Front Brake Replacement costs

peteinpa · 06-10-2022, 07:48 AM

Been noticing a slight vibration when braking between 40 -30 mph. Had a local shop check. They said I needed all four corners. That didn't feel
right, took it to dealer for oil change and had them check. They confirmed front rotors are warped and needed to be replaced. All in cost slightly over $1200.
Knowing this was dealer pricing I set out to find a reputable nearby bmw Indy shop.
First one never answered phone or returned messages.
Tried a second one who were much more responsive. Quote just under $1200.
Leaning towards the Indy shop as they can get me in much faster than the dealer. I am also looking to develop a relationship for when the car is no longer under warranty.
I am a little surprised at these prices. I am going with all OE parts at the Indy place but still dam that's a lot for rotors/pads etc.

Joe-BMW33 · 06-10-2022, 08:10 AM

$1,200 for just the front axle or both? How are the pads?

peteinpa · 06-10-2022, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

$1,200 for just the front axle or both? How are the pads?

1200 for just the front axle. I was told pads still had some meat left and that it was not a safety issue.

Mosaud1998 · 06-10-2022, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

$1,200 for just the front axle or both? How are the pads?

Jesus, you can probably do brake pads and rotors all around for less than that (DIY).

Joe-BMW33 · 06-10-2022, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peteinpa

1200 for just the front axle. I was told pads still had some meat left and that it was not a safety issue.

$1,200 for the front (more expensive than back FYI) rotors, pads and sensor is about right. A good independent BMW shop is only going to be marginally cheaper than the dealer. They parts cost what they cost their labor rates are slightly below the dealer. My shop is the same BUT I actually trust my shop more than the dealer where you have no idea of the quality of the tech working on it. You are smart to be looking for a good indie to partner with, but don't plan on saving a ton of money on maintenance. My indie has a new G20 loaner as well.

But, if your pads have some life on them, why not just ask your shop to resurface the rotors? They should have a machine that will do it right on the car. This will be a good test to see if it's a stand-up shop or a shop that says "we only replace". My shop just this with my E39 as I was getting the same thing as you. They didn't even charge me, but they are the ones who did the last brake job.

Joe-BMW33 · 06-10-2022, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mosaud1998

Jesus, you can probably do brake pads and rotors all around for less than that (DIY).

Anything DIY is cheaper, no labor cost, but the M Brake kit ain't cheap. The days are long gone when I'm going to jack my car up in my driveway and do a brake job. I don't even have the tools anymore.

r1cero · 06-10-2022, 09:21 AM

In my experience aftermarket rotors/pads are never as smooth as OEM, at least the brands I was able to source. So I went to the dealers for replacement and here in Serbia cost was 740 EUR, I believe they're 330mm discs. If I went to the indy shop, it would be half that at least.

2022M550i · 06-10-2022, 09:23 AM

I just did my son's front brakes yesterday on his Ford Escape. Rotors, pads, brake line and passenger caliper for $350 out the door. Everything is made in China...couldn't find anything American made in a pinch. Not trying to compare the quality or price to the BMW at all...It's a Ford, obviously a world apart.

I have tools to do just about everything....from dis & reassembling/pulling engines to slinging transmissions...just don't find it appealing to wrench anymore. My old lady is going to have a hell of a tag sale when I drop. Blowout sale pennies on the dollar.

I hate to be pessimistic and can be wrong but I think the days of developing a relationship with a dealer are over. Sadly, in this fast paced me first world, it seems like nobody cares about loyalty anymore...

peteinpa · 06-10-2022, 10:00 AM

Checked with the shop, they do not resurface only replace. Also referred back to the condition report from dealer.
Thinnest pad @9mm.
Rotor variation difference, .45mm right and .40mm left. Spec is .04mm as per comments from the tech.
I don't know enough to say the rotors could be successfully reconditioned given the variances.
Should also mention shop is using all oem parts.

srybicki · 06-10-2022, 10:04 AM

Fcpeuro.com

Joe-BMW33 · 06-10-2022, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peteinpa

Checked with the shop, they do not resurface only replace. Also referred back to the condition report from dealer.
Thinnest pad @9mm.
Rotor variation difference, .45mm right and .40mm left. Spec is .04mm as per comments from the tech.
I don't know enough to say the rotors could be successfully reconditioned given the variances.
Should also mention shop is using all oem parts.

9mm is like new. You would be throwing away good pads. Find a shop to resurface the rotors and your vibration is solved.

My BMW only Indy is high end, they did all my Dinan work and it's not beneath them to resurface a rotor. I have developed a relationship with them. Of course spending $15,000 with them this year helps the relationship.

steve090619 · 06-10-2022, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Quote:

Originally Posted by peteinpa

Checked with the shop, they do not resurface only replace. Also referred back to the condition report from dealer.
Thinnest pad @9mm.
Rotor variation difference, .45mm right and .40mm left. Spec is .04mm as per comments from the tech.
I don't know enough to say the rotors could be successfully reconditioned given the variances.
Should also mention shop is using all oem parts.

9mm is like new. You would be throwing away good pads. Find a shop to resurface the rotors and your vibration is solved.

My BMW only Indy is high end, they did all my Dinan work and it's not beneath them to resurface a rotor. I have developed a relationship with them. Of course spending $15,000 with them this year helps the relationship.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Quote:

Originally Posted by peteinpa

Checked with the shop, they do not resurface only replace. Also referred back to the condition report from dealer.
Thinnest pad @9mm.
Rotor variation difference, .45mm right and .40mm left. Spec is .04mm as per comments from the tech.
I don't know enough to say the rotors could be successfully reconditioned given the variances.
Should also mention shop is using all oem parts.

9mm is like new. You would be throwing away good pads. Find a shop to resurface the rotors and your vibration is solved.

My BMW only Indy is high end, they did all my Dinan work and it's not beneath them to resurface a rotor. I have developed a relationship with them. Of course spending $15,000 with them this year helps the relationship.

I agree. I had nmw resurface my rotors when bmw was paying for brakes. Dealer said resurfacing is now recommendation from bmw. All my vibrations went away after resurface.

peteinpa · 06-10-2022, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve090619

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Quote:

Originally Posted by peteinpa

Checked with the shop, they do not resurface only replace. Also referred back to the condition report from dealer.
Thinnest pad @9mm.
Rotor variation difference, .45mm right and .40mm left. Spec is .04mm as per comments from the tech.
I don't know enough to say the rotors could be successfully reconditioned given the variances.
Should also mention shop is using all oem parts.

9mm is like new. You would be throwing away good pads. Find a shop to resurface the rotors and your vibration is solved.

My BMW only Indy is high end, they did all my Dinan work and it's not beneath them to resurface a rotor. I have developed a relationship with them. Of course spending $15,000 with them this year helps the relationship.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe-BMW33

Quote:

Originally Posted by peteinpa

Checked with the shop, they do not resurface only replace. Also referred back to the condition report from dealer.
Thinnest pad @9mm.
Rotor variation difference, .45mm right and .40mm left. Spec is .04mm as per comments from the tech.
I don't know enough to say the rotors could be successfully reconditioned given the variances.
Should also mention shop is using all oem parts.

9mm is like new. You would be throwing away good pads. Find a shop to resurface the rotors and your vibration is solved.

My BMW only Indy is high end, they did all my Dinan work and it's not beneath them to resurface a rotor. I have developed a relationship with them. Of course spending $15,000 with them this year helps the relationship.

I agree. I had nmw resurface my rotors when bmw was paying for brakes. Dealer said resurfacing is now recommendation from bmw. All my vibrations went away after resurface.

Thanks. I checked with another Indy and they only do replacement. I have a call into dealership to see if they will resurface.
Update dealer is a no go on resurface. 😩

2022M550i · 06-10-2022, 04:32 PM

My experience with turned/resurfaced rotors has never been positive. They always warped again…easier than the did the first time. The thinner the rotor, the easier to warp. Thats why most shops wont even tangle with turning them.

Also, Ive noticed that most shops don't use a torque wrench to torque the wheels…they just use an impact wrench. Any time i had work done, i would make sure I retorqued the wheels myself. Uneven torque on the lug nuts can also encourage warping.

peteinpa · 06-10-2022, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2022M550i

My experience with turned/resurfaced rotors has never been positive. They always warped again…easier than the did the first time. The thinner the rotor, the easier to warp. Thats why most shops wont even tangle with turning them.

Also, Ive noticed that most shops don't use a torque wrench to torque the wheels…they just use an impact wrench. Any time i had work done, i would make sure I retorqued the wheels myself. Uneven torque on the lug nuts can also encourage warping.

Thanks. Looks like I will just bite the bullet and have them replaced.
I agree on the torquing. I do the same.

Antec800 · 06-10-2022, 07:50 PM

Yea resurfaced rotors is only a good option if your selling the car soon, they warp a lot quicker

Dallasguy1985 · 06-10-2022, 08:48 PM

I have few car dealer friends I let them order the parts for me and I have my indie put it on simple as that. I'm attaching the picture for some pricing idea.

540iSUP · 06-12-2022, 02:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srybicki

Fcpeuro.com

FCP euro also has free lifetime replacements! Send in the old and they'll refund you for the new set.

They do this with oil too, send in your old oil and filter and they'll refund you the difference.

peteinpa · 06-13-2022, 04:49 PM

Brakes are done. It's like driving a new/different car. Very happy with the work performed they also did a condition report went through all systems included in the service.
They are also Carbahn affiliated. From their marketing material it appears they were Dinan but when we talked briefly they were pushing Carbahn.

540iSUP · 06-13-2022, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peteinpa

Brakes are done. It's like driving a new/different car. Very happy with the work performed they also did a condition report went through all systems included in the service.
They are also Carbahn affiliated. From their marketing material it appears they were Dinan but when we talked briefly they were pushing Carbahn.

The original Dinan sold the business to Carbahn, or something like that.

NGT2 · 06-13-2022, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peteinpa

Brakes are done. It's like driving a new/different car. Very happy with the work performed they also did a condition report went through all systems included in the service.
They are also Carbahn affiliated. From their marketing material it appears they were Dinan but when we talked briefly they were pushing Carbahn.

Steve Dinan sold Dinan. Now he is with (or maybe started) Carbahn.

NGT2 · 06-13-2022, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 540iSUP

Quote:

Originally Posted by peteinpa

Brakes are done. It's like driving a new/different car. Very happy with the work performed they also did a condition report went through all systems included in the service.
They are also Carbahn affiliated. From their marketing material it appears they were Dinan but when we talked briefly they were pushing Carbahn.

The original Dinan sold the business to Carbahn, or something like that.

Not quite haha

06-10-2022, 07:48 AM	#1
peteinpa First Lieutenant 399 Rep 385 Posts Drives: 2013 535xi Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: SE Pennsylvania iTrader: (0)	Front Brake Replacement costs Been noticing a slight vibration when braking between 40 -30 mph. Had a local shop check. They said I needed all four corners. That didn't feel right, took it to dealer for oil change and had them check. They confirmed front rotors are warped and needed to be replaced. All in cost slightly over $1200. Knowing this was dealer pricing I set out to find a reputable nearby bmw Indy shop. First one never answered phone or returned messages. Tried a second one who were much more responsive. Quote just under $1200. Leaning towards the Indy shop as they can get me in much faster than the dealer. I am also looking to develop a relationship for when the car is no longer under warranty. I am a little surprised at these prices. I am going with all OE parts at the Indy place but still dam that's a lot for rotors/pads etc.
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06-10-2022, 08:10 AM	#2
Joe-BMW33 Major General 7483 Rep 6,854 Posts Drives: '18 M550i\|'21 X5\|'03 540i Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: Boston iTrader: (1) Garage List 2013 VW Tiguan [0.00] 2015 Infiniti QX60 [0.00] 2021 BMW X5 [0.00] 2003 BMW 540i [0.00] 2018 BMW M550 [10.00]	$1,200 for just the front axle or both? How are the pads? __________________ 2018 M550ix\|Carbon Black\|Dinan Modifications\|2003 540i\|Jet Black\|M-Sport\|2021 X5 Mineral White Prior BMW's: 1987 325e\|1993 740i\|1998 740il\|2001 530i\|2002 745li\|2007 750li\|2006 750li\|2001 530i\|2012 535xi\|
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06-10-2022, 09:21 AM	#7
r1cero Private First Class 81 Rep 179 Posts Drives: bmw 520d g30 Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: south east europe iTrader: (0)	In my experience aftermarket rotors/pads are never as smooth as OEM, at least the brands I was able to source. So I went to the dealers for replacement and here in Serbia cost was 740 EUR, I believe they're 330mm discs. If I went to the indy shop, it would be half that at least.
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06-10-2022, 09:23 AM	#8
2022M550i Lieutenant Colonel 3049 Rep 1,564 Posts Drives: 2022 M550i, 2015 Viper Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	I just did my son's front brakes yesterday on his Ford Escape. Rotors, pads, brake line and passenger caliper for $350 out the door. Everything is made in China...couldn't find anything American made in a pinch. Not trying to compare the quality or price to the BMW at all...It's a Ford, obviously a world apart. I have tools to do just about everything....from dis & reassembling/pulling engines to slinging transmissions...just don't find it appealing to wrench anymore. My old lady is going to have a hell of a tag sale when I drop. Blowout sale pennies on the dollar. I hate to be pessimistic and can be wrong but I think the days of developing a relationship with a dealer are over. Sadly, in this fast paced me first world, it seems like nobody cares about loyalty anymore... Last edited by 2022M550i; 06-10-2022 at 09:39 AM..
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06-10-2022, 10:00 AM	#9
peteinpa First Lieutenant 399 Rep 385 Posts Drives: 2013 535xi Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: SE Pennsylvania iTrader: (0)	Checked with the shop, they do not resurface only replace. Also referred back to the condition report from dealer. Thinnest pad @9mm. Rotor variation difference, .45mm right and .40mm left. Spec is .04mm as per comments from the tech. I don't know enough to say the rotors could be successfully reconditioned given the variances. Should also mention shop is using all oem parts.
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06-10-2022, 10:04 AM	#10
srybicki Private First Class 81 Rep 123 Posts Drives: 98 M3 Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: South Jersey iTrader: (0)	Fcpeuro.com
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06-10-2022, 04:32 PM	#14
2022M550i Lieutenant Colonel 3049 Rep 1,564 Posts Drives: 2022 M550i, 2015 Viper Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	My experience with turned/resurfaced rotors has never been positive. They always warped again…easier than the did the first time. The thinner the rotor, the easier to warp. Thats why most shops wont even tangle with turning them. Also, Ive noticed that most shops don't use a torque wrench to torque the wheels…they just use an impact wrench. Any time i had work done, i would make sure I retorqued the wheels myself. Uneven torque on the lug nuts can also encourage warping.
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06-10-2022, 07:50 PM	#16
Antec800 Lieutenant 128 Rep 462 Posts Drives: 340i x drive Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0)	Yea resurfaced rotors is only a good option if your selling the car soon, they warp a lot quicker
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06-10-2022, 08:48 PM	#17
Dallasguy1985 Private 75 Rep 87 Posts Drives: 535 Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Dallas iTrader: (0)	I have few car dealer friends I let them order the parts for me and I have my indie put it on simple as that. I'm attaching the picture for some pricing idea. Attached Images
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06-13-2022, 04:49 PM	#19
peteinpa First Lieutenant 399 Rep 385 Posts Drives: 2013 535xi Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: SE Pennsylvania iTrader: (0)	Brakes are done. It's like driving a new/different car. Very happy with the work performed they also did a condition report went through all systems included in the service. They are also Carbahn affiliated. From their marketing material it appears they were Dinan but when we talked briefly they were pushing Carbahn.
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