We had to have my wife's 2012 MCS (30k miles) towed into the dealer for a problem that turned into being a broken transmission control unit cable (discussed in another thread).
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...n-message.html

Obviously, we are going to have them fix this issue. In addition, they are telling us that our front brake pads are measuring 3mm or less and they want to replace the pads, rotors, and sensor to the tune of over $700:

AI-77
"Remove the wheels. For disc brakes, remove the brake caliper and then remove the brake pads. Inspect the rotors for signs of damage or excessive wear. Replace or resurface the rotor as necessary. Inspect the brake caliper and brake hoses for damage and leaks. Replace the brake pads. Adjust the brakes as necessary. Reinstall the wheels and torque the lug nuts to the vehicle manufacturer's specifications."

Also, they are recommending a fuel and air induction service for $170:

AI-166
"Utilizing specialized tools, one of our skilled technicians will clean fuel injectors, clean the throttle body, clean the plenum and air-intake, clean intake valves and ports, remove combustion chamber deposits, and correct the balance of fuel and air in the system."

So what is it that makes this brake job cost so much? It can't be that expensive if all they have to do is replace the pads. Also, is this fuel and induction service worth the money? The car seems to run just fine. Thanks.

Mike B.

 

The fuel and induction service is a waste of money.

The brakes are expensive because it's BMW.

 

go someplace else for the brake job. Dealer price IS high. there is nothing special about the disk brakes on a MINI and ANY decent brake place can do the job just fine.

A handy home mechanic can do pads and rotors with a decent jack and stands, and a few simple tools. Pads and rotors are available from most decent parts stores, or use one of the MANY on line places if you want something a little 'better' ... better being a wee bit subjective. (spouse's car probably does not need slotted rotors or performance pads ..... then again, maybe it does in which case I usually buy from Way . . . )

 

"Specialized tools..."

Seafoam?

 

Run, don't walk to the nearest independent undercarriage shop for the brake job. Midas would be a good start and a store like Auto Zone for the rotors and pads OR from a vendor on this forum.

Either Seafoam or BG-44K for the injectors.

https://www.bgprod.com/catalog/gasoline-fuel-system/

 

Learn to do this very easy task yourself! The tools are cheap

 

Exactly. New rotors should not be required for this job. They shouldn't even need turning. I just don't see this much money for a brake job, and just one axle at that. Wow! We did not let them do the fuel and air induction service the last time it was in for service.

Mike B.

 

Because it's a dealership. Most of the time prices for maintenance items at a dealer will be more expensive than if you installed and sourced the parts yourself or go to an independent MINI shop. I can't tell you how many times I wrote up RO's at the dealer and laughed at the parts cost and labor time quotes. When I worked at an independent shop, pricing was much more realistic, but labor rates were somewhat the same due to using Alldata. When you take the labor out of the equation, quotes decrease dramatically. Also, with online parts stores like us, you will more than likely get parts lower than list pricing.

We have brake overhaul kits HERE, which include front and rear as well as everything you to replace while you're in there. Otherwise, just front brake pads HERE (Akebono are a good replacement pad) and front brake rotors HERE (Brembo or Zimmerman coat z). Don't forget brake pad wear sensor HERE.

If the rotors do not meet minimum thickness specifications, replace them. We have a tech article that can help you determine this.

 

you don't mention where you are but

I've done "1 on 1 tech sessions" in my garage for owners for years

I'll tell you what to buy, or buy it for you and you pay me back, and then you come to my house and we use my tools to do the job. YOU do the work while I show you and help you so next time hopefully you feel OK to DIY.

Cost? Well most folks like to buy lunch after we're done.


Been doing this since my early 02 S went out of pre-pay maintenance and the dealer began sticking their claws in me . . . . I've been doing brakes and oil changes for some folks for 8 years!

 

^^ That's very nice of you Capt. Not very many people out there willing to help teach people to work on their cars, especially only for lunch. Keep it up.

 

Jesus I wish I was in Florida. WE need more people like you.

As someone who just bought my first MINI about a month ago, and would love too be more hands on with repairs, but lack a garage, this would be epic.

 

I would take you up on that offer, Capt., but unfortunately I'm in the Houston area.

Mike B.

 

I had the brakes on my 2008 done for $200.00 per axle including rotors. The sensors don't necessarily need to be replaced. This was done at a local garage. It doesn't have to be expensive. The dealers always are.

 

same here brother, come to me with parts and I'll show anyone how easy it is to do a brake job

 

Using inferior cheap aftermarket brake parts will most certainly reduce effective braking distance, are typically manufactured from cheap steal resulting in warped rotors even causing rotational vibration on the highway often mistaken for poor wheel balance due to rotor density/unequal mass, and cheap pads result in squealing when braking. Then there's the fact that cheap brake parts will inevitably be replaced much sooner than anticipated....

And BTW, brakes are the parts which stop your car from ramming into the car in front of you applied last minute since you were texting and/or talking on your cell phone so you don't end up being sued or worse....

Purchase OEM Value Line brake pads/sensor kit for 80.00 dollars and buy two MINI rotors and get some MINI club help to install.

GL!

 

I tackled brakes on both MINIs that I have. It's really not a difficult job, and saved lots of $$$. I have heard a few horror stories of "cheap" brakes places messing up BECAUSE it's a MINI...when it comes to brakes, it's really no different that any other vehicle.

 

I done a bunch of brakes jobs on the MINIs, I am up to 256K on the R52.

You can get aftermarket pads, brakes , sensors , and rotors and save a pile. Doing it yourself will also save you much more. Some places dont know MINI so go to a BMW or MINI indy shop and have it done so you dont have issues down the road. I like the ECS Geomets service kits , I run them ) because the rotors don't corrode and look like rust after one season. Also our kits are free ship on the performance kits. Also contains hawk pads which is a upgrade for bite and the low dust, which all the OEM pads dust like crazy.

https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2012-Cooper-R56-S-Coupe-L4_1.6L_N18B16A/Braking/Service_Kits/

 

Actually, if you must insist on OEM brakes from MINI, you can buy the parts yourself and take it to anybody you trust or do it yourself.

Recently I popped into MINI of Seattle and bought brake pads and also told them I was the moderator of our local MINI club. The parts guy discounted the price.

BMW parts are not really all that much more expensive than after market, and they usually fit exactly.

My issue with taking my car the dealer is they always find something you didn't expect you would have to fix that costs a lot more money.

 

I think that this can be said about any dealership service. There always seems to be about a $1k "cover charge".

Mike B.

 

Here is an example of how cheap you can buy the parts yourself. Been buying from here for years.. Centric rotors are as good or better then OEM.. http://http://www.usautoparts.net/se...&Ns=price2%7C0

 

Mini dealerships won't give you a break. On brakes, or anything else. I wish they would be reasonable, but for the most part, they aren't.

Get some good parts (our forum sponsored parts shops have great vetted Mini parts, not the stuff from Ebay and such), and find someone to help you do it. I watched my son put new rotors and pads on his car. Now I do my own. It's not rocket science and does save a lot of cash that you can spend on fun stuff for the Mini! If you find a good independent shop you can still save big over a dealership.