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Was told by mini dealer that I needed front and back brakes and rotors done. It has 3mm on pad and both rotors below minimum spec.
Breakdown of cost, front pads and rotor for $917, Back rear pads and rotor for $756.
Is this too much? Where can I go to an independent mini cooper specialist in the Los Angeles and Orange County area in CA for a better price and excellent repair.
Also, I was told i needed to fix the valve as the valve cover is leaking at cyclone seperator. Cost is $803.
Anything from the dealership is usually pricey regardless of the quotes you received whether it is all inclusive or not.
Try searching online or through a MINI vendor on this site is highly recommended... e.g., I got my replacement parts from Amazon for a fraction of the cost. I did go with aftermarket parts that I prefer but some parts can only be obtained through the dealership or OEM like the valve cover.
Check this place out and maybe they can help for the type of work you're looking for although from what I understand brake replacement and valve cover replacement is a direct replacement and isn't that hard.
A's Garage
323-318-2777
705 Monterey Pass Road Monterey Park CA
Ask for Alvin for more information...
DIY will most certainly save you a good amount of money. Brake pad options here and brake rotors here. Akebono pads are a good alternative to Genuine MINI and OEM supplier pads. Brake rotor DIY is here and brake pad DIY is here. The DIY's provide good info about the break down of tools needed, cost, and how long it should take you.
there is absolutely NOTHING unique or special about the brake system on a MINI
ANY PLACE that does brakes can do a pad and rotor swap and probably for a lot less than the dealer
most folks here prefer to use a "better" pad and rotor (better being VERY subjective) but for everyday use places like AUTOZONE have pads that are perfectly fine and similar quality to what most "brake places" will use.
When you have them turned check so they dont go below the Min. Thickness which is marked on the side rotor on the OEM rotors.
can't think of any shop that would even start to turn them without measuring first.
You can buy rotors from autozone for cheap. I have done that in the past with no issues and yes it still stopped as good, wife can't feel any diff in stopping with autozone gold pads and they stay cleaner.
IMO if you have a single piston brake they are not great brakes anyway.
Just something to keep in mind. Me and some of my local MINI friends buy Centric Rotors as replacements, as good or better then OEM, at $14 each for the rears, $18 fronts and up of course... So roughly as cheap as getting then turned at most places.. Auto Parts Stores used to turn them for free though..
Last edited by N2MINI; Aug 4, 2015 at 06:05 AM.
Reason: more info
When was that?
I remember having to pay when I was in high school.....many many years ago.
Advance and Auto Zone used to do it for free here locally atleast. Granted it's been 15 years ago last time I know for sure they did it. I think now they don't even turn rotors any more at all.... With the MINIs rotors being so cheap ( assuming you don't want drilled or slotted rotors ) I haven't had to look into it for a long time..
I found a Drilled and Slotted Rotor and Pad Kit for $422 U.S. and had some questions about the brand. Does anyone have any experience with Stoptech brakes?
