Brake Pad Wear
Discussion
My partners Mini Cooper (2015) is in the dealers for its fist service (15K Miles) I've just had a call to say the rear pads need replacing. The brake warning had come on a week or so ago (I checked the fronts and they were fine) and it was allready booked in for its service. The car is an auto but she doesn't overuse the brakes (or drive like she stole it) so I'm somewhat surprised they need replacing (£210)especially on the rear? Anybody else had this?
I'm picking it up later this afternoon so will have it jacked up to check (I said no to the pad replacement).
I'm picking it up later this afternoon so will have it jacked up to check (I said no to the pad replacement).
On the wife's Cooper S Roadster the light for the rear pads came on in October 2014, I replaced them last weekend just before we sold the car. We probably did 12000 miles, something like that after the light had initially come on. I think Mini dealers are over cautious as they won't see the car again for 18k miles or whatever the service intervals are, unless it breaks down.
My rear pads are indicated to be due for replacement in 800 miles, well they were as it said that for ages every time I turned the car on, but now its gone up to 900 miles, as previously said its optimistic and heavily biased on the safe side. Inspect and judge yourself
Only true indication is if the pad sensor wire, one front one rear has worn through, that would at least indicate the pads are low enough for the sensor to contact the disc, but even so they probably still have a decent amount of miles left in them before they are desperate.
Only true indication is if the pad sensor wire, one front one rear has worn through, that would at least indicate the pads are low enough for the sensor to contact the disc, but even so they probably still have a decent amount of miles left in them before they are desperate.
Guy on one of the Lotus forums has this. Rear pads after 16k Initial response from mini was that he'd just gave to pay up, but after much complaining and pushing they eventually replaced.
Inspect the pads- is the wear even?
This was the outcome
UPDATE - Just had a call from the dealer having sent an email and attached the photos of the pads.
Seems BMW have asked for the disks and callipers to be changed and sent back along with the pads, whilst still maintaining the line that wearing out at this mileage can still be considered normal.
Full cost to be refunded.
That to me suggests they believe they may have an issue and this isn't an isolated case.
Inspect the pads- is the wear even?
This was the outcome
UPDATE - Just had a call from the dealer having sent an email and attached the photos of the pads.
Seems BMW have asked for the disks and callipers to be changed and sent back along with the pads, whilst still maintaining the line that wearing out at this mileage can still be considered normal.
Full cost to be refunded.
That to me suggests they believe they may have an issue and this isn't an isolated case.
Guy on one of the Lotus forums has this. Rear pads after 16k Initial response from mini was that he'd just gave to pay up, but after much complaining and pushing they eventually replaced.
Inspect the pads- is the wear even?
This was the outcome
UPDATE - Just had a call from the dealer having sent an email and attached the photos of the pads.
Seems BMW have asked for the disks and callipers to be changed and sent back along with the pads, whilst still maintaining the line that wearing out at this mileage can still be considered normal.
Full cost to be refunded.
That to me suggests they believe they may have an issue and this isn't an isolated case.
Inspect the pads- is the wear even?
This was the outcome
UPDATE - Just had a call from the dealer having sent an email and attached the photos of the pads.
Seems BMW have asked for the disks and callipers to be changed and sent back along with the pads, whilst still maintaining the line that wearing out at this mileage can still be considered normal.
Full cost to be refunded.
That to me suggests they believe they may have an issue and this isn't an isolated case.
Edited by Boogs on Saturday 27th February 20:36
Got round to changing the pads and sensor this weekend (£113 BMW original parts). The pad with the sensor was worn down to approx 3mm, the other pads were half worn 7-8 mm. I'm suspecting the caliper piston doesn't release pressure on the inboard pad. Will take this up with the dealer. I would have expected the tech checking the pads to have flagged up the issue really.
L1OFF said:
Got round to changing the pads and sensor this weekend (£113 BMW original parts). The pad with the sensor was worn down to approx 3mm, the other pads were half worn 7-8 mm. I'm suspecting the caliper piston doesn't release pressure on the inboard pad. Will take this up with the dealer. I would have expected the tech checking the pads to have flagged up the issue really.
Our car brake pads had worn the same as you've described, I went for non genuine pads (£77+VAT) for front and rear with new sensors, we were selling the car so wasn't going to Mini for the parts.Not sure if this is the case with the Mini but I know on the BMW e46 the rears suffer additional wear due to the traction control ie automatic braking on the rear although probably more of an issue on a tracked car or someone who likes to make progress - like my wife !
Let's face it though dealers always try and sqeeeze a brake/disc change in if they can.
Pip
Let's face it though dealers always try and sqeeeze a brake/disc change in if they can.
Pip
I use a Mini for teaching in....the brakes get a real hard time until they get used to them, I also do a shed load of emergency stops (only at speeds of up to 30 mph for safety reasons)
Mini's are great at braking....on a dry surface from 30 mph to still can be about 1.5 car lengths....very good! Mine also is great at staying straight.
I have had the front pads replaced twice and rear pads once, the car has now done some 80k, .....so if your missus is not really ragging it when your not with her, 15k does appear to be very tight....
I can also remember the 800 miles warning coming on, and was like that for several months
Main dealers do tend to "suggest" things are tight when reality is that you can spin them out for a hell of a lot longer, even if your warning light comes on, it is only a "guide" that you require new pads and have plenty of time until the next pay day before changing them. For me though i must change stuff if a warning light comes on asap...or before hand owing to my trade.....I wouldn't put a car in for an MOT if the warning lights are on either!
Mini's are great at braking....on a dry surface from 30 mph to still can be about 1.5 car lengths....very good! Mine also is great at staying straight.
I have had the front pads replaced twice and rear pads once, the car has now done some 80k, .....so if your missus is not really ragging it when your not with her, 15k does appear to be very tight....
I can also remember the 800 miles warning coming on, and was like that for several months
Main dealers do tend to "suggest" things are tight when reality is that you can spin them out for a hell of a lot longer, even if your warning light comes on, it is only a "guide" that you require new pads and have plenty of time until the next pay day before changing them. For me though i must change stuff if a warning light comes on asap...or before hand owing to my trade.....I wouldn't put a car in for an MOT if the warning lights are on either!
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