Brake Pad Question

[beekbmwm3]

Ok, so I've run into stuff like this before but I'm curious to know your response.

First off, I have an 06 X5 4.8is. I bought it used in December of 2006 from Penn and drove it back to STL, MO. Overall it's been a great car. Recently, I had the battery die twice on me...the first time I jumped the car and it was fine...the second time it was completely dead and I had it towed to a local shop (Dobbs in Stl). They called to tell me they were going to replace the battery and it should be ready this afternoon. Well, I got the call and the guy said the brake pads are down to a really low measurement and he could replace them within the hour at a cost of $650. Well, I never trust when they pull this stuff on me so I ask you a question...wouldn't the brake pad sensor go off before there were any problems? I know the technology isn't perfect but the guy told me I might not last another 2 weeks on these pads. In addition, I had the X serviced (Oil change) back 2 or 3 months, wouldn't the dealer have noticed this (if it is indeed a problem), and pointed it out to me? I'm just curious to know your response because I always question when they find stuff they weren't looking for in the first place.

Thanks!

[c4racer]

Well, I can tell you I drove mine for about 4-5 months with the break sensor saying worn brake pads before it got down to the last of those pads. Yank a wheel off and take a look yourself!! BMW min spec is 3mm.

[jst2878]

Sounds like u have the typical salesman mechanic. Brake sensors will go off. Piece of mind check the opposite brake w/o sensor. Get a new mechanic

[THK]

Had a screw sticking out of my tire several weeks ago, turned out three tires had screws. During the patch process the tire tech came into the waiting room and advised me that my brakes were getting to the point of needing to be replaced. Ask I could go into the shop and take a look see. Sure enough, both rears and left front needed to be replaced. About 5 days later, the right front started the metal to metal noise.

The right front went metal to metal on my x3 with out the sensor light going off. Ask them to show you the worn side then make a decision. Sounds like your tech is looking out for you. Dobbs had a good reputation is STL when I lived there.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by THK

Ask them to show you the worn side then make a decision.

There is only a sensor on one wheel on each axle.

[1stE53]

I was told that I needed to change my brake pads by the Mercedes guys 18 month ago!!! I bought the rotors and pads back in July. I changed them two days ago, they still had not reached the sensor. I had about 2 mm left (or another month or more!!). The BMW guy here in Columbia told me "almost gone is NOT gone". He only replaces his pads after a couple of weeks after his sensor has gone off (in his M5).
Don't worry about it. Also, do it yourself. This is a very easy job as long as your work area is warm.

[THK]

When you get that low in pad thickness, heat tend to crystalize the pads much faster. You might get serveral weeks to maybe several months of use from the pads depending how you drive.

In states were there is mandatory yearly vehicle safety inspections, 2/32 is an automatic vehicle failure. I do know this as fact, my auto repair business was an autohorized vehicle inspection station in Saint Louis.

[JAH1]

agree with 1stE53. Borrow a warm space and print the "how to" off the site. Totally simple job. Also, hope JCL is around to answer questions...he was MOST helpful when I was doing mine for the first time a few months ago.

joe 2006 4.4

[Helmuth]

Sensors are front left an rear right if I remember right. Pad change is removing the wheel, opening two screws, changing pads, tightening the two screws, putting the wheel on ..... x4.

Time is ~2hours when you do that with your 16 year old son.

Not sure if that qualifies for $650.

[THK]

Originally Posted by Helmuth

Sensors are front left an rear right if I remember right. Pad change is removing the wheel, opening two screws, changing pads, tightening the two screws, putting the wheel on ..... x4.

Time is ~2hours when you do that with your 16 year old son.

Not sure if that qualifies for $650.

Don't forget the rotors. If your rotors are worn to close to the minimums, replace them too.

Pads, rotors, and sensors for my X3 was a little over $500, plus DIY. Used a friends heated garage, so I had to spring for lunch.

The time was about 2 hours.