Brakes shot at 30k miles

[meds1976]

Hi all,

So had a courtesy vehicle check carried out by my BMW dealer and all four rotors and pads need replacing.

Is this normal behaviour? At 30k I thought maybe pads but not rotors as well.

It's a daily driver but I hardly ever drive it like I stole it. And previous owners would have also driven it gently.

It's an X6 M50i with standard brakes.

Thoughts?

[shimmy23]

i'm at 35k miles (50i) and my rears need replacing soon. fronts have plenty of pad left.

[meds1976]

Originally Posted by shimmy23

i'm at 35k miles (50i) and my rears need replacing soon. fronts have plenty of pad left.

That makes sense. Not sure why mine have worn out so quickly.

[JamesInSJ]

BMWs wear rotors typically 1:1 with pads. Dealership will always tell you to replace rotors at the same time. Standard rotors may last 2 sets of pads, but should be measured to make sure. Drilled should be replaced every time.

Rear pads often wear down faster because that's where the DSC is engaging the most, applying light braking to keep the power under control.

[meds1976]

Apparently front rotors are 80% worn and rears at 75%.

I'm just really surprised how quickly they have worn to the point that replacement is recommended.

That said, was considering upgrading to MPBK so maybe I'll get that done now.

Been quoted £1,800 to replace standard brakes. MPBK is around £2,700 plus labour so considering it.

[F15_SGM]

Originally Posted by JamesInSJ

BMWs wear rotors typically 1:1 with pads. Dealership will always tell you to replace rotors at the same time. Standard rotors may last 2 sets of pads, but should be measured to make sure. Drilled should be replaced every time.

Rear pads often wear down faster because that's where the DSC is engaging the most, applying light braking to keep the power under control.

My dealer checked my rotor and sent me a video stating no need to replace and still within spec with the original 90K Odo on them with heavy usage. Ended up just putting akebono pads with original rotors. Now at 117K still good.

[Clifton]

meds1976 - Pads and Rotors @30K sounds a bit aggressive to me.

Are you saying 30K miles/kilometers since the last brake change or are you saying the X5 has a 30K mi/k total? I ask b/c I'm trying to determine what was the starting point as well as if we are talking factory Rotors/Pads or aftermarket.

ROTORS: I was under the impression that unless there was unexpected damage to the rotor (deep gouges, ridges), they were good for two pad changes. As a quick wheel on gauge, I typically feel for any type of lip on the outer edge of the rotor; it should be smooth with no edge.

You can also pull the wheel and measure the rotor thickness per the stamped MIN. Lot's of YouTubes on this topic, Inner/mid/Outer measurements around the clock face of the rotor.

Pads: On the X5, the rear pads are normally the first to go. Its not unusual to see them requiring replacement in the 30K mark. Fronts should be good for another 5-10K beyond the rears.

As point of reference, my X5d has 41k miles (mixed city/highway) and the OBC says remaining pad life is 6K rear and 14k fronts.

Tools: There are inexpensive color coded (Green/Yellow/Rd) Lining Gauge on Amazon that can tell you the remaining MMs of your pad without taking your wheel off.

Also, micrometer tool to measure the rotor thickness.

[meds1976]

Hi Clifton. My understanding is that neither pads or rotors have been changed before.

iDrive is saying 3100 miles until service is required. So in theory they could last longer but was just surprised at the wear on the rotors - pads I can understand.

Have started looking at replacements. Definitely not paying BMW prices for parts and/or labour. Thinking Zimmermann coated discs with Textar pads. Seems like US has a better selection when it comes to pads.

[Clifton]

Originally Posted by meds1976

iDrive is saying 3100 miles until service is required. So in theory they could last longer but was just surprised at the wear on the rotors - pads I can understand.

Hard to imagine how you would go through all 4 rotors in 30K miles. Even if you are driving like Hans Stuck around the Nurburgring. And if you haven't triggered "brake pads are worn" service light, that tells me you have not even reached the brake pad wear sensor located on driver's front and pass rear. Curious how the dealer concluded that you need pads/rotors all the way around.

If this were me, I'd either get a second opinion from an indy repair shop, or pull the wheel/tire and measure the pads and rotors myself (especially the rotors). The digital gauge makes it quick and super easy.

[meds1976]

Agree. Going to leave it for now and will measure. Car is going to an Indy in two weeks for service. Will ask them to check. As I trust them much more than the BMW dealer.

[P1]

Granted, mine was a 35i, but my original brakes lasted almost 100K miles before they needed replacing.

[beattiecj]

If you are slightly mechanically inclined it is a very easy diy job. There are a few videos on YouTube.

30k I would consider it a normal wear item.

If you have 1/4 inch or more on the pad you should be good to go for a bit more your brake wear sensors will get triggered when the pad is too thin. That’s when you need a change. Tire rack has a brembo combo for front $260 (rotors and pads).

Go with a Hawk pad variant I.e performance ceramic, HPS or the LTS truck/suv pad. Way better than what’s stock.

[GIANITALY]

X6 35is .Same with me , I’m with 103k and I’m noticed that is making sounds at cold start but after 1/2 mile stop.

[GhengisT]

Does your X5 have adaptive cruise control? I'm currently in a loaner 2021 X5 w/ adaptive cruise and the amount of speeding and braking the car does automatically to match the car in front or during lane changes is a bit much. I could see adaptive cruise impacting brake lifespan quite a bit.

Also if your commute sees a frequent downhill grade, that will do it. My wife commuted for several years up/down a steep grade and her brakes were only lasting 30-40k miles. Now commuting on flat highway, more miles each way, rarely have to replace the brakes.

[crystalworks]

I always do all pads and rotors at the same time, but 30k is quick to be needing ROTORS. Just did complete job on ours @ 101k miles because the rear PADS were almost done. Rotors were fine. I've never worn a set of ROTORS out past spec in 100k miles. But that's just personal experience, I'm sure it's possible for someone out there.

30k though? I have my doubts. Sounds like the dealer is trying to use the CBS pad warning to extract extra service work.