A Guide to Aftermarket Brake Pads for the 2010-2017 BMW Z4 (E89)
Stop the guesswork and find the perfect brake pads for your Z4's performance and your specific driving style.
- Your Z4 has electronic wear sensors; you must replace the sensor with the pads if the warning light is on.
- For less brake dust, choose a ceramic pad from a brand like Akebono or Textar e-pads.
- For more stopping power, consider a performance street pad from Hawk, EBC, or Brembo, but expect more dust and potential noise.
- The rear brakes have an electronic parking brake that requires a special procedure or tool to retract for pad replacement.
Signs Your Z4's Brake Pads Are Failing
Your BMW is designed to tell you when its brakes need attention. The most obvious sign is a brake warning light on your dashboard. This light is triggered by a small electronic brake wear sensor attached to the pads. When the pad material wears down to a certain point, the sensor makes contact with the rotor, completes a circuit, and illuminates the light. Other symptoms include:
- Squealing or Grinding Noises: A high-pitched squeal when you brake usually means the pads are low. A deeper grinding sound is more serious and indicates the pads are completely worn out, potentially damaging the brake rotors.
- Longer Stopping Distances: If you notice your Z4 taking longer to stop than it used to, your pads are likely worn and have lost their effectiveness.
- Vibration in the Pedal: A pulsing or vibrating feeling in the brake pedal can be a sign of worn pads or warped rotors.
Brake System Recalls
While there are no specific recalls for just the brake pads on the 2010-2017 Z4, there was a recall for some 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i models related to the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance. A failure could lead to a hard pedal and reduced braking power. It's always wise to check with a dealer or use the NHTSA VIN look-up tool to see if your specific vehicle is affected by any recalls.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Brake Pads
When shopping for new brake pads, you have many options beyond the original equipment (OEM) parts from the dealer. Aftermarket pads offer a wide range of choices to suit different needs, from reducing brake dust to increasing stopping power for spirited driving.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Pads
The original pads on your Z4, often made by brands like Textar or Jurid, are designed for a balance of performance and comfort for daily driving. However, many owners complain about the large amount of brake dust they produce, which can make your wheels look dirty quickly. Aftermarket pads allow you to choose a compound that better fits your priorities.
Brake Pad Brand Tiers for Your Z4
Not all brake pads are created equal. Here’s a breakdown of common brands and what they offer for your Z4:
- Comfort & Low Dust (Ceramic): If your main goal is to keep your wheels clean without sacrificing good, quiet stopping power for daily driving, ceramic pads are your best choice. Brands like Akebono, Bosch, and Textar's e-pad line are highly recommended by Z4 owners for their low dust and quiet operation. They provide a similar feel to OEM pads but with significantly less dust.
- Performance Street (Semi-Metallic/Hybrid): For drivers who enjoy spirited driving and want more initial bite and fade resistance than stock, performance street pads are a great upgrade. Brands like Hawk (HPS), EBC Brakes (Redstuff/Yellowstuff), StopTech, and Brembo offer pads that improve stopping power. Be aware that these pads can sometimes create more dust and noise than ceramic options.
- Standard Replacement: If you're looking for a reliable, budget-friendly replacement that meets or exceeds factory specifications, brands like Centric, Raybestos, and Dynamic Friction offer solid quality and value. They are a good choice for restoring original braking performance without the premium price.
Pro Tip: The brake systems can differ between Z4 models like the sDrive28i, sDrive35i, and the top-tier sDrive35is. The sDrive35is, in particular, has larger, more powerful brakes. 🎬 Learn how to change pads and reset the brake service light. Always double-check that the pads you are buying are specified for your exact Z4 sub-model to ensure proper fitment.
| Part Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Pads (Set for one axle) | $35 - $308 |
| New OEM Pads (Set for one axle) | $140 - $190 |
| Shop Labor (per axle) | $150 - $250 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to replace the brake wear sensor with the pads?
Yes. The BMW Z4 uses electronic wear sensors on the front-left and rear-right brakes. Once the brake warning light has come on, the sensor has been consumed and cannot be reused. You must install a new sensor with your new pads for the warning system to function correctly. It's a required part for the job.
🎬 Watch a step-by-step guide on replacing the brake wear sensor.Should I replace my brake rotors at the same time?
It is highly recommended. While you can sometimes get two sets of pads out of one set of rotors, it's best practice to replace pads and rotors together. This ensures the new pads have a perfectly flat, fresh surface to bed into, providing optimal performance, even wear, and preventing vibrations.
What's the difference between ceramic and semi-metallic pads?
Ceramic pads are known for being quiet, producing very little light-colored dust, and having a long life. They are ideal for daily street driving. Semi-metallic pads contain metal fibers that help dissipate heat and provide more aggressive stopping power, or "bite." They are better for performance driving but tend to be dustier and can be noisier.
What is the electronic parking brake and how does it affect a rear brake job?
Your Z4 has an electronic parking brake (EPB) instead of a manual lever. To replace the rear pads, the rear caliper pistons must be retracted. While this is ideally done with a diagnostic scan tool that puts the brakes into "service mode," it can also be done manually by removing the small electric motor on the back of the caliper and winding the piston back with a 7mm hex tool. If you are not comfortable with this process, it's best to leave the rear brake replacement to a professional.
🎬 See how to replace both front and rear pads and rotors.What does "bedding in" new brakes mean?
Bedding-in is the process of breaking in your new pads and rotors. It involves a series of controlled stops to transfer an even layer of friction material from the pads to the rotors. This process is crucial for preventing brake judder and ensuring maximum stopping power. Always follow the specific bedding-in procedure recommended by the brake pad manufacturer.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 34116797858 (Front - sDrive28i/35i) 34216787861 (Rear - sDrive28i/30i/35i) 34356792563 (Front Wear Sensor, from 03/2010) 34356792566 (Rear Wear Sensor, from 03/2010)
Brake systems vary by Z4 sub-model (sDrive28i, sDrive35i, sDrive35is). The sDrive35is features larger front rotors (348mm) and corresponding calipers. All models use a two-stage electronic brake wear sensor system. The rear axle is equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB).
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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.
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