I am getting close to the 50k mile mark but the computer shows the brakes to be 15k miles to go, I have 2008 550i and I am at 43K miles mark. I am thinking of getting the maintenance contract to cover the brakes when they come due, but at $1700 is it worth it? If I take the car to a private shop, are the brakes that much?

Anyone has experience with replacing brakes and their cost on this car?

 

Brake jobs at a private shop will not be even close to the $1700.

 

its really area dependent though

i spec'd around before I bought the package and the independents quoted me right under there because they insist BMW cars are so hard to work on for anything

it was worth it for me in my neck of the woods but elsewhere....I doubt it

 

good point. call around local shops and find out before making your decision.

 

ya you may very well find that its a good deal because it covers your idrive needs

here is another q for you

what are the other idrive related replacements and when are they due?

 

I did not think the maint Contract covers the idrive anyway?

 

If you have the tools and are handy it should cost you half that to do it yourself with factory parts.
Real OEM

Front rotors 114x2= 228
Rear rotors 97x2= 194
Front pads 131
Rear pads 112
----------------------------
$665 + wear sensors

You can definitely get everything cheaper if you shop around (gary at newport, bma parts, pelican parts,....)

 

A big part of the expense is the rotors, usually only last as long as the pads. Pay close attention to see if they are pulsing (warped at all). I had changed my brake pads at 25k to a low dust pad. Before 50k, I had pulsing. I had the rotors replaced under warranty - claim that they are making noise. I now have 75k, had some pulsing back, but was able to have the rotors turned (fronts replaced at 50k, backs original yet).

If your pads are still good, but the rotors are getting thin (in the front), at least you will get new front rotors. If the pads are still good they will not change those out, but at your pad replacement interval, the price tag will be a lot less painful.

 

My experience with the BMW service depts is that they can be quite helpful stretching what they can and cannot do near the end of the warranty period. Talk with your SA.
In the mean time, go have some fun with the 550i and burn off some of those pads!

 

True msrp on the parts (pads rotors and sensor) is $569.16 then add for the labor.