Opus

The brake pads warning light went off about a week ago on my 2007 530i so I ordered some Hawk brake pads for the rear brakes. Went to the local repair shop today to have them put on and they refused. ONe they said they can't use customer parts and 2 they said you have to change the rotors ever time you change the pads on a BMW. Doesn't sound right so I figured I would come to the experts. Also, how long do you think I can go with the light on before I do any damage to the other brake parts. I took the day off to have this done and I won't be able to get another day off until mid March. To give you an idea of my driving habits, when I bought the car it had 35,000 miles on it and it said I would need to change the pads at 47,000. When I got to 47.000 miles it stated I still had 10,000 miles to go. The warning light finally went off at 66,000 miles.


Thanks

TWH37885

Opus; kinda sounds like bs to me; I have a really good tuner here in Knoxville that's straight up with me everytime I want to do something to mine...I even purchased drilled / slotted AM rotors and pads, he still did the install no questions asked....May want to consider another tuner in your surrounding area....

pjinca

The light will not affect the brake parts. The only thing that can possible be damaged (other than the rotors themselves) is the sensor - which does have to be replaced when changing pads. BMW does recommend you change rotors when doing the pads, but that is a recommendation, not a requirement. It simply means they won't turn your rotors for you. You can have a machine shop, auto parts store, or brake specialist near you turn the rotors, which will make them smooth again, then install the pads, then break in the new pads (I do 12-15 runs of going 10mph-60mph-10mph-60mph, until I can smell the brakes and they start to fade, this seems to bed in the Hawks best).

healthservices

Too bad you are not in so-cal orange county I could use some side money.

Opus

Thanks for the replies. I forgot to mention I did get a new sensor with the pads. My CPO warranty runs out in 4 or 5 months and I plan to probably get another CPO at that time. That is why I don't want to invest in new rotors. I would try and do the pads myself but my driveway is an incline and I doubt that would be safe.

Opus

I'm going to have to find someone like you to do it apparently. What really ticked me off about the shop I took it today was I called them 2 different times and mentioned both times I was going to supply the pads. They even quoted me $120 to do it.

vkhong

When replacing pads, the wear sensor should be replaced if it are already in contact with the rotor. Replace pads in pairs. In this case, rotors need not be replaced unless they are at or below minimum thickness.

When replacing rotors, pads (and wear sensors) should be replaced as well.

jim7

Do you install brakes ?
jb@jamesbuckle.com

949.246.7996