Brake Job

[tomsawyer]

Hi Everyone - First of all, Happy Thanksgiving.

I have a 2005 X5 4.4i w/ 62k and the check brake linings warning came on. I remember having the 1st brake service completed at about 30k, under the no-cost maintenence warranty.

I called the dealer for prices and my price (using my friend's account) came to $768 for 4 rotors/pads/sensors.

I have another friend who manages an auto parts store and he can get me the same package for $320. I believe the brakes are akebono and the rotors are centric.

My questions are :

1. I know this is a significant price difference but should I go with the aftermarket and not oem?
2. Should I anticipate any problems if I went with the aftermarket?
3. I'm going to have a friend do the job but he is not a bmw mechanic. Is there anything I should tell him, anything he needs to be aware of or any special tools he'll need when doing the brake job on the X5?

Thanks to all who answer!