Hello y'all,

My brakes are getting bad and it's time to change them. What is the best brake pads I should put, the ones from the dealer itself or there are good/cheap after market ones? Plus, I live in Oklahoma city. Is there a good place you guys know who can change them?


I am new to the area and I don't know any places. Please help.

Thanks

Dealer, to be blunt will rape you on them. If you just need to replace pads, or the pads and rotors there are many aftermarket choices. I recently used Tirerack, I am handy enough and personally change my own. I imagine you could call around to a few of your local foreign car mechanics and get a price for installation, some will install customer provided parts and some will not.

We have a great package with quality parts that are reliable and will last for a great price.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/wmwredbrakepackageR53.html

Are the rotors zinc coated so the non-swept area don't rust.
Thanks

Yup they are coated to keep them from rusting.

That is a good price for rotors & pads for all 4 corners.

You didn't say the number of miles on the OEM brakes so you may only need the pads.

For the price, I'd suggest getting both rotors & pads, especially if your going to have a mechanic do the job.

You should also put in fresh brake fluid while you at it. I like Ate Blue.

we seem to have danced around OP's actual questions

My brakes are getting bad and it's time to change them. What is the best brake pads I should put, the ones from the dealer itself or there are good/cheap after market ones?

there are 'good' ones and 'cheap' ones ... in math terms these sets don't exactly intersect. You can get 'good' pads at your local auto parts store. The days of limited availabilty of basic MINI parts is long gone. You can get rotors there too probably, or they can order 'em and have 'em in 24 to 48 hours.

And then, as mentioned above, there are 'better' pads and rotors, like EBC or HAWK pads, and slotted or drilled rotors and which is better is subjective. But all this presumes you want to DIY . . .

on to part 2


Plus, I live in Oklahoma city. Is there a good place you guys know who can change them?

There is NOTHING unique about the brakes on a MINI and ANY brake shop should be able to change them. All you need is a decent shop - look for a local car club, ask friends, a good BMW mechanicic is usually a safe bet. BUT in any case - you do not NEED a MINI specialist, just a good brake guy (gal)

Thank you so much for your responses here. You guys really helped a lot.

And Capt_bj, You are awesome. THANKS