RDA Brakes Extreme Heavy Duty Brake Pad Set

RDA Brakes · Part number RDX1397SM · NZ$139.00 incl. GST

If you're after top-notch brake pads for your European luxury ride or hefty SUV, including a bunch of BMW 7 Series, X3, X5, and Land Rover Range Rover models, these friction components are absolutely vital for converting kinetic energy into thermal energy, stopping your vehicle safely and soundly.

Price

NZ$139.00 including GST. Part number RDX1397SM.

Fits these vehicles

• BMW 3 (1999–2005)
• BMW 3 (2000–2005)
• BMW 3 (2000–2005)
• BMW 3 (2000–2005)
• BMW 3 (2000–2005)
• BMW 3 (2000–2006)
• BMW 3 (2000–2006)
• BMW 3 (2000–2006)
• BMW 3 (2001–2006)
• BMW 3 (2002–2005)
• BMW 3 (2003–2003)
• BMW 3 (2003–2005)
• BMW 3 (2006–2013)
• BMW 3 (2008–2011)
• BMW 5 (1973–1976)
• BMW 5 (1992–1995)
• BMW 5 (1998–2003)
• BMW 5 (2007–2010)
• BMW 7 (1994–1996)
• BMW 7 (1994–1996)
• BMW 7 (1994–2001)
• BMW 7 (1995–2001)
• BMW 7 (1996–1998)
• BMW 7 (1996–2001)
• BMW 7 (2002–2005)
• BMW 7 (2003–2008)
• BMW 8 (1990–1994)
• BMW 8 (1992–1996)
• BMW 8 (1993–1996)
• BMW 8 (1994–1999)
• BMW 8 (1996–1999)
• BMW X3 (2003–2006)
• BMW X3 (2004–2005)
• BMW X3 (2004–2006)
• BMW X3 (2004–2007)
• BMW X3 (2005–2008)
• BMW X3 (2006–2008)
• BMW X3 (2008–2010)
• BMW X3 (2008–2010)
• BMW X3 (2008–2011)

Description

Give Your Brakes a Hug: A Guide to Swapping Out Those Worn-Out Pads — Featuring RDA
> Right then, let's talk brake pads. These little legends are the unsung heroes of your car's stopping power, designed to gradually wear down as they work their magic against the rotors. For those of us cruising in high-performance European luxury beasts or hauling the whānau in a big SUV like a BMW 7 Series or a Land Rover Range Rover, keeping those brakes in tip-top shape isn't just about good manners; it's absolutely critical for safety, especially with all that weight and if you're keen on a bit of spirited driving or towing the boat.
What's Your Car Telling You? (Symptoms That Led You Here)
• Hear a squeal or a grind when you hit the stoppers? That's your car's way of complaining.
• Brakes feeling a bit 'meh' or the pedal's gone all squishy? Not ideal.
• Getting a bit of a shimmy through the steering wheel or pedal when braking? Could be a sign.
• Taking longer to stop than it used to? Time for a check.
• Had a peek and noticed your pads are looking thin (less than 3mm of friction material left)? Get on it!
• That pesky brake warning light glowing on the dash? Don't ignore it.
Will This Pass the WOF? (Spoiler: Probably Not)
Nah, mate. Worn brake pads are a big no-no and a serious safety risk. Your car will definitely get a thumbs down at its Warrant of Fitness (WOF) inspection here in Aotearoa. The WOF demands that your brake pads have plenty of meat on them and that your braking system is working like a charm.
DIY or Call in the Cavalry? (Workshop or Tackle It Yourself?)
Difficulty: 6/10 (Moderate — you'll need your wits about you!)
Estimated Time: About 1-3 hours per axle, depending on how much of a DIY legend you are and what sort of beast you're working on.
Tools Required: A trusty jack, some sturdy jack stands (safety first, always!), a wheel nut wrench, a C-clamp or a proper brake caliper piston compressor, the right-sized wrenches/sockets for those caliper bolts, some brake cleaner, a torque wrench (super important for getting things just right), and maybe a wire brush for a bit of a tidy-up.
🛠️ Bob's "Get It Done Right" Companion Checklist
Before you dive under the bonnet, Bob's got a few must-haves to make sure your brake job goes smoothly and safely:
• Safety Glasses: Seriously, don't skimp. Bits can fly, and brake dust is not good for the peepers. Grab a pair of Safety Glasses — your eyes will thank you.
• Heavy-Duty Nitrile Gloves: Keep those hands clean and protected from grime and brake dust. Some tough Nitrile Gloves are a no-brainer.
• Brake Cleaner Spray: You'll want this to blast away all that carbon dust and crud for a clean install. A good can of Brake Cleaner makes a world of difference.
• Anti-Seize Caliper Grease: A dab of this on the caliper slide pins ensures smooth operation and prevents seizing. Pick up some Caliper Grease.
Bob's Expert Recommendation (From Your Mates at CARFIX)
Bob here at CARFIX always says, don't muck around with brakes! Get those pads replaced at the first whisper of wear or if your stopping power feels off. It's all about keeping you and your whānau safe. For a huge range of BMW and Land Rover models, these RDA RDX1397SM brake pads are a fantastic shout — known for being consistent and tough as old boots. Don't ever compromise on safety; dodgy brakes are just plain dangerous. Bob and the crew at CARFIX are always here to help you figure out exactly what part your BMW or Land Rover needs. Pop into Bob's Shop for a yarn!
Fitment Notes (Read This Bit Carefully!)
Right, this particular set of brake pads fits a heap of BMW models, including various 7 Series (E38, E65/E66), 8 Series (E31), X3 (E83), and X5 (E53) variants, plus the Land Rover Range Rover (L322) and Range Rover Sport (L320) models. Because it covers so many different types and generations of vehicles, it's super important to double-check that it's the right fit for your exact vehicle's year, make, model, and engine size. This ensures everything lines up perfectly for top-notch braking. If in doubt, always cross-reference with your vehicle's specs or have a chat with a CARFIX expert — we're here to help you get it sorted! Bob wants to make sure you get the right part every time, so don't be shy, ask away!

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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.