Anyone know of the cost of uprated discs and pads that are worth going for? BMW just called and advised new discs and pads and are calling me back in ann hour with costs. I looked on eurocarparts and the costs about 550 discs and pads all round. Fitting myself is easy as ive a workshop but just wondering what the cost of a decent set of pads and discs are and where i can get them from incase the bmw costs are high. I drive the car everyday and not on track.
discs and pads costs !
- Thread starter gsxrpete
- Start date
If you mean genuine dealer parts to replace:
http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/E85/Roadster/Europe/Z4_M3.2-S54/RHD/N/2006/june/browse/brakes/
Part numbers are there, then head to Cooper BMW for part costs.
http://www.cooper-bmw-parts.co.uk/
Should be able to get a bit of discount on those prices too.
There's plenty of aftermarket alternatives (eg Pagid) too.
http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/E85/Roadster/Europe/Z4_M3.2-S54/RHD/N/2006/june/browse/brakes/
Part numbers are there, then head to Cooper BMW for part costs.
http://www.cooper-bmw-parts.co.uk/
Should be able to get a bit of discount on those prices too.
There's plenty of aftermarket alternatives (eg Pagid) too.
These chaps have been recommended...
http://www.motorsportworld.co.uk/frame-detail.asp?PAGE=/performance-brakes.htm
Web site really isn't very good though, I find it best to select the product manufacturer and then car as the other way can be unreliable! But a couple reports that they are extremely helpful.
EBC pads are popular... not too sure who people use for disks.
http://www.motorsportworld.co.uk/frame-detail.asp?PAGE=/performance-brakes.htm
Web site really isn't very good though, I find it best to select the product manufacturer and then car as the other way can be unreliable! But a couple reports that they are extremely helpful.
EBC pads are popular... not too sure who people use for disks.
Liverpool
BMW will routinely advise new discs even though they're perfectly fine - just as they will advise of worn tyres when they've still got 4mm left.
Ask them specifically how much disc & pad thickness is left - you may find you've still got 5000 miles left in them.
Front discs are 28mm thick and BMW will class them as 'unroadworthy' at 26.4mm (i.e. 1.6mm worn) - however this is purely a BMW figure and it's only the pad that has to have at least 5mm left for an MOT pass - as long as the braking efficiency is within tolerance. So if you 'risk' it and take then down to 26mm and it's taken 20,000 miles to wear 1.6mm, then you've got 5,000 miles left in them (although I'm not saying you should or shouldn't change them at 26.4mm).
There will come a point where the disc is worn enough that the braking efficiency drops off, as you've got to put more fluid into the caliper pistons (i.e. more pedal) to get the same braking effect, plus with less disc thickness you'll get the heat building up more quickly (less mass in the disc as a whole).
I bought some new OEM discs and EBC pads last year after being told the same, but a month later (before I'd fitted the new brakes) it passed the MOT without even an advisory on the brakes (nor the suspension bushes that BMW said needed doing as well).
Ask them specifically how much disc & pad thickness is left - you may find you've still got 5000 miles left in them.
Front discs are 28mm thick and BMW will class them as 'unroadworthy' at 26.4mm (i.e. 1.6mm worn) - however this is purely a BMW figure and it's only the pad that has to have at least 5mm left for an MOT pass - as long as the braking efficiency is within tolerance. So if you 'risk' it and take then down to 26mm and it's taken 20,000 miles to wear 1.6mm, then you've got 5,000 miles left in them (although I'm not saying you should or shouldn't change them at 26.4mm).
There will come a point where the disc is worn enough that the braking efficiency drops off, as you've got to put more fluid into the caliper pistons (i.e. more pedal) to get the same braking effect, plus with less disc thickness you'll get the heat building up more quickly (less mass in the disc as a whole).
I bought some new OEM discs and EBC pads last year after being told the same, but a month later (before I'd fitted the new brakes) it passed the MOT without even an advisory on the brakes (nor the suspension bushes that BMW said needed doing as well).
mmm-five said:
'tis true. I had an M3 with 37k, was told discs and pads needed. Did pads, flew through MOT. What would the 'real' limit of thickness be for M3 / Z4M discs?
Also, if calling dealers make sure they listen. Several parts departments started out quoting me for 330i discs until I pointed out that that was wrong. One even said 'they are the same'.
Don't forget that dealers (independents too of course) may be finding the economy hard going and may be stretching the truth a little regarding what needs doing. I'm not saying they'll lie outright, but may try to bring forward some future work.
I believe BMW's end of year is March, so if they're not up to target they'll take one of two directions - 1) advertise cheap/reduced servicing & parts (and hope they get more volume); 2) do more work than is necessary and try to claim more than they need from BMW for warranty work or from the customer.
There may be scope for 'negotiation' and I know different dealers sell parts for different prices, so don't be scared to shop around for parts - and even play the cheapest parts dealer off against the cheapest labour dealer (£96/hour to £136/hour in my area - although strangely an Inspection 1 is almost the same price :thumbsdown: )
I believe BMW's end of year is March, so if they're not up to target they'll take one of two directions - 1) advertise cheap/reduced servicing & parts (and hope they get more volume); 2) do more work than is necessary and try to claim more than they need from BMW for warranty work or from the customer.
There may be scope for 'negotiation' and I know different dealers sell parts for different prices, so don't be scared to shop around for parts - and even play the cheapest parts dealer off against the cheapest labour dealer (£96/hour to £136/hour in my area - although strangely an Inspection 1 is almost the same price :thumbsdown: )
easty027 said:
You'll save the labour cost, but the genuine parts you'll need (assuming you want to keep your warranty intact) are not much (if any) cheaper from the motor factors that can source them.
I would understand if the parts were only available on this one car, and it was less than 3 years old, but it's the same brakes as on an M3 so there should be plenty available.
The other option would be to find someone breaking an M3/Z4M and find out what condition the discs are in - however I'd never fit any 2nd hand brake discs or pads myself, and calipers would only be used after a full strip & rebuild.