rear brakes need a change?

[JCL]

If there hasn't been some problem due to the traction control system being engaged frequently, then it is far too early for the brakes to be worn out. It could be a problem with the sensor. The dealer can measure the actual pad thickness with a small tool and reaching in through the wheel, but the best way to do it is to take the wheel off and inspect it properly. My dealer's published prices in Canada for my former 2003 X5 3.0 (just as a guide) are as follows (as of May 2009):

Brake Discs & Pads (Front) $474.00

Brake Discs & Pads (Rear) $436.00

Brake Discs & Pads (Front & Rear) $893.00

Brake Pads (Front) $221.00

Brake Pads (Rear) $206.00

Brake Pads (Front & Rear) $400.00

Some posters report higher prices in the US, likely due to dealers that are trying to live up to the 'stealership' tag line. In my opinion the issue is that in the US there is no profit made by the dealer on the vehicle sales transaction, so they try and make it up on the service pricing. The above prices are similar to what an independent would charge when using OEM parts and warranting their work. I have no idea what your local service pricing should be.

Good luck.

[Denalio]

Originally Posted by JCL

If It could be a problem with the sensor.

This was my next comment. I agree with JCL. Have the sensors checked.

[mp3province]

Originally Posted by Denalio

This was my next comment. I agree with JCL. Have the sensors checked.

Thanks guys. My x5 is used in city traffic. This is New Delhi remember, where one needs to stop and go every 3 seconds. There are cows, elephants, scooters, insane rickshaw drivers and whatnot to look out for.

I can only dream of having the roads you guys have in america and europe...

They say if you can drive in India you can drive anywhere else.

I will take the car to the dealer and get it inspected. 450 dollars for just the rear brake pads. Remember this car cost me USD 180,000/- (after a 116% import duty) so i should have known maintenance would be pretty hefty!

Thanks once again. I will let you know what the dealer tells me.

Cheers!

[X5WannaBe]

Maybe something is different there, but here in the U.S. my '07 E70 comes with a full 4 yr/50k mile service warranty. Thus if the brake pads wore out during that period, they would be replaced free of charge?

[mp3province]

Originally Posted by X5WannaBe

Maybe something is different there, but here in the U.S. my '07 E70 comes with a full 4 yr/50k mile service warranty. Thus if the brake pads wore out during that period, they would be replaced free of charge?

we have a 2 year, unlimited mileage warranty. apparently that does not cover even engine oil! WTF? only defects i think.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by X5WannaBe

Maybe something is different there, but here in the U.S. my '07 E70 comes with a full 4 yr/50k mile service warranty. Thus if the brake pads wore out during that period, they would be replaced free of charge?

It is a BMW USA marketing program to cover maintenance. Your brake pads are not covered by your warranty if they wear out, they are covered by your maintenance program. In Canada we don't get full maintenance as you do, we just get scheduled maintenance (ie oil and filter changes, brakes are not a scheduled item). In the rest of the world, it is up to the local BMW distributor but included maintenance is not a common feature.

[Thunder22]

Originally Posted by mp3province

I will take the car to the dealer and get it inspected. 450 dollars for just the rear brake pads. Remember this car cost me USD 180,000/- (after a 116% import duty) so i should have known maintenance would be pretty hefty!

$180,000!!!!!!!