BRAKE Pad replacement...help & advice...

A

abcxyz

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#1
Hello there!

My "REPLACE BRAKE PADS" light came on in the instrument panel. I haven't replaced the pads ever because I bought my '98 328is last year used, so I've had it for about 1.5 years now. In the manual it says, "Replace pads IMMEDIATELY" -- how long do I REALLY have before I should change them?

Should I go to a dealer to change them, or just mom & pop shop that specializes in BMW and Benz? How much am I looking to pay at the dealer or at the mom & pop shop?

Should I just get the OEM replacements?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
 
B

Big Daddy

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You should change them immediately before you ruin your rotors, and you should have your rotor thickness checked. How many miles are on the car? I would not go to a dealer, but then again I would go to a good reputable mechanic specializing in BMW's. If we knew where you lived someone here might make a referral. It is a fairly easy job and there are plenty of "help" pages available on the net. If you like the way your BMW stops and do not mind the brake dust you can just continue to use stock pads. I prefer Mintex, or Metalmasters. There are tons of high in pads available as well.
 
A

abcxyz

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I live in Orange County California. I actually DON'T like the brake dust on the OEM pads, there's too much! What suggestions do you have for ones that have the same or better performance but with less brake dust?

I saw a special at this shop that specializes in BMW and Benz, and they will do it for $145 parts and labor for front or rear, so i guess that's $290 for Front AND rear. Is that a good price?

Thanks.
 
Ghost

Ghost

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Copied from Bavauto

Pagid replacement pads - The best all around performance brake pad available at any price. Manufactured in Germany especially for Bavarian Autosport, they feature a compound that exceeds Germany's tough TUV standards to provide for exceptional braking performance, over the widest range of conditions. An integrated anti-squeal pad ensures quiet operation. Rotor friendly.

MIntex replacement pads - A good all around brake pad for everyday driving. For more than 100 years, Mintex has been synonymous with friction material. Mintex "red box" replacement pads are designed for long life and dust-free operation. They have Germany's "E" mark approval, which is your assurance that these pads meet or exceed BMW original equipment specifications.

High-performance Pagid Sport pads for the street/track direct from Germany. Pagid is the brake pad of choice for many race teams, including BMW Motorsport teams. The folks at Pagid have drawn on all their skill, knowledge and racing expertise to develop these new high-performance sport pads. They're made with an advanced compound that stands up to hard braking.

Mintex will be my replacements.
 
A

abcxyz

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Thanks for your inputs.

At lunch time today I called a few places:

Dealer - said they need to change the pads AND rotors because they wear out exactly the same. I don't think that's true. Front = $492.97, Rear $444.00. Sounds like they're trying to make a quick $

Mom & Pop shop #1 - $145 for pad replacement and $125 extra for rotor, so total would be $270 per axle, much cheaper than dealer, he said he'd measure the rotor to make sure it's not below minimum and if it's not, it doesn't need to be replaced yet.

Mom & Pop shop #2 and #3 - both said that I need to bring the car in so they can see exactly what needs replacing. I agree with that, but they won't even give me a price quote which sounds like they just want to get me to bring my car in there, and I'll have it there already so they can do the work thinking I won't try to take it somewhere else since I have my car there already. What do you guys think?

I kind of have an inkling toward mom & pop shop #1, sounds more honest/straight forward than the others...
 
K

kpytoi9

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#10
i just got my pads changed today, i bought the pads off bimmerparts.com and went to a mom and pop shop that i always go to. They charged me $45 for the labor, but they also did a check on my car to see that i have no leaks and that the belts are fine and they fixed my rattling exhaust heat shield. I think its a pretty good deal.
 
T

tablet

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kpytoi9 said:
i just got my pads changed today, i bought the pads off bimmerparts.com and went to a mom and pop shop that i always go to. They charged me $45 for the labor, but they also did a check on my car to see that i have no leaks and that the belts are fine and they fixed my rattling exhaust heat shield. I think its a pretty good deal.
Click to expand...
I think that's about right. I just did my own and if the rest of your brake system is ok, it literally takes 15 mins per wheel and I would imagine less for garages with the lifts and air tools. I got the OEM quality Pagid pads (68USD for fronts, 48USD rears and 30USD for both sensors = TOTAL of 146USD)

As well, usually your front brake pads go first anyways (ie more than likely your front sensor was triggered, not your rear) so you might not have to replace your rear pads quite yet.
 
E

epj3

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#12
Next time (in 2 years when you need them again), do it yourself. A brake job is very straight forward and it's hard to mess anything up. I've gotten it down to a 20 minute job.
 
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