Brake pad and rotor life

Hi just curious on how long the lifespan usually is on the brake pads and rotors for the rear on a 325i. I changed my pads and rotors on the rear about 25k miles ago and now need new ones. I just feel its kind of soon. I know its best too change both the pads and rotors at the same time. and please dont tell me to use the search function. thank you!

On my '02 325i, it was like clockwork: Fronts every 24K miles, rears every 36K. YMMV.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by gimmethemuumuu

On my '02 325i, it was like clockwork: Fronts every 24K miles, rears every 36K. YMMV.

Good luck!

and at that time did you change both the pads and rotors?
I just feel the rotors should last a lot more than 25k miles.

You can start by measuring the thickness of the rotors. If they're nowhere near the minimum thickness, then consider re-using them.

Originally Posted by Fishful Thinking

You can start by measuring the thickness of the rotors. If they're nowhere near the minimum thickness, then consider re-using them.

Do you know of any DIY where I measure from and what the minimal thickness is? Just trying to save some money if I dont need new rotors.

Originally Posted by Watts2590

Do you know of any DIY where I measure from and what the minimal thickness is? Just trying to save some money if I dont need new rotors.

OEM BMW rotors are not real beefy right from the get-go, which is why we normally replace them at every brake change (which in my case is usually around 32-35 K miles for fronts, and maybe 50-ish for rears). Brake parts are about the least expensive "consumable" parts on these cars, so it`s kind of foolish to *not* replace them. Hell....all they do is *stop the car*

Originally Posted by Fast Bob

OEM BMW rotors are not real beefy right from the get-go, which is why we normally replace them at every brake change (which in my case is usually around 32-35 K miles for fronts, and maybe 50-ish for rears). Brake parts are about the least expensive "consumable" parts on these cars, so it`s kind of foolish to *not* replace them. Hell....all they do is *stop the car*

I just find it surprising that after only 25k miles i need new rear brakes. Especially now since your saying it seems to last you around 50k miles. I definitly feel 25k miles for the rotors is too soon.

Originally Posted by Watts2590

I just find it surprising that after only 25k miles i need new rear brakes. Especially now since your saying it seems to last you around 50k miles. I definitly feel 25k miles for the rotors is too soon.

If you drive in such a manner that your DSC is flashing on frequently, that could be the answer....the DSC will apply the rear brakes selsctively, which can lead to premature wear like you`re experiencing.
Or, you could have a caliper hanging up....

Originally Posted by Fast Bob

If you drive in such a manner that your DSC is flashing on frequently, that could be the answer....the DSC will apply the rear brakes selsctively, which can lead to premature wear like you`re experiencing.
Or, you could have a caliper hanging up....

Thats good to know. Thanks! Just didnt expect them to go this soon. especially since i also try to downshift as much as possible to reduce brake wear.

Originally Posted by Watts2590

especially since i also try to downshift as much as possible to reduce brake wear.

Now, that`s just plain dumb....replacing brakes is FAR cheaper than all the potential damage that a lot of constant downshifting will cause !

Originally Posted by Fast Bob

Now, that`s just plain dumb....replacing brakes is FAR cheaper than all the potential damage that a lot of constant downshifting will cause !

Sent from my DROID4 using Bimmer App

I doubt he is just power shifting from 4th to 3rd or whatever, if you properally rev match then there should not be a problem with braking anything.


Did you last replace your brakes with OEM or after market parts, also entheuseastic driving will wear your brakes

Originally Posted by tystager93

Sent from my DROID4 using Bimmer App

I doubt he is just power shifting from 4th to 3rd or whatever, if you properally rev match then there should not be a problem with braking anything.


Did you last replace your brakes with OEM or after market parts, also entheuseastic driving will wear your brakes

Yea whenever i downshift I make sure the rpms dont go too high. I dont remember if they were oem or aftermarket. What is a good webiste where I can buy new pads and rotors so I can change them? Thanks

I'm more like 50-60k on rears. I think I might only be on my second set of rear brakes. They last a long time.

Last time I did my fronts, I picked up rotors, pads, and a wear sensor from Import Replacement Parts which is sort of a ghetto website but it had pretty good prices.

Originally Posted by tystager93

I doubt he is just power shifting from 4th to 3rd or whatever, if you properally rev match then there should not be a problem with braking anything.

Originally Posted by Watts2590

Yea whenever i downshift I make sure the rpms dont go too high.

Doesn`t matter.....constant downshifting to slow the car down is a very bad habit to get into....*use the brakes*, that`s what they`re there for !

Do you know when the last time your brake fluid was changed? At least every 2 years is a good rule of thumb. Your car is 10 years old. Contaminates could be causing your rear calipers to bind, partially release and accelerate the wear on pads and rotors. That's a really low mileage vehicle but its been in service for at least ten years. I'd change the brake and clutch fluid, go over the brake calipers clean all corrosion, brake dust and contamination from everything that slides rotates or squeezes, pay attention to the condition of all dust boots- cracked, split or missing, replace them and make sure everything works properly Use good OEM stuff - It's a lot of work, but to keep that older low mileage car up to speed, it's probably worth it.

Originally Posted by Watts2590

Thats good to know. Thanks! Just didnt expect them to go this soon. especially since i also try to downshift as much as possible to reduce brake wear.

You have to take into consideration that living on Long Island, you are probably driving in heavier traffic, and therefore using the brakes much more than other drivers. I used to be on the LIE a lot, and can see how that might cut brake life in half. Living in a much less congested area now, my brakes last a lot longer than they used to.

Drive aggressively and brakes go fast. I used to burn thru pads in 22K miles. Got older and changed driving style. Mostly highway now and get 150K on pads and rotors.
Wide variation.

I have 90k miles on my current set of rotors & pads, and the pads have plenty of thickness left.

Even when I did 3-4 track days a year, my pads & rotors lasted like 40k (this was an E36 325i).

Yea I am stuck in some heavy traffic on the LIE at times. I think it also has to do with the way I drive like fastbob mentioned. I'm actually going to try and do the pads and rotors myself this time instead of taking it to a shop. Also should flush out my brake fluid. The car has 83k miles now which is still low for an 02. Anyone know a good DIY on the brakes and brake fluid? Or should I just search YouTube and google? And any recommendations and which website to buy from?

Originally Posted by Watts2590

Yea I am stuck in some heavy traffic on the LIE at times. I think it also has to do with the way I drive like fastbob mentioned. I'm actually going to try and do the pads and rotors myself this time instead of taking it to a shop. Also should flush out my brake fluid. The car has 83k miles now which is still low for an 02. Anyone know a good DIY on the brakes and brake fluid? Or should I just search YouTube and google? And any recommendations and which website to buy from?

YouTube has some good DIY's on E46 Brake replacement. The Wiki at the top of the page also has some links to good DIY's as well. Flushing the brake fluid is a very good idea. BMW recommends every 2 years, and I do mine every 3 because it is basically a summer car. I would recommend buying your parts from oembimmerparts.com. Great service, free shipping, and a Bimmerfest sponsor. Driving fast is fun, and if the price you have to pay for that is more frequent brake replacement, I say that is money well spent! Good luck!

Originally Posted by SJBimmer

YouTube has some good DIY's on E46 Brake replacement. The Wiki at the top of the page also has some links to good DIY's as well. Flushing the brake fluid is a very good idea. BMW recommends every 2 years, and I do mine every 3 because it is basically a summer car. I would recommend buying your parts from oembimmerparts.com. Great service, free shipping, and a Bimmerfest sponsor. Driving fast is fun, and if the price you have to pay for that is more frequent brake replacement, I say that is money well spent! Good luck!

Thank you

Originally Posted by Fast Bob

...Brake parts are about the least expensive "consumable" parts on these cars, so it`s kind of foolish to *not* replace them. Hell....all they do is *stop the car*

Correct. And stopping the car is a function that can easily be accomplished by other means, such as a concrete barrier, or a very large oak tree. Of course, this could result in some minor additional costs...

Max at OEM bimmer parts has really good OEM parts deals on brake kits. First place I'd get them from if I were to use the OEM brake set.

http://www.oembimmerparts.com/produc...brakekitsz.htm

Oh yeah, on my ZHP (330i Performance Package), since I've owned it, avg brake job is about 40-60K with Brembo rotors + Porterfield R4S pads. Previous owner had them done at 39K with OEM brake parts. Brake wear also highly depends on your driving style/technique and conditions.

[QUOTE=av98;7132937]Max at OEM bimmer parts has really good OEM parts deals on brake kits. First place I'd get them from if I were to use the OEM brake set.

http://www.oembimmerparts.com/produc...brakekitsz.htmQUOTE]

Plus free shipping, which is considerable considering the weight of the rotors....Of course, they're not the only supplier with free shipping, but Max's service is great.

Originally Posted by Fast Bob

Doesn`t matter.....constant downshifting to slow the car down is a very bad habit to get into....*use the brakes*, that`s what they`re there for !

And brakes are a lot cheaper than a clutch.