[Cropwell]

Just checking on the service info and noticed that it is showing 15k before front pads need changing but only 6k before rears need changing. Is the discrepency normal? This is the first 4wd BMW I have had so not sure what to expect. I have done about 15.5k miles since new. I understand that the traction control applies some braking to the wheels when cornering so does this account for the wear on the rear pads compared to the fronts?. Seems to be opposite to normal wear pattern where weight transfer puts more wear on front pads under braking.

[E92LNGCGY]

Funny you say this because I was thinking the same thing. I have under 17k kms and it is saying front pads have 12k kms left and rear have 4200kms left. Looking through the wheels I can see there are a lot of pad left in the front and rear. Not sure why the computer say otherwise.

[brissim]

At my last service I had the rear brake pads replaced at around 34k kms (20k miles). The fronts still have more than 20k km remaining according to the computer.

Tony

[BBender]

May be this is because of 2VG 'Performance Control' option?

[Cropwell]

Will check this out with the dealer as I am due an oil service in about 1000 miles. Could be a fault on the pad sensor?

[The X Men]

Those service mileage are just for checking the brake pads, not for replacing them.

[greg2step]

my rears have listed as service needed in 1400 miles for 6000 miles now... Fronts have joined them more recently. was in for service and checked in July they are fine. service center told me those are very inaccurate.

[OldenburgerM3]

Yes, the X3 is rear-biased on braking to reduce nose dip. At least that's what I've heard. Normal for rears to go first is what my dealer said.

[Marty in NY]

My service check displayed basically the same thing but its not to be taken seriously. Its meant for just a check as opposed to a replacement. FWIW, my original OEM pads lasted 80K miles front and back before they were almost at the point of not passing NYS inspection. When you get a NYS annual inspection, the inspection garage has to ascertain that when they pass your brake pads, tires, etc that they will last another full year. If they determine your pads are worn to the point that they will not be legal for another year, they will not pass the inspection without pad replacements...same goes for tires.
Not sure how the UK does this as I believe your inspections are more stringent than here in the US. I used to live and work in the UK but had a company car so never took it to the garage but do understand a little about it.

[pungo]

Originally Posted by Cropwell

Will check this out with the dealer as I am due an oil service in about 1000 miles. Could be a fault on the pad sensor?

There is no sensor to determine how many miles are left on the pads, instead, the computer is analyzing your driving characteristics and estimates how much distance is left on the pads. As others have said, physically inspect the pads when the service info shows low miles left.



There is a sensor, (1 front, 1 rear) that will trip a brake light once the pads are nearly worn out. Going that low, ruins the sensor so it needs to be replaced. I've never replaced a sensor since I replace the pads before the sensor is ruined, though they're pretty cheap.

[383vett]

Sensors run about $15 and are easy to replace.

[Wgosma]

Originally Posted by OldenburgerM3

Yes, the X3 is rear-biased on braking to reduce nose dip. At least that's what I've heard. Normal for rears to go first is what my dealer said.

Plus....with stability control (normally) 'on' the rear brakes are utilized.