hey all:
So I took my '03 MCs with only 24K miles in for the level 1 service on Saturday (or whatever they call it). In the process, they said all of my brakes were down to minimum spec and needed to be replaced. It was going to cost $900!! The service included new rotors, pads, flush entire system and new ABS sensors. I was in a bit of a spot since I didn't want to come back again (1 hour drive to dealer) and I did just hear a little grinding that morning. I bit the bullet and had it done. My question is this... are new rotors and ABS sensors always necessary? The tech and SA claimed that Mini didn't engineer the rotors to be turned because they're so thin (for heat and weight reasons). He didn't explain why the sensors had to be replaced but I was questioning this as well. It's a very thorough service but I can't help but feel a little reamed knowing that I've done brake pad replacement myself on some of my cars for less that $100. I've also read that others here have done it themselves without replacing or even turning rotors.

Also... 24K miles... WTF?? Shouldn't they last a lot longer than that in daily non-abusive driving? My Subaru legacy lasted 60K. What is everyone else experiencing??

 

I am experiencing that an '03 with 24k should have had the brakes covered under warranty (unless it has been more than 36 months). My sensor went of at about 18k and the dealer replaced the brakes at no cost (rears). Otherwise, I would never have the dealer fix anything. At $140 hour I tend to go some where else.

 

It should have been covered by warranty!!! Unless it's been 36 months as stated above.

 

The brake sensors need to be replaced if they ever get worn. They sit on the brake pads and let you know when your pads are gone.

 

I changed the pads on my '03 with about 21,000 miles. The rears were worn more than the fronts, but both still really were OK- I wanted to rid myself of dusting problems. I sanded the rotors but didn't replace them, and there have been no issues at all. I would encourage this as a good DYI project. The only aggravation is bottoming out the rear piston, but there are several good threads onhow to do this.

 

Don't the sensors only have to be replaced once your brake warning light has gone off? I don't see why they would need to be replaced otherwise.

 

Yes, sensors only need to be replaced if they've been worn to the point of triggering the warning light. Early cars didn't have them at all. Mine's a Sept '02 built '03 and doesn't have them.
I just changed my original pads for Hawk HPS at 71K. I guess the service life you get depends on the kind of driving you do. Mine are almost all highway miles.

 

Thanks for the help. Mine was out of the 36K warranty period. I guess next time I'll try it as a DYI project or take it somewhere non-dealer. Keep in mind that about $90 of that $900 was for a total flush of the system too. I have done that operation on my bike and it's a PITA unless you have the correct power flush tool and/or a lot of help from someone else to pump the pedal, add fluid, etc.

 

The bottom line is that you can't "turn down" on a lathe or whatever the rotors. Kinda sucks huh?

 

Exactly. I still have my doubts as to whether it's actually true... would like to hear it from an independent source. If you look at the thickness of the actual rotors, it's not like they're paper thin or anything. I didn't have a micrometer with me or anything but it certainly appears there is sufficient metal for at least one "turning" of a few milimeters. Maybe they become too prone to warpage if that's done or something... I don't know.

 

On my 2003, all my rotors and pads had to be replaced at 10K as they were defective (this happened back in April 2006). They wouldn't stop grinding after the car sat for 2 weeks. I also had to pay as it was 1 month out of warranty, though the dealer picked up half the cost, which was nice. By the way, my dealer only charged me $750 total.

 

You said that you heard grinding.......

This is my understanding.....Ordinarilly the only reason you need to turn rotors is to get rid of any paterning from the old pads, so to make them smooth again you dont have to remove much material.....However if you were grinding, those groves from the backing plates must be completely removed....it does not take much grinding before you must remove alot more material to get them smooth.....with that said.....it is alot faster and easier to the tech to just slap on new ones and pass the cost on to you, and that is what usually happens....