Computer estimate on brake pads

[jimduke]

2012 335is
43,000 miles
In town driving; no hard braking.
The computer says 45,000 miles to next front brake service.
To me that means the brakes might last to 88,000 miles.
Am I wrong?
Is 88,000 possible for even the most gentle driver?
What would be a reasonable cost, at the dealer, for pads all around?
Are pads and rotors something that most "Indy" shops should be able to change without issue?
Thank you for the help.
Jim

[XnWarden]

Hey Jim,

I'm new to the E90 section, but I've been on the E36 section for quite some time now. One of my friends is strongly considering a 2007 325i though, so I figured I would get acquainted with the section. To answer your question, I feel that the BMW service intervals aren't quite always accurate. For instance, on my E36, the computer recommends an oil change service roughly every 9,000 miles. Most people don't wait that long to change their oil. If the brakes are still functioning properly and the pedal feels normal, I would let them go until 50,000 miles. If you notice decreased braking performance, or the pedal pulsates under normal braking conditions, I would have them inspected.

A brake job is incredibly simple and very easy to do yourself provided you have the tools. Yesterday I changed the front and rear pads and rotors on my father's Subaru in the middle of the parking lot at an auto parts store. Only took me 90 minutes for the front and rear. That was without a lift and air tools. If you aren't much of a DIYer, then expect to pay $400-500 or more per axle at the dealer. Any indy shop could do this work for you. It is a very simple job.

Here is a break down of the cost using new parts sourced from turnermotorsport.com:
New pads (front and rear): $117.61 OEM pads
New rotors (front and rear): $297.24 OEM rotors
New brake fluid: $13.50 ATE SL.6 fluid

Total cost of parts: $428.35
Dealer will probably mark the parts cost up a bit, and will likely charge 2-3 hours of labor. Indy would probably save you one or two hundred bucks or so.

[Pilgrim]

The sensor will trip when you still have a couple thousand miles left on the pads, but they're less efficient as they get thinner (less ability to act as heat sinks) so it doesn't hurt to replace them then. If you did 90% highway you could probably get 80K out of the brakes, but that would be highly unusual.

I did my front brake pads and rotors with parts from Bavauto using the Meyle rotors. $200 total including shipping, and the brake anti-squeal stuff was included.

It's about a 2-hour hob for someone who double and triple-checks their work. The brake sensor goes on the LF rotor.

[brandonbittinge]

Depending on your model you most likely have a sensor that wears down with the brake pad and will let you know you need to replace the brakes. Mine kicked on recently so I ordered the parts online. I found a kit online that comes with pads, rotors, and a replacement sensor around $100. Keep in mind these are not official BMW parts, if that matters to you. If I can do it myself you can most likely have an "Indy" shop take care of it.

The only issue I have heard you may run into is if you have an electronic parking brake. If you have an electronic parking brake it needs to be released through the computer otherwise you wont be able to get the pads from the calipers, if my understanding is correct.