e39 540i brake pads

[mongomushroom]

Good Morning all

I recently became the proud owner of a 540i. good wagon, got it cheap so a few wee issues to resolve. The brake pads are pretty much on the limit now so time to upgrade. the pads that are fitted are very dusty and not great. Could anybody recommend a set?

Also the front calipers have the M logo like m5 calipers but 540i diameter discs so not sure what is going on there. Could anybody advise?

Also a bit of a long shot but does any have an e39 m5 lsd lying about, dead or alive?

Cheers

Iain

[DanThe]

I used Pagid pads on mine last year and the amount of dust coming off them is ridiculous, they work well but the wheels are black within a week.
I will probably try the low dust EBC pads next time which wont be long as they are nearly out already. Calipers dont have any M logo's though, just standard castings



What year is the car? The disc offset changed around 2001 which I found out once id bought the discs and had them zinc plated
So I have a brand new set of post 2001 discs zinc plated going cheap



Also the M5 diff is not a straight swap, from what ive read you need different driveshafts and propshaft to use it

[mongomushroom]

cheers for the reply my man. its a 1998. Ebc red stuff seem to be a popular choice but they are pretty expensive. Think i'll have to pop the caliper off to see the pad wear. if it is m5 there could be a big step in them. not sure what pads are in it now but took it for a wee thrash after polishing the wheels and it was as if I hadn't wash them at all. I was fuming.

I've read about the lsd swaps and priced up the options. soon after i sh*t myself. option 1 - m5 lsd, prop, driveshafts/e32 flanges came in at 600 - 800. option 2 - e36 m3 evo diff with m5 diff housing cover came in at a little less but that is with a brand new diff casing from bmw (£300). If I could find a f**ked m5 diff then it would be a lot cheaper. Also I asked my buddy in Lithuainia to price 1 up over there so will see what he says.

Either way its a f**k about but will be well worth it

Not sure if you've seen this before but heres a good write up on option no.2

http://forum.bmw5.co.uk/topic/28932-how ... than-l500/


Also in the market for some ac schnitzers 18" type 2 or 3 if you know of any?

[DanThe]

Yeah ive read that diff swap, lots of faff for a short geared diff, I need an LSD but I dont want a shorter ratio, its quite a big step from 2.81 to 3.23 but as always depends on the use of the car, mine is an auto touring which gets used as a daily van/bus/workhorse etc so reving the tits off it and spinning the wheels is not what its about

[mongomushroom]

I know what you mean buddy. mines just going to get abused so would be happy enough with the 3.23. the m5 diff is 3.15 so not much difference between the 2. Thanks for your help