Should I attempt my first brake service or pay the price?

kado1976 · #1 09-12-2015, 09:55 PM

So my X5 needs front pads and rotors and Meneke of course wants an outrageous amount of $800 but it was throwing in brake fluid flush which I can have them do a little later on. But roughly $700 for just front? Seems crazy. Is it easy to replace front brakes on X5? Should I try it myself. Sure i could save atleast $300-400. Any advise guys? I have done some work myself like water pump thermostat and belts. So I'm not a complete noob. Please help need to do this ASAP as the brakes are grinding

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civdiv99 · #2 09-12-2015, 10:04 PM

Parts cost for new front rotors and pads well under $200.

Parts cost no more than a Chrysler or whatever. Nor is the maintenance.

My rotors were $37 each for Wagners. Set of pads the same. Regular serviceable brakes For the daily drive and road trip taker. If you wanna play boy-racer, YMMV, but if that was the case, you would not be asking the question. Call it $120 all in. Zero special tools involved = couple of hand tools and easy after dinner brake job.

Brake fluid change will cost you about $10 and a helper to do it old school.

There is absolutely nothing special or magical about the tasks you need to do. It is the same process on an E53 as it would be anything else.

The cost you are quoted includes substantial markup on the parts, some of the electric bill, some of their wages, and a bit of your skin for good measure. Decide what your time is worth (or available) against the cost.

If your question is: Is this as easy as any other car? YES.

David.X5 · #3 09-12-2015, 10:08 PM

Taking an x5 to Meneike is an invitation for disaster. No matter what you decide, find an experienced mechanic and not one of those chain stores.

Plenty of YouTube videos on brake work and brake fluid changes for you to watch and judge for yourself.

Certainly nothing technically complicated compared to the work you listed but in the end, you have to assess your competence and comfort.

puddinboo · #4 09-12-2015, 11:02 PM

I do my own brakes my self on the x5 and they are easier than doing drum brakes on old school vehicles back in the day.
also I know the job is done right when I do my own work.

civdiv99 · #5 09-12-2015, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by puddinboo

I do my own brakes my self on the x5 and they are easier than doing drum brakes on old school vehicles back in the day.
also I know the job is done right when I do my own work.

True that! Substantial satisfaction and peace of mind being knowledgable of the attitude of the "dude doing the work!"

civdiv99 · #6 09-12-2015, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David.X5

Taking an x5 to Meneike is an invitation for disaster. No matter what you decide, find an experienced mechanic and not one of those chain stores.

Plenty of YouTube videos on brake work and brake fluid changes for you to watch and judge for yourself.

Certainly nothing technically complicated compared to the work you listed but in the end, you have to assess your competence and comfort.

Hahahahaha. I just got a mental pic of some Meneike dude, pants all falling down, zits out all over the place, just air-hammering away on the guys wheels, "Duh, yup, they gotta be all tight by golly uh huh, yes they do......."

JCL · #7 09-12-2015, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kado1976

So my X5 needs front pads and rotors and Meneke of course wants an outrageous amount of $800 but it was throwing in brake fluid flush which I can have them do a little later on. But roughly $700 for just front? Seems crazy. Is it easy to replace front brakes on X5? Should I try it myself. Sure i could save atleast $300-400. Any advise guys? I have done some work myself like water pump thermostat and belts. So I'm not a complete noob. Please help need to do this ASAP as the brakes are grinding

Read this link, then decide.

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/...e-job-diy.html

It isn't more complicated than other vehicles, but you haven't done brakes before and they are a safety system. Add in the cost of tools, jack stands, etc if you don't have them.