OK, I have a 2005 Mini Cooper S with JCW package... my front brakes appear to be JCW, my rear ones look plain.

The brake light just came on and my friend, a mechanic, has offered to replace them for me as long as I pick up the stuff I need.

So, I went to TireRack and bought the Akebono Euro Ceramic Pads
http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/brake...ar=&perfCode=P and some ATE SuperBlue fluid.

I was going to pick up the rotors locally, to make sure they fit but after ordering the pads... I realized that they may not be right for the front set of JCW brakes I have.

Here's a picture of the front tires:




Here's a picture of the rear tires:



So, I guess my questions are this:

The front rotors... can I assume they're 294 x 22 JCW front rotors? If so, is any place going to stock them or should I go back to Tire Rack?

Are the front/rear pads I bought going to fit these brakes?

Should I replace the sensors too? Do I need to replace the entire sensor? If I don't replace them, will the yellow light ever turn off?




I am just trying to save some money.... local place wanted $1100 + tax for just the normal brake work... that's without them even knowing that I had JCW...

I don't like my dealership's service either so I'd rather pay more and go to Midas than them.

 

I am upgrading my R53 to the JCW set-up like you have and this set of rotors was recommended:

http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...ke_rotors.html

I believe you have to replace the sensor once they have been set-off, but they aren't too expensive.

 

I looked and they have the front and rear sensors for $19.95 each...

They also have the rotors for $209.95 for the set of two...

I also found these on the internet that appear to be non-OEM replacements...
http://www.aboveallmotorwerks.com/BV...0Z_34116768933

I'm just nervous that the pads that I have sitting here next to me won't fit the JCW brakes. :'(

 

Call Tirerack and ask them about the pads. If they are for the reg calipers they will not fit.

 

The JCW pads and rotors are larger than stock R53. The rear pads and rotors are stock R53 size. You need to verify that you have front pads for R53 JCW brakes (I suspect you do not have the correct front pads).
You should also figure out what sensor triggered the light, could be front or rear. You only need to replace the sensor that has worn through the contact.

 

I got in touch with OutMotoring who was really helpful and they confirmed that the JCW brakes on R53 are exactly equal to R56 (S) brakes.

So I need the 294mm rotors for the JCW and R56 (S) pads... so yeah, the pads I have here are wrong.

 

Make sure you contact Tirerack with your problem. You may find that they will fix your problem with little hassle.

 

Tirerack is supposed to have legendary custoemr service.... we'll see.