I took my 2002 325Ci to the brake specialist today and they got me to change the front rotors, in addition to changing the brake pads. I came in expecting only to change the brake pads.

I only have about 38,000 miles on my car and haven't changed the brakes in the front before. The sensor has not gone off yet either.

Do you think my rotors need to be replaced at all? He was saying that that rotors needed to be changed, because they felt a slight vibration when stepping on the brakes suddenly. He also said that it would be pointless to change the brake pads and not the rotors, and therefore wouldn't do work on it unless I changed both.

Therefore, I gave in and decided to let them change the rotors as well. I figured eventually I would have to replace my rotors anyways.

So my question is:

1) Do you think I was taken for a ride?
2) How often do brake rotors need to be changed? Is there any other option to replacing the rotors?
3) The total cost for changing the front brake pads and rotors, including labor will come out to about $350 ($400 minus a $50 coupon). Is that reasonable?

Btw, I asked to keep all parts.

Thanks for your help guys!

Normally with stock pads/rotors it is adviseable you change them both at the same time for the following reasons:

1. BMW pads/rotors are designed to wear equally, if you change one, you probably need to change the other. Not always, but most times.

2. It costs you less to change them both at the same time instead of changing the pads one day and changing the rotors a few months later. To change both at the same time is about 1.5 hours labor. To change them seperately is about 3 hours labor which roughly comes up to about $150-200 extra.

Now... this only really applies to stock pads/rotors, when you start changing compounds that principle is out the window.

for less than $350 you could change all front and rear rotors and pads by yourself.

Sounds like you did fine.

keylar, what body kit is that on your car?

for less than $350 you could change all front and rear rotors and pads by yourself.


+1

So I ended up paying a total of $360 for the front brake pads and rotors. The only bad thing was that I don't think the parts were OEM, but I guess it doesn't really matter as long as they perform fine right?

I mean they don't really sell brake pads and rotors for BMWs, do they? even if they are aftermarket parts...

I kept the pads and rotors...

All these questions are about things already done. The answers would be far more useful if asked beforehand.

New rotors at 38K is awfully early. $350 seems like a lot, especially with no name generic parts. If you want to compare, do a search on your car's parts at autozone.com or somewhere. Parts can be had for really cheap.

If you can't do this yourself, then you have to pay for labor. But if you have a few basic tools you can save a bunch - pad changes are pretty strightforward, and then YOU can see and decide if you need rotors. Heck if the sensor didn't go yet, there's still a bunch of (OEM) pad left, so I'm not sure what the hurry was...

Again, as this is all past tense, I'd put it in the "no education is free" department, and move on...

New rotors at 38k, it all depends on your driving habits. The original pads and rotors usually last longer. My daughter's '00 328i is still has original pads and rotors @ 75k miles. My 00' 540i @ 104k miles still has original pads and rotors. Also, rotors can be turned for $8 a piece as long as they still meet the minimum thickness. You don't have to replace them everytime you replace the pads. I totally agree with rjn. $350 is a bit pricey for the front brake job and this is all in the past. Lastly, my brother in law change front brake pads every 15k miles and rotors every 30k miles.

keylar, what body kit is that on your car?
it's called e46 m3.

bmw makes them. they're like your 330ci, but way faster, and more special.

for less than $350 you could change all front and rear rotors and pads by yourself.

+2

for less than $350 you could change all front and rear rotors and pads by yourself.

This DYI is not for every one for some it would be morre trouble than worth.

:confused

anyone know what thickness oem rotors should be before changing em? or are there other factors like uneven wear that should be considered?

I usually go through 2 or 3 brake pad replacements before changing my rotors.

I took my 2002 325Ci to the brake specialist today and they got me to change the front rotors, in addition to changing the brake pads. I came in expecting only to change the brake pads.

I only have about 38,000 miles on my car and haven't changed the brakes in the front before. The sensor has not gone off yet either.

Do you think my rotors need to be replaced at all? He was saying that that rotors needed to be changed, because they felt a slight vibration when stepping on the brakes suddenly. He also said that it would be pointless to change the brake pads and not the rotors, and therefore wouldn't do work on it unless I changed both.

Therefore, I gave in and decided to let them change the rotors as well. I figured eventually I would have to replace my rotors anyways.

So my question is:

1) Do you think I was taken for a ride?
2) How often do brake rotors need to be changed? Is there any other option to replacing the rotors?
3) The total cost for changing the front brake pads and rotors, including labor will come out to about $350 ($400 minus a $50 coupon). Is that reasonable?

Btw, I asked to keep all parts.

Thanks for your help guys!

Could have waited til the sensor went off & save $350. Covered under maintenance warranty. As far as the vibratin goes, bring it to the dealer & say you you have a vibration when braking. Inspection of the brake system would have revealed a warped rotor. I have seen & changed brakes for the first time on vehicles with 45k miles.