My dealer says I need new discs all round. With pads and sensors I'm looking at a hefty bill.

Will the on board service indicators tell me when it's absolutely necessary or should i take the dealer's word for it?

Any help or advice appreciated.

 

You shouldn't have to replace your sensors if they were never triggered that's BS. As for your brake pads... If you can't tell if their due yourself, you should take it to someone who can, that isn't going to lie to you to make money.


Another thing, they obviously aren't due if your sensors haven't triggered. But then again save yourself 80 bucks, and change them out before the sensors trigger is always a + in my book.

 

Query was about the discs. There's definitely visible wear becasue i can see a lip around the edge of the disc, about 2mm tops i would say. I always thought that if you had new discs you need new pads at the same time.

Thanks for the advice re sensors though. Hadn't thought of that.

 

It's the oldest trick in the book that one - dealer's know it's a winner because nobody wants to take a risk with their brakes. Get a second opinion from someone who isn't going to make money from it. If it turns out the first place was trying to rip you off, go round there with an axe and start swinging. Then never go back.

How many miles has your car done?

 

78,000 miles, so probably not unreasonable.

 

my front discs lasted 140k miles and the rear about 112k.

Dom

 

HOw did you know they needed changing? On board info? or dealer advice?

 

In my past experience, BMW brake discs should be replaced when their thickness was reduced to specific spec or when they are out of round (perform runout check or determined by brake pedal pulsation).

My BMW mechanics (dealers and independent) have consistently said, "Do not cut or turn BMW brake discs" - replace when worn or out of round.

 

Have you had the car since new as from what Ive read about this it seems the E60 goes through brake disks on the second set of pads(around 50-60k). Im wondering if thats the second set your car has had.

 

While your eyes may be perfect for judging beauty there are tools to correctly measure brake disc thickness and runout.

IMHO, A QUALIFIED mechanic will rely on those to determine when replacement is required.