Brake Wear Sensor Question
 

I'm replacing the front brake pads, rotors, and sensor on my wife's 2008 S (R56) after 64k miles. I order Centric pads, rotors, and sensor from RockAuto. Got the passenger side done and was putting the driver's side back together and the sensor won't connect on the socket side. Looking at the new sensor, the pad end doesn't have the 90 degree connector like the original. On the socket end, the inside has 2 horizontal plastic things that act as guides where the original socket has 1 horizontal and 1 perpendicular. The new socket is black on the original is white.

I say all this to ask the question, does the R56 S and the convertible S use the same sensor? I ordered the first one (11634004) in the pic below. I took it as being for a convertible or an S model. The other one (11634053) doesn't say anything about an S model.

I did a search for the second part # and tirerack says use the 11634053 part. I can't find a picture of it to confirm it matches the original sensor.

I'm trying to figure out if I just ordered the wrong part or if the RockAuto website is in error (which should mean I don't have to pay return shipping).

Your thoughts/input wil be appreciated.


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...f474cb2c6a.png

as best as i can tell looking at the pelicanparts web site (which is also confusing) the convertible used a different sensor. When in doubt send the vendor an email confirming you selected the right part.

You might also check the RealOEM web site for the correct part number --- http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/select. They have an illustrated parts breakdown that's used by dealers. You'll need the last few characters of your VIN to get the best breakdown, but you can also "bingo" the car description.

Thanks for the responses. GJXJ you are on the right track. I e-mailed Way @ WayMotorWorks and he confirmed what you found. The 2008 Cabrio S (convertible/R52) was based on the R50/R53 S which was supercharged and used a different sensor from the 2008 Cooper S which was turbocharged. Apparently the 2008 convertible didn't move to the R56 based turbocharged platform until 2009.


It is very confusing what is shown on RockAuto's catalog. I'm hoping they will be understanding and not charge me return shipping fees.


Thanks again for the responses.

sorry I came to the party late as I could have cleared this up fast

A 2008 rag top is a GEN1 while a 2008 HARDTOP is a GEN2 and YES they use different sensors (far from new news sorry to say . . .)

one reason I'm not a fan of Rock and tend to send folks to WAY (or my garage where I tell you what parts to buy and then help you put them on for free)

+++++++++++++++++

and btw ...

your question is in the GEN2 section which complicated your getting a good answer!!!!

btw

I hope the sensor is the only thing they got wrong

cuz if you managed to fit GEN2 pads to a GEN1 car ..... OMG