[Jlevi SW]

Ok so my brake indicator light went on... you know, the yellow circle with the bars around it.

I used a flashlight to determine that my brake pads are down to about 1/4 of an inch... and I need to replace my brakes quick.

So I have an appointment at BMW Service on thursday... but I don't know what this is going to run me. I called a local wheel/tire place and they will replace the pads and "refinish the rotors" for $150-180. I called BMW and they said I have to replace the rotors since they "wear even faster than the pads"... um... bull****? They also said I need new pads and sensors ofcourse. Comes out to $500 for JUST THE FRONTS. Also, they will sell me the front pads for $300, but refuse to install them unless they inspect my rotors.

What the hell is going on? What do I do... I don't think this is under warranty, is it....
What do I do guys, I have a 2000 328Ci with extended warranty and everything. Only 34K miles, it's a manual so I rarely use my brakes.

Advice please? I could probably get a freaken BBK for that price.

Thanks
JL

 

[misshift]

I always thought this was all covered under warranty? It's normal wear/tear, no abuse about needing new pads after 30K+ miles.

 

[Jlevi SW]

OK, I didn't ask the service rep about that, maybe I should call back and ask....

 

[[email protected]]

Yeah man my pads are going to be under warranty as well...

 

[misshift]

I'm pretty sure you are covered under the maintenance plan until 36K bro. Don't drive your car TOO much before bringing it in, this can be a great oppurtunity to milk the last of your warranty.

 

[Jlevi SW]

Well... Just had the service rep lookup my VIN... The service warranty is 3 years or 36K miles, and mine expired December of 2002.... So I would have to pay for rotors and pads...
I don't exaclty have $500 lying around.

 

[bobble]

Isn't maintenance warranty 3 years or 36K in the case of a 2000 model? I don't think they cover maintenance items after that under the extended warranty or so I was under the impression, if so great they pay and can do the whole deal. If not a good independent could do the fronts for a lot less, all parts are under 200 and labor is the shop rate. I'd ask dealer if it's covered by extended warranty. If not could a bay area person recommend a good indie shop?

 

[misshift]

Probably buying off buying non-OEM parts then.

edit: I'm pretty sure Turner Motorsport sells Zimmerman cross-drilled rotors for like $140 a pair (2). Then you can go with some dustless brake pads. Enhance the look a little and save yourself the misery of OEM prices...

 

[bimmerchop]

do what I'm doing.... Brembo cross drilled rotors and dustless brake pads :thumbup:

 

[misshift]

do what I'm doing.... Brembo cross drilled rotors and dustless brake pads :thumbup:

I never realized Brembo was so reasonable. I just checked Tire Rack and they want $38 per front rotor and $52 per rear. I'd definetely get in touch with Gary over there.

 

[Jlevi SW]

My dad is hollering that I don't need new rotors, and that it'll cost me a bunch to get installed.

So my questions are these:
~Do I need new rotors
~Can I install new rotors and pads by myself
~I still have some beef on my rears... should I get new ones anyways..?

IF so I'm DEFINATELY getting Brembo cross drilled rotors and Hawk pads... sooo sweet.

 

[bimmerchop]

yea, u can install rotors and pads yourself. check my330i.com, i think it has a DIY on both the rotors and pads

 

[sullyz]

How many miles do you have on your car? You very well could need new rotors. I can't believe they want $300 just for the pads..... that's insane. Is this from Stevens Creek?
I got front and rear pads for much less than half that from Cutter Motors in Santa Barbara about 8 months ago.

 

[sullyz]

oops... just saw you have 34K miles. You probably don't need new rotors. Just get the pads and the sensor.... I'll help you replace them if you need.

 

[Jlevi SW]

OK so i'm about to order:
~Hawk HPS Street brake pads
Note: Front brake pads
Price: $75.00 (axle set)

~Brembo Sport Drilled Rotor (Stylerilled, Finish:Gold)
Note: (Front) Drilled vented rotors.
Price: $194.00 (pair)

But I want to know this... Do I need to order a separate sensor or what? Also, Misshift... where do you see $38 rotors?!

I'm gonna contact Gary and see if this is the best price.

 

[SpeedinBlueBimmer]

It should be under warranty. I had 4 rotors and 4 pads replaced at under 10k miles. And the rotors do wear faster than the pads. I used a micrometer and was noticing over a milimeter of wear at about 8k miles. The service guy said 3-5 mm was enough wear to justify replacing them under warranty. Haven't you gotten pads/rotors replaced before if youve had the car 34k miles? Possible I guess my dads 330 hasnt gotten brakes in 21k but he drives pretty slow and never tracks or autocrosses as much as I try to get him to come along.

 

[Jlevi SW]

Like I said, my maintenence warranty was gone after December 2002. At least I'll get that sexy cross-drilled look soon.


Also, can someone confirm what I need for the sensors?!

One more question... Are Zimmerman Rotors any good? I mean I know the brembo's are great but if I can save $60 why not..

Thanks
JL

 

[AMG EATER]

hmmm, I am interested too -- free :bump:

 

[tquach]

I just recently replaced my Pads and rotors about a month ago.
Yes if your brake pad lights came on you will have to replace it. Its hard to tell which sensor is worn out until you remove the pads. I just replaced both sensors. $20 bucks for w sensors from pacific bmw. Its a very easy DIY, the only problem you might have is if you get a rotor which is rusted on. You can hammer the rotor and it might come off, if it doesn't you have two options, there is a tool used to remove the rotor, or take it to a local shop and have them do that wheel.

 

[Jlevi SW]

OK I'll have to order the sensors too...