'07 just-a-Cooper. In at the dealer on an unrelated matter, and the world's best service advisor (you know who you are, Pete!) had the front brakes replaced for me. The rotors were below spec at 20.3 mm (minimum is 20.4). 23,600 miles seems awfully early for rotors to be worn down, but what do I know? I don't know how this car was driven prior to me taking over, but I have owned some fairly high-performance cars and driven them in an, ahem, spirited manner, including at the track, and the front rotors lasted longer than this. Thank goodness for the warranty. Anyone else have them replaced this early on a Cooper?

 

Ours is going to need a front brake service soon (according to the computer), currently at 15,000 miles, so I wouldn't be surprised if we had the rotors were replaced before 16,000miles. It depends on how spirited your driving is.

The rotors seem to be considered wear items, and aren't designed to last more than 1 or 2 sets of pads.

 

I had to do fronts and rears at 24K. Both well below minimum by then. Installed Carbotech 1521 pads on both ends with ATE slotted rotors in the rear and JCW slotted/drilled in front. Braking performance is better than stock and less dusting overall. The Carbotechs have a reputation for being kind to rotors, so these should be a bit longer in the tooth.

I don't think your mileage situation is unusual for stock components. I'm hard on my brakes and re-fit all my vehicles to compensate.

 

I was under the impression that rotors for the MINI were supposed to be replaced with the pads. So, not that surprising.

When you are past warranty, you might want to consider Carbotech Bobcat 1521 pads. I switched to them early on to reduce brake dust. Haven't had to clean the wheels or boot nearly as often. The Bobcats are supposed to be much easier on rotors than the OEM pads. They are also supposed to last longer, with better braking. I wont know about rotor and pad lifespan for awhile. Only have 10,500 miles on the car. They do stop well, though.

 

23,000 miles is pretty darn good to me... BMW's and Minis use a pretty soft rotors and are designed to be replaced with the pads. One reason they stop so good but it is kinda pricey, first time I took my first BMW in for a brake job I thought my water broke....

 

Yes the rotors are thinner on MB, BMW, Jag's, LR's, Volvo and many more. You can't turn them and you are suppose to replace them with the pads. :-)

 

Front Rotors & Pads replaced at 12k miles. Rears will be done soon at 16k. It's free. Use it!