I recently replaced front pads and rotors on my 2004 MCS, not because of any fade or warpage but simply because the wear sensor came on. While at it, I measured the old and new OE rotors. A new rotor is approximately 24 mm thick. MINI recommends a minimum thickness of 20.4 mm. My rotors had about 65K on them, with one pad replacement during that time, and I did not have the rotors turned. The rotors were worn down to about 16.5 mm. From this I conclude that, if you want to operate within MINI's recommendation, don't expect to get much more than 35K on a front rotor. My driving is mostly Northern Virginia suburban driving; no track days.

 

Good data point. My seat of the pants feeling was that due to the softness of the OEM rotors I'd been recommending not more than every other pad change. Whether 35K equates to two pad changes is very driving style subjective. I was about 75k b4 I did pads the second time and even then I was premature as there was plenty of front pad left. But I did rotors at this time too. I wonder how Brembo will wear as compared to OEM...but then we enter the variable of pads .... so:

Of course your method is best....get out a tool and measure!

 

My OE pads and rotors were done at about 20k. My powerslots and hawk pads have lasted about 35k so far and are not even half worn - the rotors have no wear at all.

 

Asking how long brakes should last is like asking "how long is a rope?"

Brake life will vary WIDELY!!!!!!! There are LOTS of variables involved with the most important two CERTAINLY being Driving Conditions and Driving Style.

If you drive constantly in stop and go driving and run all the way up to a stop sign or red light before JAMMING the brakes to slow down at the last second, your brakes will not last long.

If on the other hand, you drive cruise miles and use the brakes to slowly bring the car to a stop, they will last MUCH longer.

On my wifes CVT, I replaced pads on original rotors at a little over 100,000 miles. We live in the boondocks. Her drive is 35 miles one way to work with one stop sign going and three stop signs coming home. In addition to that, she is a turtle slow, super careful driver.

 

Good luck getting a concrete answer!

I replaced my front rotors at about 150,000 miles - they were still ok, I just didn't want to turn them.

Just replaced the rears at 191,000

Nik

 

I'm at 61k on original rotors, currently at 21mm - getting close...

 

I got 65.00klm out of mine ..

 

I changed all four at ~67000 miles. They were thin. I do a combo of highway and local, town driving.