Hi There, I took my 2007 Cooper S Conv in to have the front tires replaced (28,000 miles). While I was there the tire shop guy told me that my front brake pads needed replacement. I said not to worry because I'm taking the car in for a service at my MC dealer next week.

Couple of questions:

1. Does that sound right that the front pads could be worn out at 28K miles? I don't drive the car hard at all and have a mixture of freeway and local driving. I'm always suspicious And I don't have any experience with this shop

2. Are disc pads covered by the free maintenance coverage during the first 36K miles / 3 years?

3. If not, what would be a reasonable price to expect to pay to replace the front pads? I expect that my MC dealer in LA will try to skin me alive - they wanted to charge me $400 for a wheel alignment a little while back! So I can only imagine what they might try on for this.

Appreciate any thoughts,

Daniel.

 

1. Others have reported wearing out the pads that early.

2. Yes. They will replace both the pads and rotors, as they recommend replacing rotors with pads if you get it done before your three years/30,000 miles are up. Seems like you just might get in under the wire.

BMW & MINI rotors are not designed to be turned. They want them to be as light as possible, so they don't make them thick enough to be turned down.

One thing you might consider is having MINI replace the rotors and pads, then replace the new pads with after-market pads that wear longer, and don't put the copious amounts of dust that the OEM pads do.

If your dealer is accommodating, they might be willing to install your pads instead of their own.

I had an independent shop replace the OEM pads with Carbotech 1521 Bobcat pads when I only had about 2,000 miles on the car. It was still early enough that I didn't need to replace the rotors. I've been very happy with them, I like the modulation (pedal feel) better, the put out almost no dust, and they are supposed to last longer and be easier on rotors than the OEM. Although I didn't do comparative testing, it seems that they stop at least as well as the OEM pads. I only have about 10,000 miles on them so can't tell you how long they last.

 

Shees $400 alignment!
Try Steve's Auto Clinic in North Hills (the Valley) only $70 alignment.

 

I have 25K miles on my car and need to replace the front pads and rotors already. I can't wait to get rid of the stock pieces!

 

The OEM pads were gone at ~20-25k miles. So were the stock tires.

I replaced them with Axxis Ultimates and new stock rotors. Those lasted until ~55k miles.

No track work or autox on our car but the car does see spirited driving

 

1. There is probably no better bait cast for a service dealer to toss then to say "you need brakes right now!' Many who don't know better will err to the side of caution and have the work done right then. Fish on the line as they say.... On the other hand my 02's original pads were about 75% worn by 30,000. I took the OEM pads off my 07 right away and at 28,000 they look about 50% worn in front.

2. Pads are covered under maintenance but in my experience if your sensor lite has not come on the dealer isn't going to cover them yet. You might get lucky tho and it is worth asking.

3. MINI does say replace rotors with the pads. I've routinely gone 2 sets of pads to a set of rotors when there was no significant grooving of the rotor. {my 02S for nearly 100,000 miles and others who I do brake work for} The minimum thickness for any rotor is stamped in the inner rim of the rotor and that is the 'tell all' so far as wear. I would not try to turn MINI rotors, hardly worth the cost as you can get plain Brembos pretty cheap.

Your best move is to learn how to quick check your pads for wear. You can usually look thru an alloy wheel and see the disk brake pad. When the pad material is thinner then the backing plate it is time to replace.

Here's an almost new 07 front pad with a little white on the backing plate to highlight it


and here's a worn pad

Other than this you just want to be watching for significantly uneven wear...

Shop around and you should be able to find places that will replace pads and rotors for under $200 an axle. MINI ain't unique anymore and many everyday brake places have parts on the shelf.

Bring your parts to my place and we'll do it in a couple of hours then toss back a Guiness or two . . . it is worth looking for some clubbies in your area. Some have garages and tools and are willing to share.

p.s. looking at the first picture - that IS an 07 S front pad and notice the bevel on the edge. Note that if you can see the bevel the pad IS thicker than the backing plate... My EBC pads have a similar bevel and it makes the quick check even easier...see bevel? No worries mate!

p.s.2 this quick check applies to ANY disk brakes ... any I've had anyway.