Does anyone have a line on reasonably priced brake pads for a 2008 mini cooper S coupe. I think $100 a set is a little steep. Just looking for replacements, I don't take the car to the track, don't drive it like I stole it, just want something to replace the worn pads that are on it without paying an arm & a leg. Thanks!

 

Any number of mail-order places will sell you the OEM brake pads for about $120 per axle. This seems pretty reasonable to me. What are you expecting to pay?

- Mark

 

Do you want cheap now, or cheap in the long-run? Carbotech 1521 Bobcats are street pads that put out very little dust, last longer than OEM, and are easier on the rotors. Since the rotors are designed to be replaced with the pads, spending a few more $$ on pads that will take you more miles between replacements will save you more $$$$ in the long-run.

Bobcats are about $137 front and $124 rear.

 

I guess my idea of reasonable is different than most peoples. I can get BENDIX pads for the 2002-06 Mini for around $100 for both front & rear. That is more in line with what I was looking for.

 

autopartswarehouse.com has several options in the price range you are looking for. Looks like Bendix would run about $104 for both front and rear. They have some other options that would be even cheaper. Sorry, can't comment on the quality at all - haven't had to replace my pads yet.

 

Oh no! Please don't neglect the MINI
Just pay for the premium pads, stay away from inferior stuff.
Try ATE pads at Tire Rack for $175 for both front and back.
Oh and please put 93 octane or whatever the highest octane gas is, not the cheapest.

 

There is nothing wrong with bendix brake pads, they are not inferior at all.

There is no point in putting anything over 91 octane in a stock mini, as that is all it was designed for. Anything more is a waste of money and won't gain you anything in power.

 

if looking for least cost, why aren't you just letting MINI replace under maint'? Are you out side of miles already, or not US?

Pads and rotors are covered under wear and tear . . .

 

I put a new set of pads and rotors on my '06 MC shortly before trading it in and ended up just getting Wagner pads from O'Reilly Autoparts to save a bit of money. It was my experience that while saving a bit (not alot by any means) on the pads, the brake feel was greatly reduced from the factory pads....not nearly as "grabby" and I always felt like I had to stomp on the brakes harder to stop.

I'd recommend spending just a bit more money on pads and not skimp. Get good ones as you don't have to replace them all that often and you really get what you pay for. I've heard great things about Mintex Red Box pads and they are not that much more than auto parts no-name brands. Lots of good pads out there including the ones people mentioned above.

Pay the extra money and you won't be sorry.