okay guys I'm really clueless with this one.
Had front brakes & rotors changed about 5k miles ago and now I'm getting a burning smell from my front driver side brake. smells almost like burning rubber/plastic.
I may also be experiencing reduced braking performance, it seems like it is taking me longer and more distance to slow down and stop, but this may just be in my head.
any input is greatly appreciated

 

I would check to be sure the caliper is on properly and not binding that could cause excess heat and glazing of the brake pads.

 

Push the car while it is off and listen for a pad dragging.
Look at the rotor to see if you are getting full pad contact. The paint/coating should be worn off all the way across the rotor.
Did you bleed the brake fluid after install?
If you had the work done by a shop... take it back for a check.
Sometimes the pads get put on wrong. There is an inside and outside pad.

 

will have to listen for a pad dragging after work, i already checked the rotor, with the wheel on, and it looks pretty even. i am planning on pulling the wheel for a better look tonight or tomorrow
it was done at the dealer, i have the extended service plan to 100k, so all the work thats covered under that i just have them do, since its free
if i can't figure it out in the next day or two ill be bringing it in.. but was trying to avoid it

 

I have seen something like this on other cars, and it might apply to Minis as well. When the flexible brake line that goes to the wheel caliper ages, it can collapse inside, even though it looks normal on the outside. With this condition the flexible brake line expands as you push on the brake pedal, and brake fluid will go through it toward the caliper, but once you release the brake pedal, the flexible line collapses again and traps the brake fluid up near the caliper. This will cause the brake pad to continue to drag on the rotor, which will cause heat and odor. You have to remove the flexible line to see if you can blow through it. If you can't easily blow through it, you will need to replace it.

 

That's usually only on cars that are several decades old, though.

My own guess is that either (as said above) the pads were put in wrong, or that the caliper is starting to have problems. It may need to be rebuilt, or if it is a sliding caliper design it may just need to have the pins cleaned up and re-greased.

 

a GEN2 (or 1 for that matter) on OE calipers IS a sliding design so . . .

my vote is for the caliper not sliding, causing the brake to drag ... take it back to the dealer or if dealer is far ANY brake place for a check

quick check ... is one wheel significantly hotter than the other after a drive? A dragging brake will generate a good bit of heat.

being in CT I suspect you are sucking up plenty of salt sand and other ice control crud ... something could have jammed the slider.

 

thanks everyone for the ideas, i don't see anything wrong with the caliper but brakes are not my strong suit on these cars.. i am going to bring it back to the dealer in the next few days and have them check it out