Hello Mini Forum,

I just picked up an 06 a few weeks ago with 60k so I am joining the mini club . I recently did the rear brakes since the sensor light came on and now I need to get a new sensor and a couple of other things. I learned that you need a special tool for the caliper, thanks to this forum I found that out. Anyway I wanted to see who most of you fellow Mini owners order your parts from and your experience you had? Let me know when you get a chance.

Thank you and Happy Mining!

 

Buying from forum sponsors is usually a safe bet:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.com/sponsors

Otherwise it depends on the parts you're getting. A rear brake sensor is a wire loop with a connector and a chunk of plastic; easily obtainable at your local auto parts counter. And for the tool, since the "price vs frequency of use" ratio is so low, consider renting/borrowing one. My local AutoZone took a $60 deposit which was refunded in full when I returned it the next day.

In summary, IMHO:
Performance or OEM replacement parts - forum sponsors
Commodity/wear items - local shops, pelicanparts.com, RockAuto, etc.

 

+1 on sponsors

 

check local suppliers like advanced auto. used to buy online from one major supplier. iridium plugs online $16 a piece-- local $7! glad i checked. you need to check too. most will special order.

 

Classic MINI in Ohio (also a sponser) will give you a 20% discount if you are a NAM member. I have had excellent service from them in the past.
Steve

 

One suggestion...
Be very warry of the books the big box stores look up the part #'s.
On many items, like sc belt (pulley or no pulley) they are just plain wrong.
I have found getting the right part at a sponsor for msybe a buck or two more outweights the 3 or 4 trips and frustraion of the big box places....
MSRP on oem prices are followed by some dealers...but notothers...generaly you can buy most any part at under msrp, and often the same parts, sometimes from the same factory/manfacture, but from a non mini/bmw wharehouse for less (sometimes called graymarket, but somrimes the part is intented for different makes...).
Waymotorworks has many oem and aftermarket parts,oem at a discount...and support too with a purchase..
The expertise is priceless!!

 

To the OP, procedure calls for a special tool to retract the rear pistons, but pair of needle nose pliers works just as well. I can't recall if I used those, or a set of snap ring pliers to do the job.

 

OP said his brake sensor light came on. When mine did this, I found that the piston was extended just far enough that I couldn't retract it with pliers - I had to rent and use the tool.

 

We have everything you need and then some. If you don't see it on our site just email us we can get it for you. Also FYI we don't play the pricing discount code or coupon games other vendors do, you'll see we offer great prices everyday and all the free tech advise you'll ever need.
www.waymotorworks.com

 

+1 to Waymotorworks

You won't find another vendor who is as active and willing to answer tech questions as Way.

 

+1 to Morristown Mini. Fantastic service and prices. I get all my OEM parts in Guam shipped to me from them in New Jersey.

 

Wagnbat, is Tarague Beach still as beautiful as I remember it?

 

Thanks for all the replies everyone, I will keep these in mind. For the rear brakes I rented the tool from a local auto parts store and it did the trick just ordered a new sensor too since I guess once they come on you need a new one.

Getting some warranty work done it then I can put the sensor on when I get it back, hopefully they will not have it for too long.

Thanks again everyone, these forums are the best. I have 4 cars all different ones so I belong to a lot of these

 

Thanks for the advice--am careful to make sure parts are either OEM or from recommended. I am just a big "local" shopper (believe in supporting local and home state businesses).