325i Brake Question

[Nomad!]

My cousin stopped by a Firestone to get a quote on having her brake pads replaced. The mechanic told her it's mandatory on BMW's, to replace the rotors when the pads need to be replaced. Mind you, this was said without inspecting the rotors for wear. I've never heard of this so, I thought I'd ask IA's best Bavarians if there is any truth to this mechanic's statement?

[Gilgamesh]

i say EFFF that! i would never go to firestone

if the rotors are good then dont change them, i would only change them if they were warped or warn considerably.

i just put some axxis pads on my 95 and i didn' see any need to change rotors.

[Jin]

are you sure they didnt mean pad sensors?

If they said rotors theyre full of shit and looking to make money.


just replace the pads and call it a day.

[Nomad!]

He definitely told her the rotors should be replaced. I was thinking he was full of it but, I wasn't sure if this were some sort of BMW thing or not. Time to break out the sledge hammer, duct tape, and WD-40 & play backyard mechanic :D

Thanks for the info guys, I really appreciate it :goodjob:

[speedminded]

Go to the BMW dealer and they'll tell you the lug studs are supposed to be replaced along with the rotors and pads too. ;)

If the rotors are within spec thickness and aren't warped or deformed in anyway then leave them on. My Land Rover was the same way, i was told every other time the pads were replaced the rotors are supposed to be replaced as well...called "disposable rotors". The parts and labor is nearly $400 and was quoted like 2 hours just for pads (not replacing the rotors) -- it always took me 15-20 minutes and $40 to do it myself :tongue:

[CVGTURBO86]

Tell her to call my shop. Auto Europe off Chesire bridge road 404.875.0552. I have never heard of having to replace rotors on any car everytime the pads wear out.

[Nomad!]

Tell her to call my shop. Auto Europe off Chesire bridge road 404.875.0552. I have never heard of having to replace rotors on any car everytime the pads wear out.
I'll definitely pass this along. Thanks

[blackshine007]

They probably told you that because BMW's and most european cars with large brakes usually develop what would be considered a lip on the top edge of the rotor. Remachining them sometimes take alot longer than usual to cut due to the said lip. Sometimes most of them are out of round (the rotor) replacement is the best bet. But a quick rotor measurement and runout test would quickly determine that.

[StraightSix]

A runout test will show rotor warpage, but not if the rotor is out of round. I've never heard of a rotor being out of round.

BMW, Mercedes, VW, etc. rotors are typically made from a softer steel than domestic rotors. As a result the rotors do wear during normal use, however, they do not need to be replaced when the brake pads are replaced. I nearly always "pad slapped" my BMWs, and seldom had any problems.

I also do not recommend turning european rotors. Any time we did it at the shop where I used to work, it caused problems.

[speedminded]

A runout test will show rotor warpage, but not if the rotor is out of round. I've never heard of a rotor being out of round.

BMW, Mercedes, VW, etc. rotors are typically made from a softer steel than domestic rotors. As a result the rotors do wear during normal use, however, they do not need to be replaced when the brake pads are replaced. I nearly always "pad slapped" my BMWs, and seldom had any problems.

I also do not recommend turning european rotors. Any time we did it at the shop where I used to work, it caused problems.The heat from turning them is probably more than they could handle, haha :2cents:

[Nomad!]

The car is an 03 & I do believe is still has the original rotors so, I would imagine a thorough inspection is due. She doesn't drive the car hard by any means so, hopefully, they will be in good shape. Thanks a lot guys. Reps all around :goodjob:

[speedminded]

The car is an 03 & I do believe is still has the original rotors so, I would imagine a thorough inspection is due. She doesn't drive the car hard by any means so, hopefully, they will be in good shape. Thanks a lot guys. Reps all around :goodjob:Not driving hard doesn't have anything to do with a chick using the brakes as an on-off switch :tongue: