Brake Job

[jerome2111]

Hey Guys,

I was wondering how much a front and rear brake job should run me on my 2001 330ci? A friend of mine at the dealer said that it normally runs about $1350 but he could do it for about $1150. That included parts (pads, rotors, sensors, etc.) and labor. Is this reasonable? He said parts alone were around $850. I mean, damn, thats a lot of money. Anyway, any input would be appreciated. Thanks guys!


Josh

 

[Big Daddy]

That is expensive. Zimmerman front rotors are about 61ea at Arizona AutoHaus, pads are between 35 - 60, sensors are about 20 for front and rear, rear rotors are 50ea, rear pads 35 -60. Using the high numbers I get $362.00 add a few bucks for rotor bolts and some fluid should you need it and your good to go. If you are mechanical this can be done at home. Your friend is only cutting 200 off the dealer price, some friend!

 

[Kirby]

I'm guessing that their price comes from BMW list price on parts, $600 - $700, and 8 hours of labor, which is alot for someone who does this day in and day out. I can do a two wheel brake job at home in under 3 hours, the old school way - floor jack, hand tools.

 

[Detrich]

the dealer charges more 'cuz they basically replace everything- even if it's premature. it's a way for them to make more money- ie unnecessary part replacements. but, if u like the peace-of-mind, then pay for it, though i don't think it's economical...

brake wear depends on how you drive, but generally the front pads wear out the earliest and the rotors don't have to be changed so soon. take a look at your mileage since the last brake service and see what was done last time. (visual inspection of the pads & rotors helps too.)

just for reference, i go thru new front pads and sensor cables about every 20k miles. the rotors i usually only need full replacement after 60k or 70k miles though. hope this helps

 

[jerome2111]

Thanks Guys,

I had both my front and rear brakes done by the dealer under my included maintence about 60k miles ago, so I figured it was about time to have pads and rotors done. Thanks for all the info, I think next time I might just take it to an independant shop and have some aftermarket parts installled. Thanks again for all the replies.


Josh

 

[Average Jae]

it sounds like the friend at the dealership is giving a "friend" discount for dealer performed work, not doing the work himself for couple hundred off the dealer price.

Detrich is right about what they do at dealers. but i was also told by my mechanic that around 60k miles, mind as well replace the rotors too, since it'll be pretty worn by then, and worn rotors lead to premature wearing of brake pads.

above sounds right to me, but anyone care to enlighten me otherwise? i'm curious now.

 

[Big Daddy]

Usually the rotors will need replacing about every other pad change, but not always!