Buy BMW 328xi Disc Brake Pad Sets

The BMW 328xi disc brake pad set-also called a brake pad kit, friction-pad set, or stopping-pad set-keeps your sedan or wagon safe by squeezing the spinning rotor to slow the wheels. Typical front pads for the 2007-08 xDrive measure about 19 mm thick and 155 mm wide when new, and they normally last 25-60 k miles, depending on how and where you drive. (AutoZone.com, Land Rover Monmouth) Choosing the right material (ceramic, semi-metallic, or organic) affects noise, dust, pedal feel, and rotor wear. (Bridgestone Tires) European-market pads also carry the ECE R90 quality mark, and United States laws now phase out almost all copper in friction material by 2025. (PowerStop Brakes, Department of Toxic Substances Control)

The 328xi badge appears on the E90/E91 3-Series built for 2007-2008 (sedan and wagon) with xDrive all-wheel drive. Pads are shared with several 3-Series trims that use 300 mm front rotors and matching sliding calipers, so always verify rotor size before ordering. (BuyBrakes)

• Pad thickness (new): ~19 mm inner and outer. (AutoZone.com)
• Pad width: ~155 mm (front). (eBay)
• Minimum service limit: Replace when friction material is 3 mm or less-your BMW's wear sensor triggers around 4-3 mm. (Bimmerpost, Reddit)

• Ceramic pads stay quiet, make very little dust, and handle heat well, but cost more. (Bridgestone Tires)
• Semi-metallic pads stop hard and resist fade, yet they can be louder and create more rotor wear.
• Organic/NAO pads are gentle on rotors and budget friendly, but they wear faster and fade sooner under heavy braking.

For a deeper dive on pad technology see this Brake Pad overview.

BMW installs a two-stage electronic wear sensor on the left-front and right-rear corners. The first circuit warns with about 6 mm left; the second breaks at roughly 4-3 mm, lighting the dash in red. (Bimmerpost, M3Post) The sensor can be reused if un-tripped, but most owners replace it with every pad change because it's inexpensive and fragile. (Reddit)

DIYers need only basic tools plus a torque wrench:

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*Values are from BMW forum torque charts. (Bimmerpost, Bimmerfest) Always support the caliper, clean and grease slide pins, and torque with the vehicle safely on stands. A full step-by-step 328xi brake swap guide is available here.

After installation, bed the new pads so they mate with the rotor. A proven method is 5-6 medium stops from 35 mph followed by 3-4 firm stops from 50 mph, then a 10-minute cooldown drive without braking. (AutoZone.com) Proper bedding lays a thin, even transfer layer on the rotor that boosts bite and reduces squeal.

Grinding, squealing, or a shaky steering wheel can mean worn pads, rusty rotors, or debris in the caliper. (NuBrakes) A soft pedal often points to air in the lines, while pulling to one side may signal uneven pad wear. (Wikipedia)

Most drivers replace pads every 25 000-60 000 miles, but city stop-and-go can cut life to 25 k, and gentle highway cruising can stretch it to 70 k. (Land Rover Monmouth, Eric's Car Care) Check pad thickness at every oil change; keeping rotors clean and avoiding hard stops when cold extends service life. (AutoZone.com)

European-spec pads must meet ECE R90 standards that test cold performance, fade, and compressibility. BMW's xDrive also uses electronic helpers like brake-drying (lightly sweeps pads in rain) and brake-standby (pre-loads pads when you lift the throttle fast) to shorten stopping distances. (Bimmerpost, M3Post)

California and several other regions now cap copper in pads at <5 % (2021) and near-zero by 2025 to protect aquatic life. Manufacturers must certify compliance and label pads with ÒA,Ó ÒB,Ó or ÒNÓ environmental marks. Learn more from California's Brake Pad Law. When you change pads, recycle the old ones at a metal recycler or hazardous-waste center.

Drivers who track their 328xi often move to low-metallic or hybrid pads that tolerate higher rotor temps yet still fit the stock caliper. (BuyBrakes) Pairing them with slotted rotors and stainless hoses improves bite and pedal feel, but always match the compound to your rotor metal to avoid glazing. (Bridgestone Tires)

A quality ceramic set with shims and grease typically costs between modest and premium prices, while budget pads may use cheaper metals that squeal and shed dust. Investing in higher-grade friction material saves money over time by protecting rotors and reducing maintenance. (NuBrakes)

Q: How do I know when my 328xi brake pads need changing?
A: Watch for the yellow then red pad-wear light, listen for squeal, or measure pad depth-replace at 3 mm. (Reddit)

Q: Ceramic vs. semi-metallic-what's best for everyday driving?
A: Ceramic pads run quieter, cleaner, and last long, making them ideal for daily street use; semi-metallic pads give stronger cold bite for spirited driving but can be noisier. (Bridgestone Tires)

Q: Will new pads fit my 328i or 335i?
A: If those models share the same rotor diameter and caliper style (check 300 mm front rotors), the pads interchange, but always verify part numbers first. (BuyBrakes)

Q: Do I have to replace the wear sensor every time?
A: If the sensor has tripped, yes; if not, it can be reused carefully, though most techs install a fresh one due to its low cost. (Reddit)

Q: What happens if I skip bedding?
A: You may experience vibration, longer stops, and uneven rotor deposits-bedding prevents those issues. (AutoZone.com)

Q: How tight should I torque the caliper bracket?
A: BMW's spec is about 81 ft-lb (110 Nm) on the E90 chassis. (Bimmerpost)

Q: Can copper-free pads stop as well?
A: Yes. New copper-free formulas meet or exceed ECE R90 and U.S. friction grades while protecting waterways. (PowerStop Brakes, Department of Toxic Substances Control)

Q: Why do my brakes grind right after rain?
A: Surface rust on rotors causes noise on first stops; light brake drying or normal use cleans it off. (NuBrakes)

Q: Are brake shoes the same as pads?
A: No. Shoes work in drum brakes; pads work in disc brakes like those on the 328xi. (Wikipedia)

Q: Is it safe to drive once the wear light is red?
A: Only for a short distance-less than a few hundred miles-because about 2-3 mm of pad remains. Replace as soon as practical. (M3Post)

Simple language, real facts, and helpful links so you can stop with confidence.