How hard is it to replace the front pads? - BMW Forum

ozarkmark · 04-09-2006, 09:31 PM

OK - my brake pad wear indicator light is on and I just ordered some new pads and new brake wear lines. The dealer wants $500 to do this which would require new rotors in their estimate. Yea. I am not convinced the rotors are worn enough for replacement but I wil inspect further.
I am thinking I could do this myself. Are there any special tools?

Plan B is for me to take it up to Midas and have my trusty guy there put them on for me. He installed my direct bolt on exhaust catalytic converter and it is perfect.

Torque · 04-09-2006, 10:01 PM

Download the Bentley manual for the e34 at the top of the 5 series forum ... brakes are pretty much the same on all cars ... and it really isnt that hard of a job.

I think you should give it a shot ... you can always go to a shop if you don't know how to do it ...

325isBaby · 04-10-2006, 01:58 AM

It is recommended on BMWs to change the rotors with the pads since the rotors on a BMW are made of a softer metal and wear alot faster than a conventional rotor (hence the awesome braking BMW's provide)

Kyytsis · 04-10-2006, 05:31 AM

It's not that difficult, only that if the bolts have corroded they might be a bit difficult to open. With decent tools easy fix.

I've always inspected the rotors and if they have measured inside tolerances then let them be. My experience that rotors outlast pads many times..

Ville

ozarkmark · 04-10-2006, 10:04 AM

thanks for the advice everyone. Torque - I downloaded the Service Manual. Thank you for putting this out there! Really helpful.

I guess I will give it a shot. My next tool will be a micrometer to check the rotors.

Eric S. · 04-10-2006, 11:43 AM

Get yourself the proper allen wrench (6mm or 7mm, I cannot remember) and you can easily replace the rotors. I got all 4 genuine Brembos (OEM-style, not slotted or drilled) from getcoolparts.com for $194 shipped to my door. That's for a 540. If you have a 528, it will likely be less than that, because the 540's rotors are bigger than the I-6's pre-2001.

I don't blame you for trying to mic the rotors and I wish you well. I'm just trying to provide the most economical fall-back plan I knew of.

ozarkmark · 04-10-2006, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric S.

Get yourself the proper allen wrench (6mm or 7mm, I cannot remember) and you can easily replace the rotors. I got all 4 genuine Brembos (OEM-style, not slotted or drilled) from getcoolparts.com for $194 shipped to my door. That's for a 540. If you have a 528, it will likely be less than that, because the 540's rotors are bigger than the I-6's pre-2001.

I don't blame you for trying to mic the rotors and I wish you well. I'm just trying to provide the most economical fall-back plan I knew of.

Thanks Eric.

I will check out the web site you suggested if the rotors are not close to being within spec.

Thankfully, I have the right allen wrenches.

ozarkmark · 04-24-2006, 10:41 PM

Took her to Midas since I couldn't reach the guide bolts behind the caliper in my garage. We looked at the rotors and knew right away they were done on the front. No need to mic them. Back rotors are OK.
Since I didn't bring new rotors, they looked up the part and much to my surprise they stock them but raped me on the price. I still saved $$ over the dealer. I should have ordered the rotors the same time I ordered the pads and wear indicator lines.

If anyone takes their brake work to Midas, just remember to reset the break wear indicator light by turning the key to position 2 for 30 seconds.

Everthing is perfect now. I highly recommend Midas for simple repairs like brakes, exhaust. They have saved me serious $$$.

cnn · 04-25-2006, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ozarkmark

OK - my brake pad wear indicator light is on and I just ordered some new pads and new brake wear lines. The dealer wants $500 to do this which would require new rotors in their estimate. Yea. I am not convinced the rotors are worn enough for replacement but I wil inspect further.
I am thinking I could do this myself. Are there any special tools?

Plan B is for me to take it up to Midas and have my trusty guy there put them on for me. He installed my direct bolt on exhaust catalytic converter and it is perfect.

http://bmwtips.com/tipsntricks/Chang...gBrakePads.htm

Pay attention to:
-lubing the pin with Antiseize (such as Permatex)
-proper torque for bolts.

cn