I have an 04 MCS with nearly 36K miles and I don't believe they ever have had brake service. When is that normally done? or based on the variable service plan, when can it generally be expected to be done?

 

At each inspection they should check the remaining wear limits (minimum thickness of pads and rotors, run-out of the rotors). If everything is fine, then no issue. If you have been driving your 36,000 miles on the highway, then it is possible you still have 50% or more of pad and rotor life remaining.

 

I believe that the factory recommends the OEM brake pads to be replaced when there is 3mm or less remaining. My dealership tried to persuade me to purchase the extended maintenance plan (50K/4 years), saying that most people will need their brakes replaced by then. Naturally, you will experience different wear depending on where and how you drive.

 

Also, Brake fluid is to be replaced/flushed every two years...
Free at the dealer if you're under 3 years or 36K in the USA.

 

^^ huh... mines yet to see Inspection1, so i guess it'll be done then?
(03 with 22k miles or so).

 

I have an '03 that has never been tracked and I don't drive it hard with a good mix of local and highway driving.

Just before it went over 36,000 I asked them to check the brakes and they were worn enough that they were replaced under the maintenace warranty. Mine had what looks in retrospect more than 3mm left on the pads and when they replaced them they found a stuck piston in one of the calipers (or so they said) so they replaced that too and flushed the fluid.

I recommend that everyone have theirs checked at 35500 and save the money for the extended maintenance for some other worthy purpose.

Rich

 

If you go in now, the'll do the brake flush. I had Inspection 1 done, but it hadn't been two years yet, so they told me to come back in a few months (after the two year mark).


In contrast to Rich, I have 36K miles, have done several track days, and still am a long way from needing new brake pads. It all depends on driving style. Good advice on going in before 36K to get the most from the free service agreement.

 

It was strange. I asked them to check and I did see the pads which looked good to me but they did say I had a stuck caliper which I clearly hadn't noticed. It almost felt like the mechanic just wanted to change the brakes on my Mini because he couldn't fix the rattle in the shifter in third gear.

That said at 35500 you should complain about every rattle and while they are there have them check the brakes one last time before it is on your dime. It paid off for me.

Rich