Brake pad

[spyroboy]

My brake pad light came on just today. I guess I need to change pads ASAP. Where do you guys go for brake pad change? Do you use OEM or aftermarket? How much does it usually cost? (just to make sure I won't get ripped) Thanks.

 

[Big Daddy]

I do them myself it is fairly easy. Here is a link to a tech article at Pelican Parts on brake pad replacement, cleck here. There are a lot of different kinds available depending on your driving style, they range from Piags, Mintex, ATS's, and more. They can cost from $40.00 to $100.00 depending on what and where you get them. Are you inclined to do it yourself?

 

[spyroboy]

How easy is it? Is it something very risky to DIY?

I do them myself it is fairly easy. Here is a link to a tech article at Pelican Parts on brake pad replacement, cleck here. There are a lot of different kinds available depending on your driving style, they range from Piags, Mintex, ATS's, and more. They can cost from $40.00 to $100.00 depending on what and where you get them. Are you inclined to do it yourself?

 

[Big Daddy]

if you click the link in my post above titled "here" it will take you to Pelican Parts Tech article on BMW brakes. I have done them numerous times so it is very easy to me.

 

[spyroboy]

I called a BMW authorized service center and they are qouting me $400! [80?] And that's only for rear brakes! The guy said they will replace the pads and the disc since both get worn out at the same time. He also told me they need to replace the sensor wiring. Do I really need this? What you guys think?

 

[adrean8j]

Man trust me if you have a garage, jack, stands, level area, and elbow grease then you can do this yourself in about 1-2hours depending on your skill level. This is one of the EASIEST things you can repair on your car and it is very, very hard to muff it up......I was like 14yrs old and my dad taught/showed me how to do them on a Ford Aerostar....LOL...man that brings back memories of that POS.....and he still has that damn thing and I am 31yrs old now....LOL

 

[Big Daddy]

You do need the sensor wire(s), but you do not need to replace the brake rotor (disc) unless it is worn thin (as evidenced by the groove as the outer edge) warpped or otherwise shot. I have got up to three brake pad sets per rotor, but two is generally easy to do.

 

[spyroboy]

You do need the sensor wire(s), but you do not need to replace the brake rotor (disc) unless it is worn thin (as evidenced by the groove as the outer edge) warpped or otherwise shot. I have got up to three brake pad sets per rotor, but two is generally easy to do.

How long does brake pads usually last?

 

[Big Daddy]

Depends on your driving style. I have changed fronts as often as 30,000 miles and as late as 60,000 miles normal street driving. My roadster has been through two sets in 50,000 miles but I tracked it in the past.

 

[spyroboy]

Rotors

Depends on your driving style. I have changed fronts as often as 30,000 miles and as late as 60,000 miles normal street driving. My roadster has been through two sets in 50,000 miles but I tracked it in the past.

When did you have to change the brake rotors?

 

[Big Daddy]

Never before my 2nd set of pads on any car I have owned. BMW rotors are fairly inexpensive and I do not recommend turning them, if they seem to be warped or have grooves in them replace them.