BulldogE60

Is this possible? I understand if I was in stop and go traffic daily, but I'm not. My commute to work is 90% freeway against traffic. I have a 6 speed so I usually engine break. I understand that I am on 20's, but I'm sure it should last longer than this.

Here's the problem and its a bit weird. After my car sits for a while, say a few hours, when I go to drive it again the breaks will squeal for the first 10 mins or so and then its gone. BMW changed the pads for me almost a year ago, shouldn't they last much longer? I know I'll have to probably bring it in, but would like to know what I'm up against before I bring her in.

*edit*

Forgot to mention that I have driven about 10K miles since the last break job.

healthservices

Are you saying you are on the electronic sensors or they are just noisy?

The light on the dash is on?

Here in the states "brake" means to stop. To "break" means to destroy something like to break glass.

Here is something that may help.

http://homepage.smc....brakebreak.html

thomas finlass

I think I remember being told something about there being copper in BMW brake pads, so when they are cold they will squeek when applied, and when they warm up after a few applications, they stop squeeking this should explain your squeeking sound. Squeeky brakes on a BMW do not mean worn pads.

healthservices

Another thing I read sometimes on here is some people use the pressure washer to wash their wheels and brakes, don't do it. If you wash out the lube from the contact points of you brake pads they will make noise, Brake pads must be removed in order to properly lube them.

pjinca

Hey Bulldog, where the heck ya been Bro? Anyway, dump the crappy OEM pads and get some Hawk HPS pads. My squeal is gone, there's much less dust now and they bite fantastic. The OEM pads use a much softer compound which could be a good reason why they don't last nearly as long and create huge amounts of brake dust.
I agree with healthservices, don't use a pressure washer to clean your brakes. Instead every now and then I take my wheels off, use brake cleaner to clean them and lube where I can - mostly in the channel the pads use.

v_therussian

hold on, so is the light on or not? If its just the noise, then try bedding the brakes in first. Here are the instructions on bedding in brakes

Hawk HPS pads are good, but you may warp the OEM rotors, since they aren't made to handle harder pads. Hence, it is recommended that you get better rotors too. If you're out of warranty, the cost of getting Hawk HPS pads and Centric or R1 Concepts rotors is probably considerably less than getting OEM parts. The only OEM parts you'll need are the new sensors.

GL

BulldogE60

LOL I meant "brakes" haha. Healthservices is probably right, I always use my pressure washer to clean my wheels. Maybe thats why. BTW, the light is not on.

PJ, wassup man! Damn I've been busy dude, but I still pop in here once in a while. Notice you are making quick progress on your mods, its looking real nice! Another reason why I try to stay off the boards, it'll get you broke! hahaha.

v_therussian

Just so there's no confusion: if the light is not on, your brakes should be just fine

If you're really worried, find a good indie and have him lift the car, take off the wheels and have a look with you. Shouldn't be a lot of dough - especially for having a piece of mind.

Dandle

My front brakes went through a stage where they squealed, it only lasted about 1-2k miles though before the quietened down and they have been fine for the last 20k.