At my last checkup on my 2011 countryman the dealer told me I will need new front brakes soon. The total they quoted me was around $700. I have usually had all work done at the dealer but was wondering if I could get this done significantly cheaper at a non-dealer location? And if so are there any issues with a non-dealer doing this as long as it's a reputable company? I'm assuming there's nothing special about these brakes that would require a mini dealer to do them? The dealer said when they get low enough a brake light will come on in the car but I'm assuming that wouldn't impact a non-dealer doing the brakes. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

Half that price is more like it. If you did it yourself it's less than two hundred. With labor less than two hours at a shop. Lower dusting pads is a benefit of going indy.

 

If you do them before the light comes on it will save you from buying a new sensor, anyhow any indy can change them for a lot less. Get your own parts off pelican, ecs, or bavauto for the best prices.

 

Way Motor Works has EBC Red Stuff of $90.00/front and the same for the back. Pelican Parts also has a wide selection, some brands for less.
They're both vendors listed in the vendor directory.
ANY auto shop can install. There's nothing unique about MINI brake systems. They're all the same.

 

PS: You would do well to find a good indie MINI shop in your area. Dealership hourly rates are as much as twice what an indie's are. Also, a good independent shop will troubleshoot and resolve problems where as the habit of dealerships is to just throw new parts at a problem thus driving up the $$$.

 

[QUOTE=lindseybp;4183589] I have usually had all work done at the dealer but was wondering if I could get this done significantly cheaper at a non-dealer location? And if so are there any issues with a non-dealer doing this as long as it's a reputable company? I'm assuming there's nothing special about these brakes that would require a mini dealer to do them?

Yes
No
Correct

 

[QUOTE=mini4mo;4183692]There is nothing special about the brakes on the Mini. Anyone can do them even a high school kid with a good set of tools. Really, an easy job.

The issue is what parts to use. I use Hawk HPS all around and coated rotors from Way. Whatever you get, don't go cheap on the parts.

///Rich

 

Thanks for all the great comments and suggestions everyone. Much appreciated. Definitely going to save the money and have it done somewhere other than the dealer.

 

For sure avoid the dealer as they will only install the stock dusty pads.

Brakes are pretty easy to do yourself. For a countryman I'd go with the EBC reds for low dust and good bite.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/ebc-red...rake-pads.html

and if you need rotors
http://www.waymotorworks.com/wmw-cou...ke-rotors.html

 

Thanks for the mention, Bav and Fly'n.

Pads for your Countryman are here - http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/..._pg1.htm#item0 Akebono are very popular replacement pads in the MINI community. Low dust and noise.

Rotors here - http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/..._pg2.htm#item6 Zimmermann rotors are great.

and brake pad sensors here - http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/..._pg2.htm#item4

Let me know if you have any questions.