Brake Pad Change - BMW Forum

bimmer_boy · 12-23-2004, 05:28 PM

I baught some pads to change my brakes but could not get the godamn bolt off to remove the caliper. I tried everything and the bitch wouldn't come lose! I would use a braker bar but there's no room in the wheel well. Is this a job I should take somewhere to get done?

I called a mida's shop and they claim I need to replace my rotors because most bmw's need rotor replacements when the pads are replaced.

Brake rotors look fine to me...

I'm not sure what to do...

If I let them do it they said they order parts from bmw... sounds expensive ... rotors and pads and sensors... plus labor... ugh

What would you guys do?

bimmer_boy · 12-23-2004, 05:29 PM

PS my brake pad wear sensor light is lit up on my dash..

bitcore · 12-23-2004, 05:33 PM

I've had a grarge tell me that too.. but then again, this is the same garage that jacked up my car using the control arms....

They are fine for about 5-6 pad changes I guess, I don't know how many times they were changed when i got my car at 70,000 miles, but Im at 100,000 and I need some new ones really soon.

Shudogg · 12-23-2004, 05:42 PM

man i have never heard that you'd have to replace the rotors too. ive replaced my rear pads (@ about 75000, right after i got the car) and i didnt get new rotors, just pads for like 30 and sensors for 15.

Fadec40 · 12-23-2004, 05:49 PM

Maybe a HUNDYAI has to replace the rotors each pad change, but not BMW.
When you do your brakes, inspect the rotors for grooves, which shouldn't be a problem if you did not wear the pads down to nothing. As for warping, you can't tell a rotor is warped just by looking at it. If the brakes "pulsate" when coming to a stop, they might be warped.

RIBEMR26 · 12-23-2004, 05:57 PM

If you are going to get it done at Midas get a quote on changing your brake pads...then get a quote on just the labor....go buy the pads and sensors yourself and have them install them. I had the whole thing done at Midas when I first got my car and man....what a f'n ripoff...and the pads suck...they squeek like a bitch....tell them to go F themselves on the new rotors...who is going to tell you to get new rotors without even seeing them???...f'n cocksmokers....

...sorry...im still at work and in kind of a bad mood...

Shudogg · 12-23-2004, 06:07 PM

BMW recommends OEM brakepads. its not that hard to do your self
if you want go with the upgraded shit like brembo or something special, remember all they are is ceramic pads.

RIBEMR26 · 12-23-2004, 06:10 PM

BMW recommends OEM everything don't they??????.....

Shudogg · 12-23-2004, 06:13 PM

maybe your right, but any way i wouldnt trust anything lesser

RIBEMR26 · 12-23-2004, 06:23 PM

OEM isn't always necessarily the "best" part out there...it depends on your usage...OEM is created for the "majority" of drivers...if you are a more...how shall I say....spirited driver...OEM pads may not necessarily cut it....

Cruzin 323is · 12-23-2004, 07:02 PM

well unfortuantly bmw rotors arn't able to be cut/resurfaced.. soo u'll need to get new rotors when needed!!

when the brake light is on, your going to have to change your sensors too, so that, that light will go off....

bimmer_boy · 12-23-2004, 07:11 PM

Thanks a lot for all the useful info guys! Appreciate it!

One more question. I'd really like to do it myself as first stated but I can't seem to get that bolt off without a braker bar, and the damn braker bar won't fit in there. Anyone done it themselves with any advice? Thanks.

abemcclellan · 12-23-2004, 07:33 PM

i've changed my pads a couple times, and these are the easiest pads to change compared to my 300zx. that car was a bitchass all around. anyways, i got the car jacked up on two stands so when i get the wheels off, i can turn the wheels so the calipers are easier to get to. if i remember correctly all you have to do is undue the two bolts on the calipers and slide it off and pop the pads out. i used a "C"-clamp to hold the inner pad down, then when the piston was all the way in, i slid the pads out, and replaced them. oh yeah, pop the lid off of the brake master cylinder so that it will be unpressurized. hopefully this helps you if i wrote it right.

Speedy-325is · 12-23-2004, 09:06 PM

eat you spinnach!!!!
and your wheaties!!!

put the (hex)wrench in and tap it with a hammer. dont do it like a pu$$y either!!!!!
spray some wd 40 or penetrating spray on it and let it sit for a minute. and if u go to midas....you shouldnt be driving a BMW, cuz BMW drivers DO NOT go to chop shops!!! (i mean comeon now.....they told you you needed new rotors without even looking at it over the phone)

do it yourself. it is really easy, REALLY REALLY easy. if you cant, go to the right place where you know the shop. or find a friend to help you.

DO NOT GO TO MIDAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mark

abemcclellan · 12-24-2004, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Speedy-325is@Dec 23 2004, 09:06 PM
eat you spinnach!!!!
and your wheaties!!!

put the (hex)wrench in and tap it with a hammer. dont do it like a pu$$y either!!!!!
spray some wd 40 or penetrating spray on it and let it sit for a minute. and if u go to midas....you shouldnt be driving a BMW, cuz BMW drivers DO NOT go to chop shops!!! (i mean comeon now.....they told you you needed new rotors without even looking at it over the phone)

do it yourself. it is really easy, REALLY REALLY easy. if you cant, go to the right place where you know the shop. or find a friend to help you.

DO NOT GO TO MIDAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mark

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i agree. free bump