[marcoac14]

Hey guys, has anyone replaced brake pads on the F30? I'll have to replace them soon.

Do I need to replace the sensor too?

Thanks

[Orion4]

My understanding is (from my 2008 335i), if your sensor has any wear from contacting the rotor, you should replace it when replacing pads. When I did a full brake job early on the 08 AND did not initially change the sensor (both were moderately worn), I got a brake pad wear error and could not reset the values. As soon as I replaced the sensors, all cleared and could reset the values. In the scheme of things and for the cost, I'd recommend changing them regardless- just to be safe and save time and effort IF you do get the error and can not reset.

[marcoac14]

Originally Posted by Orion4

My understanding is (from my 2008 335i), if your sensor has any wear from contacting the rotor, you should replace it when replacing pads. When I did a full brake job early on the 08 AND did not initially change the sensor (both were moderately worn), I got a brake pad wear error and could not reset the values. As soon as I replaced the sensors, all cleared and could reset the values. In the scheme of things and for the cost, I'd recommend changing them regardless- just to be safe and save time and effort IF you do get the error and can not reset.

Thanks Orion. Do you know if there's an aftermarket solution to replace the oem pads?

[Orion4]

There may be a few. Best bet is to go to Tirerack.com and go through their pad selection for you car. I know there are not many yet for my 2013 335i (F30). Just Brembo, Centric, etc. The pads I installed (& loved) on my 08 335i Sport was the Hawk Performance Ceramic pads. They apparently dont make them for the F30 yet.

[marcoac14]

Originally Posted by Orion4

There may be a few. Best bet is to go to Tirerack.com and go through their pad selection for you car. I know there are not many yet for my 2013 335i (F30). Just Brembo, Centric, etc. The pads I installed (& loved) on my 08 335i Sport was the Hawk Performance Ceramic pads. They apparently dont make them for the F30 yet.

Thanks. I can't find an aftermarket solution that will fit my 320i.

[casualDIYer]

Originally Posted by marcoac14

Thanks. I can't find an aftermarket solution that will fit my 320i.

I hear Akebone Euro Ceramic pads will be available in Feb 2014. Oh wait, that's next week!

Not that I mind the BMW pads. Good bite and almost no dust compared with my previous BMW (e46) but the squeaky when cold . . . . memories of a long forgotten Kia.

Not eveyone's favorite but I liked them. I hear carbotech has a set as well.

[sleedawg]

Marco,

Are you thinking you need new pads because the iDrive service indicator told you or you see that there's little brake pad left? I ask because there's a miscalculation of the service interval for brakes on the F30. I had over 10mm left on my front pads but the service interval said I should come in for new pads in 1000miles (1600km). After the dealership reset the computer, I'm due in 10,000 miles now.

[marcoac14]

Originally Posted by menncars

I hear Akebone Euro Ceramic pads will be available in Feb 2014. Oh wait, that's next week!

Not that I mind the BMW pads. Good bite and almost no dust compared with my previous BMW (e46) but the squeaky when cold . . . . memories of a long forgotten Kia.

Not eveyone's favorite but I liked them. I hear carbotech has a set as well.

Thanks man. Gotta google and find some info on these.

[marcoac14]

Originally Posted by sleedawg

Marco,

Are you thinking you need new pads because the iDrive service indicator told you or you see that there's little brake pad left? I ask because there's a miscalculation of the service interval for brakes on the F30. I had over 10mm left on my front pads but the service interval said I should come in for new pads in 1000miles (1600km). After the dealership reset the computer, I'm due in 10,000 miles now.

Both actually. My brake pads wear quickly and the service indicador tells me I'm due in a couple thousand miles. How often do you guys have your brake pads replaced? My car has only 7k miles on the clock. Don´t know whats going on with my pads.

[casualDIYer]

Wouldn't brake pad wear be dependant on brake pad use?

[Orion4]

Needing new pads at 7k miles or shortly there after sounds pretty excessive wear normally. I got around 40K on my initial OEM set of pads and rotors. If you drive pretty aggressively with a lot of heavy braking, I can see the high wear. Also, it has been my experience with my 5 BMWs over the years that when the pads are due, it is usually a good time to replace the rotors also. Usually fewer issues with pad seating and braking vibration. But to each their own.

[marcoac14]

Originally Posted by Orion4

Needing new pads at 7k miles or shortly there after sounds pretty excessive wear normally. I got around 40K on my initial OEM set of pads and rotors. If you drive pretty aggressively with a lot of heavy braking, I can see the high wear. Also, it has been my experience with my 5 BMWs over the years that when the pads are due, it is usually a good time to replace the rotors also. Usually fewer issues with pad seating and braking vibration. But to each their own.

I see. Yes, I drive aggressively. The pads are not due, yet...
I think they'll last 12k miles.

[JUSKIDN]

Im wondering if the brake pad change with be needed before reaching the 50K free maintance mileage?? If they are included I will have the dealer do that but would sure like some other than the OEM because of all the excessive brake dust.

[Polo08816]

Originally Posted by JUSKIDN

Im wondering if the brake pad change with be needed before reaching the 50K free maintance mileage?? If they are included I will have the dealer do that but would sure like some other than the OEM because of all the excessive brake dust.

...which makes me think it might be a good idea to do one or a few HPDE right before the 50k maintenance plan expires...

[bucawke]

Just a note: I called my SA a couple months ago to complain about my brakes squeaking with about 3,000 miles left (says the iDrive) and he said that the dealer cannot change out brakes until the they're at 2,000 miles or less (per the free maintenance).

[andreiwright]

Originally Posted by marcoac14

Hey guys, has anyone replaced brake pads on the F30? I'll have to replace them soon.

Do I need to replace the sensor too?

Thanks

No need to replace the sensors only the pads. It is very rare for a car's wheel sensor to become faulty. My concern is for the rotors if how they look like. You better check the rotors.

[Rockporiom]

Hey guys sorry for going off topic. I recently purchased a CPO F30 328i and have been having brake judder from day 1. I am going back and forth with the dealer since then to have it fixed. I have been driving the car carefully since then. But yesterday on closer inspection of the disc i noticed something that looked like a crack on the rotor. Can anyone confirm if it is safe to drive like this. The car is right now at the dealer for inspection.

[Arzatema]

So I let my wife take in the F30 for and oil change and rear brake job. They charged me $721 to get new pads, resurface the rotors, along with the oil change. To me it seems a bit excessive but wondering what you guys think.

[John in VA]

Originally Posted by Arzatema

So I let my wife take in the F30 for and oil change and rear brake job. They charged me $721 to get new pads, resurface the rotors, along with the oil change. To me it seems a bit excessive but wondering what you guys think.

That seems high for just one axle & no new rotors, but if you can't do the work yourself, what can you do?!

[_bdiddyb_]

Originally Posted by Arzatema

So I let my wife take in the F30 for and oil change and rear brake job. They charged me $721 to get new pads, resurface the rotors, along with the oil change. To me it seems a bit excessive but wondering what you guys think.

My man - never EVER let the woman take her car or your car to the mechanic. She will come home with a $1000 bill saying they upgraded the car's fusion reactor for free with the new brake pads.

[isloth]

^ haha

On a recent visit to dealership, they checked brake pad wear and advise no service is needed.. front and rear both about 10MM

At what point or measurements require a new set to be replaced?

[_bdiddyb_]

Originally Posted by isloth

^ haha

On a recent visit to dealership, they checked brake pad wear and advise no service is needed.. front and rear both about 10MM

At what point or measurements require a new set to be replaced?

The consensus seems to be 3mm to 4mm. My Bentley manual says 3mm.