Choosing the Right Brake Pads for Your 2010-2017 BMW 535i GT
Stop second-guessing and find the perfect brake pads for your F07 Gran Turismo's specific needs.
- Choose pads based on your tolerance for brake dust; OEM-style pads (Textar, Pagid) have a strong bite but are dusty, while ceramic pads (Akebono) are clean and quiet.
- You must replace the brake wear sensor with the pads to reset the dashboard warning light.
- When replacing rear pads, the electronic parking brake must be put into 'service mode' with a scan tool to retract the caliper piston.
- For best performance and safety, it is strongly recommended to replace brake rotors at the same time as the pads.
Signs Your Brake Pads Are Failing
When your 535i GT needs new brake pads, it will usually tell you. The most obvious sign is the brake pad warning light on your dashboard, triggered by a wear sensor. Don't ignore this light. Other symptoms include a squealing or grinding noise when you brake, a pulsating or vibrating brake pedal, or simply taking longer to stop than usual. If you hear a loud grinding sound, it could mean the pads are worn down completely and metal is grinding on metal, which can quickly damage your expensive brake rotors.
Choosing Your Next Set of Brake Pads
Selecting the right aftermarket brake pads for your 535i GT involves a trade-off, primarily between stopping performance and brake dust. Your choice depends on your driving style and what you value most.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Quality
BMW uses high-quality suppliers like Textar, Pagid, Jurid, and ATE for their factory brake pads. These pads are typically a semi-metallic compound, known for a strong initial "bite" and excellent performance. However, they are also famous for producing a large amount of dark brake dust that quickly coats your wheels. Many aftermarket brands offer pads that meet or exceed OEM specifications, often with different characteristics that owners prefer.
Aftermarket Brand Tiers for the 535i GT
| Tier | Brands | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| OEM-Equivalent / Premium | ATE, Pagid, Textar, Brembo, Jurid, Bosch | These brands are often the original suppliers to BMW. They offer performance nearly identical to the dealer parts, including a strong initial bite. Expect similar levels of brake dust as the original pads. |
| Low-Dust Ceramic | Akebono, Bosch QuietCast, some Powerstop options | Highly recommended by owners who dislike cleaning their wheels. Akebono pads are praised for having almost no dust and being very quiet. Some drivers feel they have a slightly less aggressive initial bite compared to OEM semi-metallic pads, but overall stopping power is considered excellent for daily driving. |
| Performance / Track-Focused | Hawk, EBC Brakes, Dinan, Performance Friction | For the owner who does spirited driving or occasional track days. These pads offer higher heat resistance and may provide more bite than OEM pads. The trade-off is often more noise, more dust, and faster wear on your brake rotors. |
| Daily Driver / Value | Centric, Dynamic Friction, Raybestos, Wagner | Solid, reliable options for everyday commuting. These brands provide safe, dependable stopping power and are often more affordable. They meet all safety standards and are a good choice if you're not seeking specific performance or low-dust characteristics. |
Known Issues: Ticking Noise
Some F10/F07 generation BMWs can develop a ticking noise from the front wheels. This is sometimes caused by a lack of clearance between the brake disc and the wheel-bearing flange. The fix involves placing a specific small washer between the two components. While this is a rotor-related issue, it's something to be aware of if you're working in that area and encounter this specific noise. No major recalls for brake pads specifically affect the 2010-2017 535i GT. Recent BMW brake recalls apply to much newer models.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to replace the brake wear sensor?
Yes. The 535i GT uses electronic brake wear sensors on the front-left and right-rear wheels. Once the brake pad wears down enough to trigger the warning light on your dash, the sensor is consumed and must be replaced. You cannot reset the service light without a new, functioning sensor installed. 🎬 Watch: How to reset your brake pad wear indicator light. Many quality aftermarket pad sets include a new sensor in the box.
What is the electronic parking brake "service mode"?
For replacing the rear brake pads, you must put the electronic parking brake (EPB) into service mode. This retracts the piston in the rear caliper electronically, allowing you to remove the old pads and compress the piston. This is usually done with a capable OBDII scan tool. Attempting to force the piston back without using service mode can damage the expensive caliper motor.
🎬 See how to put your electronic parking brake into service mode.Should I replace my rotors at the same time?
It is highly recommended. While rotors can sometimes be resurfaced if they are thick enough, installing new pads on a worn or grooved rotor will cause the pads to wear unevenly and reduce braking performance. For best results and safety, replacing pads and rotors together is the standard professional practice. 🎬 Watch this complete front brake pad and rotor replacement walkthrough. Many owners pair brands like Zimmerman rotors with Akebono or Textar pads.
What's the difference between ceramic and semi-metallic pads?
Semi-metallic pads, like the ones your BMW likely came with, offer a strong bite and great heat dissipation but create a lot of dust. Ceramic pads are made from a denser material that produces very little, light-colored dust and is very quiet. While some enthusiasts feel ceramic pads have a less aggressive initial bite, many daily drivers prefer them for their cleanliness and smooth, quiet operation.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 34116871557 34116850886 34216793025
Requires one front and one rear brake wear sensor for a complete job. Rear calipers require an electronic tool to enter service mode for piston retraction. Front caliper guide bolts may require a 9mm Allen key.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- BMW 535i GT: