CARFIX

RDA Phantom Ceramic Brake Pad Set

RDA Brakes — RDA Phantom Ceramic Brake Pad Set — part number RDC1409

RDA Brakes · Part number RDC1409 · NZ$119.00 incl. GST

For your trusty BMW 5 Series, 8 Series, or X5, these RDA brake pads are your ticket to top-notch stopping power, converting all that kinetic energy into safe, reliable deceleration when you hit the anchors.

Price

NZ$119.00 including GST. Part number RDC1409.

Fits these vehicles

Description

Brake Pad Replacement Guide — Keep Your BMW Stopping Sweet with RDA
> Brake pads are those unsung heroes that clamp down on your rotors, turning all that go-fast energy into a smooth, safe stop. On a high-performance Beemer like an 850 CSi or a sturdy X5, they're working overtime, so naturally, they wear down. When they do, you'll notice a drop in braking oomph, and that's your cue to get them sorted.
What's Your BMW Telling You?
• Hearing squeals or grinding when you brake? That's not the sound of music, mate!
• Stopping distances getting a bit long in the tooth?
• Feeling a bit of a wobble or vibration through the brake pedal?
• Brake pedal feeling soft or spongy, like a soggy biscuit?
• Can you see your pads are looking a bit thin (less than 3mm of friction material)?
• Got a warning light glowing on your dashboard? Don't ignore it!
Will it pass WOF?
Nah, not with worn brake pads, mate! Your BMW won't get its Warrant of Fitness if the pads are looking tired. You need good, solid friction material — usually more than 1.5mm, but we always say aim for 3mm for peace of mind — and absolutely no cracks, flaking, or oil smears. Safety first, always!
DIY or Workshop?
Difficulty: 6/10 (A bit of a challenge, but totally doable for the keen DIYer!)
Estimated Time: About 1-2 hours per axle — perfect for a Saturday morning project before the rugby!
Tools Required: A trusty jack, some sturdy jack stands (safety first!), a lug wrench, a C-clamp or a brake caliper piston compressor, some Brake Cleaner to blast away the gunk, a torque wrench, your favourite socket set, and maybe a brake pad spreader or caliper hanger for an easier time.
🛠️ Bob's "Get It Done Right" Companion Checklist
Before you dive into that brake job, Bob's got a few essentials to make sure you're safe and sorted:
• Safety Glasses: Protect those peepers from flying crud and brake dust! A must-have.
• Heavy-Duty Nitrile Gloves: Keep your hands clean and protected from grease and grime. Nobody wants to explain dodgy fingernails at cafe lunch!
• Brake Cleaner Spray: This stuff is gold for blasting away carbon dust and getting surfaces squeaky clean before reassembly. Essential for proper brake function.
• Anti-Seize Caliper Grease: A little dab'll do ya! This special grease ensures your calipers move freely and quietly. Don't skip it!
• Proper Jack and Stands: We can't stress this enough — never, ever get under a car relying solely on a jack! Use sturdy jack stands for ultimate safety. Your life's worth it.
Expert Recommendation
Bob @ CARFIX always bangs on about keeping your brakes in tip-top shape — it's not just about going fast, it's about stopping safely! For your BMW 5 Series, 8 Series, or X5, these RDA brake pads are a ripper choice, giving you solid performance without breaking the bank. It's super important to match the right pad compound to your specific BMW — especially if you've got a performance model or a hefty SUV. Pop into Bob's Shop for a yarn; he'll help you figure out exactly what parts your BMW needs to keep it humming along!
Fitment Notes
These brake pads are specifically designed for a range of BMW models, including various 5 Series (E39 chassis), 8 Series (E31 chassis), and X5 (E53 chassis) variants from the late 1990s to mid-2000s. Always double-check the exact fitment for your specific year, model, and engine size, as brake system components can vary even within the same model range, particularly between standard and performance packages or different engine sizes (e.g., 520i vs 535i, or X5i vs X5d).

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🛠️ Bob's Pro Tip: Do the Job Right!

🧰 What Else You'll Need:
• Safety First: Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always secure it on heavy-duty safety jack stands.
• Brake Dust Protection: Brakes get incredibly dirty. Keep a pack of Nitrile Gloves handy to protect your hands from stubborn brake dust.
• Clean and Prep: Use a high-quality Brake Cleaner spray to blast away stubborn dust, oil, and road grime from the caliper assembly and new rotors before reassembly.
• Lubrication: Apply a thin smear of high-temperature caliper grease to the pad backing plates and slide pins (keep it off the pad friction material!) to prevent squeals and ensure smooth caliper operation.