Replacing pads & rotors
#11
Members
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Dallas
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2004 Silver BMW 525i, loaded w/o Nav
2007 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer, loaded w/o Nav
Find a qualified independent who knows and works on BMW's! The price for aftermarket parts varies widely and if you supply them (mechanic willing) the only problem that might arise is if you show up with the wrong parts!! Most indies may mark-up parts prices a bit but nothing like the "stealers" do. Shop time, for an experienced BMW indy to R&R brakes and rotors/sensor should be less than 2.5 hrs an axle. While you're in there, if your brake fluid hasn't been flushed in 2-3 years it'll take less than 1/2 hour to get that done too.
STAY AWAY FROM THE MASS MERCHANDISE STORES Like Sears, Meineke, and Jiffy Lube !!
STAY AWAY FROM THE MASS MERCHANDISE STORES Like Sears, Meineke, and Jiffy Lube !!
I knew that- my roommate in the Army had a 1991 325i coupe, and he took it to Garlyn-Shelton BMW in Temple, TX- and in 1993, paid $799 for the 30,000 mile service. He was pi**ed, because when he read the paperwork, all he really got was an oil change, tire-rotation, and had his interior vaccumed. Everything else was, inspect this, inspect that, inspect the other... About $35 worth of work, for $799. Those days are gone for those who bought their BMW new- with 3- years of $0 maintenance.
My Edge is coming off lease in November, and I'm trying to talk my wife into wanting a new 335i sedan. I told her I'd give it to her, and I'd take the 2004 5-series, since I only drive 12-miles a day, 3 days a week: but she wants another full-size, 3-row SUV...
I admit, I miss having the big SUV too when it's time to travel (onec or twice a year), but I don't miss it when I pull up to the pump (once or twice a week).
#12
Contributors
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Jersey
Posts: 7,053
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2004 530i
Model Year: 2004
Thanks you all-
Yep, I definitely won't be going to Meineke. I've never done brakes before, but if it's that simple, maybe I'll try it. I found a mechanic yesterday that told me if I buy the parts, he'll put them on for me, for $100. A fellow member IM'd me, and I looked on line and found some really good deals, some as low as $65/rotor- but the average seemed to be $114/rotor. I also want to go with ceramic pads, so I can get away from that black brake dust...
Yep, I definitely won't be going to Meineke. I've never done brakes before, but if it's that simple, maybe I'll try it. I found a mechanic yesterday that told me if I buy the parts, he'll put them on for me, for $100. A fellow member IM'd me, and I looked on line and found some really good deals, some as low as $65/rotor- but the average seemed to be $114/rotor. I also want to go with ceramic pads, so I can get away from that black brake dust...
For $20/rotor more, you might as well get the drill and slot rotors from acuteperformance. He stands behind the products he sells. Plus they will perform and look better than OEM or regular rotors.
BTW - Do you still own a MDX?
#13
Members
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Dallas
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 2004 Silver BMW 525i, loaded w/o Nav
2007 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer, loaded w/o Nav
I was a bit leary about the after market brakes, because my buddy (the same one who used to have the M3) now has a GS460- which he bought used. It had after market brakes (I don't know what kind), and they could not get it to stop squealing- until they put the OEM components back on it. I've never had a car long enough to need brakes before (damn economy), so I've never had the pleasure of doing this before- so I know "0" about aftermarket stuff, other than what I hear others say. I've read Motor Trend and other mags go on and on about cross-drilled rotors, Brembo this & that... But, I've never experienced it in my own POV.
My partner had the Brembo brakes on his Porsche 911 Turbo, and that thing had the best brakes I've ever witnessed. That thing can go from 60 - 0 in what felt like 50 feet! LOL.
#14
just to let you know i was quoted $650 for rear brakes and rotors at the dealership. they ended up only needing to do the pads for $300. this is at the dealership and with me getting a loaner. definitely worth it. $2K at meineke is insane. i wouldnt let them touch my car for free..
#15
Former Vendor
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: SoCal
Posts: 5,051
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
My Ride: 14 550i
If you don't want the Hawk HPS, I carry the Hawk Ceramic line as well which offers even less dust than the HPS. If price is what's holding you back, I offer a lot of different options to help meet your budget. What I'm saying is, I'll work with you to get what you want.
Why not buy a vendor who supports the forum and has a flawless rep on the forum instead of risking it with another untested seller?
Michael
Acute Performance
Why not buy a vendor who supports the forum and has a flawless rep on the forum instead of risking it with another untested seller?
Michael
Acute Performance
#16
Contributors
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Ride: 525
Model Year: 2004
+1 on a good indy.
Brakes are an easy DIY for any semi-mechanically inclined shade tree mechaninc. Any reputable indy should only charge you 2-3 of hours labor (bring your own parts).
Not to get into a huge debase on rotor types and when to switch out, but have someone measure the thickness/machine before you decide to replace. They usually can last through at least two pads and warping is not very common on quality OEM rotors.
Also, while I like the aesthetics of slotted or drilled, there is a tradeoff with rotor longevity/pad wear/and breaking smoothness. It's not just the pad that makes your friends porsche stop so quickly, the 911 also has at least 4 pistons per caliper and significantly larger rotors.
Unbelievable that Meineke was also trying to rip you like that.
Brakes are an easy DIY for any semi-mechanically inclined shade tree mechaninc. Any reputable indy should only charge you 2-3 of hours labor (bring your own parts).
Not to get into a huge debase on rotor types and when to switch out, but have someone measure the thickness/machine before you decide to replace. They usually can last through at least two pads and warping is not very common on quality OEM rotors.
Also, while I like the aesthetics of slotted or drilled, there is a tradeoff with rotor longevity/pad wear/and breaking smoothness. It's not just the pad that makes your friends porsche stop so quickly, the 911 also has at least 4 pistons per caliper and significantly larger rotors.
Unbelievable that Meineke was also trying to rip you like that.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
TexaZ3
Complete Car Sales
17
05-06-2015 09:54 AM