BMW is known to provide one of the best brake systems in the business. They are known for this partly because most BMWs use softer brake compounds in their brake pads than most vehicle manufacturers. Resulting in increased performance, but increased wear on the brake pads. A double-edged sword you might say. Keeping the braking system in your BMW in check isn’t only reserved for maintenance purposes, but to ensure your vehicle can safely come to a stop when you need it to. Trust us, when we say it’s worth inspecting them when you can.
Importance of a BMW Brake Fluid Service
A commonly overlooked maintenance routine is the BMW brake fluid service. Changing your BMW Brake Fluid will not only ensure your BMW will stop on a dime, but prevent possible damage and corrosion to your brake-related systems.
Signs you need a BMW Brake Fluid Service
- Total braking system failure
- Soft brake pedal
- Illuminated Anti-lock Braking System Light (ABS)
- Malfunctioning Brake Pads
- Burning Smell
What does it cost to replace my BMW Brake pad and BMW Brake Rotors?
Each BMW vehicle is different. The year and model of your BMW will dictate how much it will cost. Not sure how much it might cost to replace your BMW brake pads and brake rotors? If you are local to the Los Angeles area, you can also contact us directly at JMP Autowerkz (818)514-7981 for immediate over-the-phone assistance regarding the cost associated with replacing your BMW brake pads or brake rotors.
Why Should You Change Your Brake Pads and Brake Rotors?
First and foremost, not changing your BMW brake pads and brake rotors, is a safety hazard. If your brake pads and brake rotors are worn out, your vehicle will need to travel a longer distance to be able to slow down.
When should I replace the brake pads and brake rotors on my BMW?
JMP’s recommended BMW brake pad maintenance and service interval is every 25,000 to 30,000 miles. While your BMW brake rotors are to be serviced every other brake pad change, which is usually somewhere between 50,000 to 60,000 miles. These are rough estimates of when you should routinely change your brake pads and brake rotors on your BMW, since your driving style and road conditions play a big role in affecting how fast the wear of braking components are in your BMW.
Symptoms of worn BMW brake pads or brake rotors
Diminished Braking Performance
Let us say you can’t hear the sound of your BMW brake pads scraping —we know BMW manufactures one of the best stereo systems, so we understand— but you can definitely feel when your brakes need servicing.
The best ways to tell if your brakes need servicing are when it takes longer distances for your vehicle to come to a complete stop, when your brake pedal sinks to the floor when you apply the brakes, or a jittery brake pedal when you apply the brakes.
Brake Service Light or Squealing Brake Pads
All vehicles are fitted with a brake pad wear indicator. In more modern BMWs, an electronic sensor sends a signal to your vehicle to notify you that your brakes are in need of replacement. On older BMWs, the tell-tale sign for this would be a squealing noise when you press on the brake pedal as you come to a stop. At this point, you should contact a trusted BMW service provider to properly inspect your BMW braking components.
Soft Brake Pedal Feel
Are you applying more brake pedal pressure than usual? Does it feel like the brake pedal is closer to the floor than it used to be?
This is a sign of worn-out brake pads. As well as, air being trapped inside the brake lines of your BMW. We recommend having your vehicle brake pads inspected and performing a brake fluid flush during your brake pad service.
Low Pad Thickness
While you can eyeball the thickness of your brake pads to get an idea of whether it is worn out or not, it isn’t recommended. To get an accurate reading, we recommend having your vehicle professionally inspected by a reputable BMW vehicle service provider.
The recommended thickness to replace the brake pads on your BMW is at the 3-millimeter mark. To give you an idea, new brake pads have a thickness of about 10-12 millimeters. So you would have gone through at least 70% of your brake pads before you replace them.
Brake Pedal Vibration
If you feel vibrations coming from your brake pedal as you slow down, it could be a sign of warped brake rotors. The warping of your brake rotors is caused by producing a large quantity of heat and is a safety hazard and should be addressed as soon as possible by replacing the brake rotors on your BMW.
Pulling during Braking
As you press on the brake pedal to slow down, if you feel like the car is pulling to one side, then your vehicle might have put uneven wear on your brake pads. You can address this problem by replacing the brake pads on your BMW.
How to Find an Independent BMW Service Provider?
You should always look at the Google and Yelp reviews of any independent automotive service provider. This is so you can gauge whether the business provides a high level of customer satisfaction.
If you are based in the Los Angeles area, JMP Autowerkz has specialized in servicing, maintaining, and repairing BMW vehicles for over 13 years. Our vehicle services and repairs are backed by a 24,000-mile or 24-month warranty on parts and labor (exclusions apply). Our technicians are ASE-Certified, ensuring you are receiving BMW dealership quality service and repair.