replace brakes AND rotors at 27,000miles???

Hi everyone:

new to this forum and thought you experts could advise me on something. I have a 2000 2.8L Z3 roadster with 27,000 miles on it. I am not an aggressive driver who is hard on the brakes. I was told by the shop I go to that I need new front brakes AND rotors (they noticed this when they were putting on my new tires). I was under the impression that for most cars, 2-3 sets of brake pads before a rotor change is roughly the norm. But maybe this is different for BMWs ...I know they have exceptional braking systems.

I dont know how much wear is let on the pads (less than 75% left per the mechanic), but I have not been hearing any 'wear bar' squeeling, and performance seems fine. I am not the original owner, so I dont know the replacement history..I can only assume they are originals

Any thoughts on the matter...I mainly want to understand if front rotors are traditionally replaced at the same time as the front pads on BMWs as a general practice. Can I just replace pads and then rotors later? Any other BMW brake info also appreciated (or links to other sites for info too), as I am sure the rears will need replacing soon too...

thanks alot!

Sherry

Reply » replace brakes AND rotors at 27,000miles???

Mileage looks about right for new front brakes, maybe a tad on the early side. Generally rotors are replaced at the same time as pads.

Reply » replace brakes AND rotors at 27,000miles???

I'd take it to another place and ask for a 2nd opinion. Unfortunately unscrupulous repair shops will tell female customers things like that to get them to spend money. You shouldn't be due for either of pads or rotors (but without looking at your car that is a guess). If it did need front pads it shouldn't need rotors. Usually rear pads replaced roughly every OTHER time the fronts are done. If they want to replace all 4 pads and rotos I would guess you are getting taken to the cleaners.

Reply » replace brakes AND rotors at 27,000miles???

Sherry,

FYI, the BMW spec for brake pad replacement is when they have worn down to 3 mm (about 1/8 in.) thick. This is based on a brake pad inspection every 15,000 miles.

You won't hear a squealing wear indicator. Instead, a warning light on the instrument panel that looks something like this: (O) comes on. But, if you wait that long, you have to replace the wear sensors, too.

Many BMW owners do replace rotors at the same time as pads. I'm not convinced that's necessary, especially if you don't do any high-performance driving.

One thing you should consider is having the brake fluid changed. BMW recommends doing this every two years. Brake fluid absorbs water, which reduces its stopping power. Use ATE (say "ah-tey") -- original equipment, I think -- or Castrol LMA fluid.

Reply » replace brakes AND rotors at 27,000miles???

Well that's a fair distinction to make. When the car is still covered under the maintenance plan the dealer replaces pads and rotors at the same time. When you're on your own, many people replace rotors every 2nd set of pads.

Reply » replace brakes AND rotors at 27,000miles???

Quote:

The rationale for the rotor replacement is, in a typical disk setup you "turn" the rotors when you replace the pads (lathe the rotors smooth again from whatever grooves they've picked up from use).

BMW rotors are not thick enough to "turn", so they get replaced. This is more expensive, of course

. Volvos have the same setup - not meant to be turned.

You can get away with not turning them, i guess, if the brake wear wasn't bad when you replace the pads. It's a judgement call.

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