Brake Replacement Saga

[AndyZ]

This is the saga of my brake replacement on a 2008 Z4 3.0SI convertible.
The quick lessons learned are:
• Powerstop abandoned me.
• AutoZone worked nights and weekends and solved the problem.
• For the model year 2008 there are 2 different rear brake cylinder parts
which means that you need 2 different brake pads.
• BMW never documented that you there are 2 different rear brake pads for 2008

The gory detail are as follows:
• On Monday 3/21 I ordered a PowerStop Z23 brake replacement kit through AutoZone.
• After initially promising a Tuesday delivery I was informed that delivery would take 2 to 3 weeks.
• On Tuesday I complained and escalated the problem with AutoZone.
• AutoZone responded on Tuesday evening and promises expedited shipping
• The part was shipped Wednesday and arrives late Thursday.
• I successfully install the front brakes on Friday, but the rear inner pad will not fit into the cylinder.
• I call Powerstop technical support
• After sending pictures of the old and new part, I’m escalated to2nd level.
• The 2nd level tech can’t figure it out.
• I finally get on a 3 way with the tech and the ”product manager”.
• I am finally told that Powerstop can’t help and get the following email:
“I found that this pad requires two different size rose clips depending on the application. Unfortunately, we only have this larger rose clip version right now. I will update the catalog
for this and work on adding the other version to our line.”
• I contact AutoZone and give them my VIN.
• On Saturday after conferring with AutoZone they ship the parts for Monday AM Delivery
• On Monday I open the box – it is the same wrong pad!!!
• I call AutoZone – Within 30 minutes they get a Z4 parts expert on the phone who figures it out.
Apparently, BMW manufactured some 2008 Z4’s using brake calipers and pistons left over from the 2007 model year. BMW never documents this decision.
• AutoZone finds the 2007 Pads at a store near me.
• I pick them up around noon, install them and
• Problem Solved!!!

AutoZone 5 stars!!
Powerstop 0 stars
Thanks, Andyz

[bluptgm3]

AutoZone for BMW parts?

What are the last seven characters of the VIN? (What is the actual ‘Build Date’?)
Enter them into www.realoem.com and observe what parts by BMW part number went into your car’s build.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MIKYZZ4]

Where you went wrong was using an AutoZone for BMW replacement parts.
As was posted above, search realoem for part #'s, then use a reliable BMW OEM parts supplier.
I like using this one, free shipping/lifetime warranty:https://www.fcpeuro.com/BMW-parts/Z4...&b=10&d=700&v=

[Kram71]

I had a tricky time getting my Powerstop Rear Brakes in to the piston. It was the right part number though for my 2007. I had realized I had to bend the clip that goes in to the piston slightly and then they both fit fairly easily. I have used Powerstop on front and back on my Z3 and the front on my Z$ with no issues so I was surprised at this issue but fortunately I was able to get around it with a quick bend with my needle nose pliers. The reason I like Powerstop is it cuts down the brake dust so much. I rarely have to clean my wheels anymore. Powerstop are sold in many places. They are not an Autozone part. I get mine online. I also used their rotors which have been awesome.

I actually have an extra box of the rear Powerstop brakes for a 2007 if anyone wants to buy them cheap. Never opened. All fully in original sealed plastic.