Specifically for the 2011 MCS. I've purchased 2 so far stated for 2011 and both have been too short and off by what appears to be almost a foot. Not trying to gamble on a 3rd one but if anyone has a reputable source, that would be great....

 

Dealership

 

Other than a dealership? Non OEM works for me in this case

 

I've found that the non OEM brake sensors are hit and miss. One time a particular brand will be fine and the next time it isn't as they just source from the cheapest mfg at a given time. Since I had someone else doing the brake jobs, if I provided him with a bad part, then he had to go and buy the new part and it wound up costing me more in the long run. Now I'd just rather pay the extra $10- $20 and get the right thing.

 

Try ECS tuning, Pelican Parts, Outmotoring, or Way Motor Works.
Just make sure you get the right ones for your year and model.
Can look part numbers up on www.realoem.com .
Put the last 6 characters of your VIN in there to make sure.
Should be front: 34356792572, rear: 34356792573

 

My local Advance Auto has been great for me. They order from all the big after market distributers that everyone does. No affiliation BTW. Their software shows specific manufactures and part numbers too. I have used Pelican or FCP to identify the part they recommend then use that to get the part from Advance. They can usually get the same price or close to it. Usually they have to order in BMW / Mini parts but something this common they may have on the shelf. This process will increase your chances of getting the correct unit on your first try. Then just bring in the old unit and compare.

This reminds me of when I had a Chevy Tahoe for 250K. I could ask for any part, Within seconds it would be on the counter in front of me. Often, the parts guy would not even need to look up a part number. No the same with BMW/Mini - at least where I live out in the mountains!

 

Thanks for the advice y'all. I realized the first one I ordered was for a 2010 and under. Second one stated it was a 2011 and above but was still too short. Third one I had came with the rotor/brake pad kit (powerstop) and was also too short. Looking up part numbers, I see that a lot of places are selling the Bowa branded one. Pictures vary but they look a bit short and some do not include the built in rubber holder/clips that oem has. I'd advise anyone who is looking for this to avoid if they say they're for the years 2008-2014. Should only say 2011+ but even then, could be a miss. If they have em at an auto advanced, i'll call em up to ask to see if they have. Its the only way I can compare the length at this point anyways.

Also, I guess at this point I have 3 brake sensors that may fit other vehicles if someone wants em.

 

splice in a hunk of wire ... the sensor is nothing more than a loop of wire. When the plastic tip wears away it breaks the wire causing an open circuit = pad worn.

 

R56 sensor right here, just select the options and you'll get the right one
https://www.waymotorworks.com/brake-...5-r56-r57.html

 

You're not wrong but i'd much rather pay for the peace of mind. If I place electrical tape or heat shrink wrapping on it, who knows if it will wear out due to my negligence.

 

I find the sensors useless so first change I snip the ends and tie the wire ends together. Do the reset and warning is gone forever. Easy to do a kwik eyeball check of pad thickness and more detailed when rotating tires.

 

Thats pretty much what I'm doing now and am consider doing permanently