pricing listed below, send an inquiry to
orders@zeckhausen.com and we can let you know if they are available.
Power Slot
slotted rotors are available for most applications, offering the advantages of
Centric rotors, with the addition of slotting and silver cadmium plating for
corrosion resistance.
Make sure you install your rotors properly. See:
How to Properly Install Plain,
Slotted or Drilled Rotors
(Note: Centric is the parent
company of StopTech and Power Slot. StopTech SportStop and Power Slot
rotors start as Centric blanks and are machined in-house on computer
controlled milling machines.)
To obtain more information about any rotor, you
may click on the part number (if a link is present) to see more details,
including rotor drawings, recommended replacement thickness, critical
dimensions, and weight. Note: The term "floating" in the rotor
description does not mean two-piece, floating rotor. It is Centric's terminology for a
rotor that can be removed without also removing the car's wheel bearings or hubs.
To order, click here:
and then locate your vehicle
along the left side of the on-line store page. Or, feel free to call us at
(800)222-8893 for help selecting the proper parts.
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X5 3.0i and 4.4i (4.4i models built
before 9/2003 w/solid rear rotors)
Important note: Early build X5s may have
front hubs with dowel pins that mate with matching holes on the original
rotors. BMW changed the hub design to eliminate these dowel pins and
new factory rotors do not have matching holes. It is standard practice
by BMW mechanics to remove the hub dowel pins when installing new rotors.
The Centric & StopTech rotors have dowel pins holes, but they are slightly
undersized. If the rotor does not fit over the pins on your old hub,
you may either remove the dowel pins or, an easier solution is to enlarge
the dowel pin holes in the rotor with an electric drill. |
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Centric Premium Rotors |
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Front 332mm x 30mm
1-piece vented rotors
Rear
324mm x 12mm
1-piece solid rotors
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$92 Each
$67 Each |
120.34050
120.34051 |
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StopTech SportStop Slotted Rotors |
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Front 332mm x 30mm
1-piece vented rotors
Rear
324mm x 12mm
1-piece solid rotors
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$124 Each
$93 Each |
226.34050SL
226.34050SR
226.34051SL
226.34051SR |
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BMW X5 4.4i
(Built after 9/2003 w/vented rear rotors) |
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Centric Premium Rotors (rear not painted) |
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Front 332mm x 30mm
1-piece vented rotors
Rear
324mm x 20mm
1-piece vented rotors
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$92 Each
$157 Each |
120.34050
120.34061 |
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BMW X5 4.6is and 4.8is |
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Centric Premium Rotors (Front & rear
not painted) |
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Front 356mm x 36mm
1-piece vented rotors
Rear
324mm x 20mm
1-piece vented rotors
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$184 Each
$157 Each |
120.34060
120.34061 |
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Stainless Steel Braided Brake Lines |
Improve pedal feel
by replacing stock rubber lines with stainless steel-braided
Teflon® lines.
Stock lines expand under pressure, contributing to spongy pedal feel.
StopTech lines reduce pedal travel and firm up pedal feel, allowing precise brake
modulation. Useful for drivers who "heel-toe" downshift,
providing a more stable platform from which to manipulate the throttle to
match engine revs to transmission speed.
StopTech's lines are covered with stainless steel
weave to
provide support and protect from abrasion and impact. The stainless
braid is molded inside a layer of clear plastic to
protect the lines from the environment and to protect your car's
suspension and delicate sensor wires from the "hacksaw effect" possible with other steel-braided brake lines.
These lines are DOT compliant and may be legally used on the highway,
unlike lines sold for "off-road use only."
StopTech lines have been tested and approved by the TÜV for sale in
Germany.
100 percent tested!
Every StopTech line is tested at 4,500 psi before it is
packed and shipped. Most manufacturers perform no pressure testing.
Some test random samples from their
assembly line or test to lower pressures.
When installing a front big brake kit,
Zeckhausen Racing strongly recommends upgrading your rear brake lines. 4-wheel
big brake kits come with
front and rear steel braided lines, so no additional purchase is necessary.
Each brake line kit includes enough lines for
both sides of your vehicle. To order, click here:
and then locate your vehicle
along the left side of the on-line store page. Or, feel free to call us at
(800)222-8893 for help selecting the proper parts.
(Teflon® is a registered trademark of DuPont) |
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Stainless braided brake lines for stock
calipers |
F-$67
R-$75 |
950.34009
950.34516 |
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High-Performance Brake
Pads
If you want better brake pads
for the street, consider Axxis. Axxis pads are
manufactured by
Bendix Mintex (FMP Group Pty. Ltd.) in Australia. Formerly marketed under the
brand names PBR and Repco, they are now sold in the United States under the
Axxis name.
Axxis Brake pad performance
comparison charts
Instructions
for bedding in new brake pads
To order, click here:
and then locate your vehicle
along the left side of the on-line store page. Or, feel free to call us at
(800)222-8893 for help selecting the proper parts.
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BMW X5 3.0d, 3.0i and 4.4i |
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Axxis Deluxe Advanced street
pads (formerly called Deluxe Plus) are ideal if you are looking for a low dust pad that is quiet and rotor friendly, yet has
enough fade resistance for
performance cars. These ceramic-enhanced organic pads work well up to 716
°F, similar to OEM pads.
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F-$87
R-$40 |
63-213-0681
63-213-0683 |
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Axxis ULT street pads
pads (formerly called Axxis Ultimate) use a Kevlar®
and ceramic formula for enhanced performance. They produce maximum
friction when cold, yet have tremendous fade resistance up to 932 °F. The
coefficient of friction is high enough to produce a noticeable reduction in
pedal effort. Fine for autocross or your first
track event, assuming street tires and a low horsepower car. This is
Zeckhausen Racing's favorite high performance street pad.
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F-$130
R-$59 |
63-223-0681
63-223-0683 |
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Centric Posi Quiet Ceramic pads
offer extremely long pad life and are Centric's lowest dust pads, keeping your
wheels cleaner longer than almost any other pad. Quiet and rotor friendly.
Excellent friction level for improved pedal feel, making it an appropriate
choice for performance cars. Composite shims on every pad prevent low
speed brake squeal.
Stop washing brake dust off your wheels every few days!
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F-$84
R-$55
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63-104-0681
63-104-0683
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BMW X5 4.6is and 4.8is |
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Axxis Deluxe Advanced street
pads (formerly called Deluxe Plus) are ideal if you are looking for a low dust pad that is quiet and rotor friendly, yet has
enough fade resistance for
performance cars. These ceramic-enhanced organic pads work well up to 716
°F, similar to OEM pads.
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F-$84
R-$40 |
63-213-0920
63-213-0683 |
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Axxis ULT street pads
pads (formerly called Axxis Ultimate) use a Kevlar®
and ceramic formula for enhanced performance. They produce maximum
friction when cold, yet have tremendous fade resistance up to 932 °F. The
coefficient of friction is high enough to produce a noticeable reduction in
pedal effort. Fine for autocross or your first
track event, assuming street tires and a low horsepower car. This is
Zeckhausen Racing's favorite high performance street pad.
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F-$120
R-$59 |
63-223-0920
63-223-0683 |
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Centric Posi Quiet
Extended Wear pads
offer a stable friction level across a wide temperature range. Low dust, long
pad & rotor life, low noise,
w/OE designed shims to reduce pad vibration and squeal. Not a track pad.
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F-$74
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63-106-0920
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Centric Posi Quiet Ceramic pads
offer extremely long pad life and are Centric's lowest dust pads, keeping your
wheels cleaner longer than almost any other pad. Quiet and rotor friendly.
Excellent friction level for improved pedal feel, making it an appropriate
choice for performance cars. Composite shims on every pad prevent low
speed brake squeal.
Stop washing brake dust off your wheels every few days!
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R-$55
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63-104-0683
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Porterfield
R4-S High Performance Street
and Autocross pads are designed for heavy-duty street driving, with better
fade resistance and lower dust than stock pads. Rotor friendly, low noise,
good for autocross and rally. Not for track use
except for novice drivers in small, low-horsepower cars.
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F-$170
R-$120 |
AP920-R4S
AP683-R4S |
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Replacement Brake Pad Wear Sensors |
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BMW uses brake pad wear sensors to
monitor the condition of your brake pads. Although your BMW has eight
brake pads, on most models, only two pads are monitored for wear - the driver's side
front inboard pad and the passenger's side rear inboard pad.
Thus, you should only order one front and one rear
sensor. When a monitored pad has worn below 2mm, the rotor chews through a plastic bump on
the sensor and slices a wire. This causes an open circuit,
triggering a warning on your dash, either an idiot light or "CHECK BRAKE
LININGS" message. Once a warning has appeared, the sensor has
been destroyed and must be replaced.
Each Centric brand replacement sensor comes
with a wire and connector that clips into your BMW's main wiring harness.
The other end (shown below in the enlarged gray box) clips into a slot at
the top of your brake pad, with the plastic bump facing TOWARD the
rotor.
E46 M3 sensor shown - your BMW model's
sensor may have a different appearance
After replacing pads and sensors,
the dash warning will still be illuminated. However, you do not need
to go to your BMW dealer to have the warning message reset. To reset
the warning on most models, turn the ignition key to the run position, but do not
start the car. After about one minute, the brake pad warning will
reset.
To order, click here:
and then locate your vehicle
along the left side of the on-line store page. Or, feel free to call us at
(800)222-8893 for help selecting the proper parts.
Want to make sure you're
getting the correct part? Click the part number below to see a
photograph of the sensor, along with an accurate measurement of its length.
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Brake pad wear sensor |
F-$18
R-$18 |
64-116-34017
64-116-34016 |
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Problems shifting your manual transmission BMW
X5 3.0?
Many models of BMWs with
5-speed or 6-speed manual transmissions have a Clutch Delay Valve (CDV)
installed by the factory. This valve is the culprit behind the jerky
shifting that makes your BMW hard to drive, even if you have been driving a
standard transmission all your life. When replaced with the Zeckhausen
Racing modified CDV, your clutch is suddenly transformed into the smooth, easy
to modulate clutch that should have been delivered from the factory as standard.
Extend the life of your clutch and increase the enjoyment of your BMW driving
experience today!
For
full details of this modification, including history, theory of operation,
installation instructions, and a free CDV exchange service by mail,
click here.
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Modified CDV for the X5
3.0
(5-speed and 6-speed manual transmission models only) |
$35 |
CDV-003 |
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Performance, All-Season, and Winter Tires |
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Besides brakes, tires are the
most important component in determining stopping distance. It's literally
where the rubber meets the road. Selecting the right tire for your driving
conditions can make a tremendous difference. For example, if you live in
Florida or southern California and are driving on all-season tires, you are
leaving huge performance gains on the table! A good set of summer-only
performance tires can literally transform the handling and braking capabilities
of your car. In fact, if your goal is to minimize stopping distance,
you're better off going to Tire Rack's web site and buying tires first, before
spending any money here on better brakes!
For the best selection and
prices, we recommend Tire Rack.
From Maximum Performance tires to All Season tires to Snow Tires, Tire Rack has
it all. Tire Rack also offers wheel and tire packages and can even tell
you which wheels will clear your StopTech big brake upgrade. Click the
Tire Rack icon below for your best deal on wheels and tires.
For wheel fitment information
for cars equipped with StopTech or other big brake kits, contact Luke Pavlick at
(888)541-1777 x362.
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Internet Resources for
BMW X5
information:
Bimmerfest.com
X5 Discussion Forum
ModWeekend.com
X5world.net
answers to frequently asked X5 questions
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