Break pad sensor warning

[Meady]

Hey guys, I’ve had a warning light come on my 35is suggesting I need to replace my break pads as they are worn. Strangely it doesn’t tell me front or back though?

I’ve read on some previous posts it’s quite often the sensor goes but the pads don’t actually need replacing? On visual inspection it looks like I have maybe 25% left but not sure, it’s hard to see.

Car says 4,000 miles left in front and 18,000 on rear

If they do need doing, I assume discs will need to be done as well, what’s average Costs?

If I took it to local bmw specialist will they be able to tell me whether it actually needs replacing? I’m assuming they will just say yes to get the work..

[Silverstar]

A mechanic will be able to tell you if the pads and or discs need replacing. You can also check this yourself. If you look through the wheel you should be able to see the pads and see the thickness of the material left. The discs should only need replacing if they have a bad lip on them or you are getting a judder or shaking off the steering whilst braking (warped discs). You can feel if there is a sever lip by running your finger on the disc to the edge.

[Chippie]

It’s not just the lip on the edge, you also have to check for severe scoring or corrosion to the inner and outer faces of the discs, I changed both front and rear pads a few weeks ago and all 4 discs were fine, just make sure you always change in pairs

[buzyg]

Used to typically be two sets of pads per set of discs. Certainly that works on my ///MR. As said your mechanic can measure the thinkness of the disc to be sure.