Hi,
I bought a used 04MCS with 20k "easy" miles (original owner was definitely not driving hard...) and I noticed that the front rotors already show a fair amount of wear. I didn't measure it, but you can definitely feel it with your fingers, especially on the outer edge of the rotors (hope you understand what I mean).
Anyways, I just ordered EBC GreenStuff pads, front and rear, and I'm debating if I should also replace the front rotors, since I'm at it. They are quite cheap, at $40 each....
What's the "life expectancy" of the OEM rotors? I mean, if it's known in the MINI community that front rotors wear fast and usually must be replaced between 30 and 40k miles, then I'll definitely do it.

 

I don't know the correct answer to your questions but I would like to state that at $40 each, new rotors would be cheap insurance. You can get the old ones turned for around half of that amount. Just food for thought.

 

My front rotors went about 50k, and my rears a little more, but they need to be replaced asap.

mb

 

replaced mine at 23,000 when I did my brake pads.
the fronts were about 2/3 to wear limit and the rears were about
1/2 to wear limit at that point.

 

I'm replacing the front rotors at 55,000 miles.

The rears got new pads a few thousand miles ago and I left the old rotors on the rear as the wear wasn't excessive and while some will say I drive agressivly, I don't race the Mini on the track.

But like the others say, at $40.00 each Mine actually cost $30.00 each, the front brakes will work so much better with new rotors and forget about having the rotors turned as that will cost you around 12-15 each. Also, turned rotors are more apt to warp.

 

My fronts lasted to 140k miles. Rears are still on.
Of course, I'm still on my original battery, and original brake fluid. (THe latter's getting flushed very soon, tho.)

 

Mine went around 38k.. and I did not beat it around like a dog either..

 

26k on my front rotors when they were replaced, and just about ready at 53k to be replaced again, along with the rears for the first time. They have a couple auto-x events and one track event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on them.

 

You are kidding, aren't you?

 

My fronts only made it 21,000. The rears are at 26,000 and still look good.

 

My front rotors only lasted about 15k! It's a daily driver in freeway traffic, but I was pretty suprised that they went so quick. My rears have another 9k or so. Glad they are covered under warranty. At this rate, I will go through a few more sets!

 

My '02 MC went to 41K with original pads and rotors - and neither needed replacing (but I sold the car). That included a couple of auto-crosses.

Most of the miles were highway miles though, so i'm sure it has a lot to do with driving conditions/style.

 

Replaced my pads about 15K ago (at around 63K) but left the original rotors. At 78K both front and rear are fine, but will need replaced when I change the pads again (perhaps sooner). Fairly normal driving; roughly equal in-town and highway.

 

Mine were just replaced by the dealer at 28000 (front and rear rotors and pads). I would never turn rotors. Making the rotors thiner by turning them leave more oportunity for warping. Do yourself a favor and go on tirerack.com and get yourself a pair of rotors.

You will be much happier with the results and It will cost you less than turing the current pair and then having to buy the new ones LOL Good luck!

 

Just to be clear: I have no intention whatsoever to turn the rotors. At $40 (front) and $30 (rear) each for brand new rotors, I really don't see why someone would do that...

 

I'm at 101k and still have the original pads and rotors. Rear pads need replacing soon though.

 

 

Yeah, a bit scary. But T.D. still stops like Day 1.

 

It's amazing to see so much of a difference... we're getting numbers ranging from 15k to over 100k!
I know it depends a lot from the driving style, but not this much.
I guess I'll just put the GreenStuff pads on, for now, and keep a close eye on the rotors. My car has still 1 year of extended maintenance, so I will wait until then and see if I can get them replaced by the dealer.
Thank you all for replying...

 

I'm on my third set.

First was at 42K, second at 82K and about 3k into set 3

 

I was told by more than one shop that now a days manufacturers are making rotors softer to eliminate brake squeal & provide better stopping power which means that rotors are no longer made to be reused but to be replaced when brake pads are replaced. I know some have sucessfully reused their rotors but I opted for new ones when I replaced my pads at 24K miles. My front brakes only had 50% wear when my rear brakes wore out (which I found odd) but I was told that is because I stop hard at redlights. Dunno if anything I just typed is true as I have zilch mechanical knowledge but that is what I was told

 

FYI from what i've read the EBC pads are VERY harsh on rotors. Also, the dealership will not replace the rotors if they see you've been using aftermarket pads. For the reasons above (expedited rotor wear because of a harsh pad compound).

 

Where do you buy $30-$40 rotors?

 

You can find them in several stores (online and not) for approximately that price.
For example: http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/
I bough the EBC pads from them and I got good service and timely shipping.

 

Good point... I might get the rotors, then...