Problem with warped discs (4 times this year)

dbramley · 10-05-2022, 02:58 PM

Got an issue could do with a bit of advice on please.

Based in the UK I have a 2.0d X3 M-Sport. Had it 6 years and on 63k miles now.

Last November I had all pads and discs changed due to the others wearing out. Since then I’ve had to have the front discs and pads replaced another 3 times as they keep warping.

Garage are changing them under warranty each time (I should add it’s not a BMW garage) but it shouldn’t be happening.

I want to accuse them of using cheap parts but before I do could anything else cause this, thinking callipers, brake fluid?

Ps - I know driving style could, but since I’ve driven with them for 6 years I am assuming it’s not me

Thanks

pungo · 10-05-2022, 03:30 PM

What is the runout measurement?
All 4 rotors warped on 4 different replacements in a year?
Unless something is causing the brakes to drag and overheat, they may be using the cheapest Chinese rotors available

Wgosma · 10-05-2022, 03:37 PM

So is this correct: 3 sets of front pads/rotors replaced over an 11 month timeframe?

Something is wrong with this shop - they should be examining the parts, the braking system and related components, suspension, etc. to determine why such frequent replacement is required.

Warped brake rotors are actually a fairly rare occurrence; are you certain that is what has happened? (The only real way to know the rotors are warped is to spin them on a shop fixture and measure the runout). I would query this shop about the cause.

Does your warranty make a statement about what type of replacement parts are to be used/acceptable? such as Genuine BMW, OEM, aftermarket, etc.

dbramley · 10-05-2022, 04:27 PM

Thanks for the replies.

Yes that’s correct, I’ve had the fronts replaced 3 times so far in 11 months.

The garage used is Kwik Fit - they are a national chain that deal with exhausts, tyres and brakes.

Basically I don’t know, they tell me they are warped, replace them and then problem goes away.

I don’t think they are the type of outfit that would study the issue, just it’s a quick easy job to shot another pair on and send me on my way. Whilst I could continue going back and getting them changed every couple of months it’s rather annoying and I’d rather get to the bottom of it!

Wgosma · 10-05-2022, 04:57 PM

Suggest you get a second opinion from reputable independent German car shop.

bmwPower99 · 10-05-2022, 05:32 PM

Kwick fit use the cheapest of the cheap discs and pads. I saw pics on an F10 forum where month old discs looked like a year old. Apparently they have a deal with GSF car parts to supply their own GSF brand discs and pads called DriveTec, they are cheap rubbish normally 1/4 to 1/3 cheaper than everything else. Stick to well known OEM quality brands like paid, brembo,bosch or get the parts direct from the dealer.im guessing they keep on installing these chocolate fire guard discs. Get your money back and get some good parts and go to an indie, maybe some calipers have an issue but not all 4!! That screams chocolate rotors!

tracer bullet · 10-06-2022, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbramley

I know driving style could

I'd consider this again... Rotors can actually warp but it's almost always uneven pad deposits. Instead of uniform grippiness there's areas the do and don't grip. It can shake the steering wheel and feel like they are warped when they actually are not.

Read up on bed-in procedures and give it a try next time, see if you can even things out and make the issue go away.

n55david · 10-09-2022, 06:34 AM

Either the parts are absolutely trash or you have a caliper issue that the shop isn't diagnosing.

McPurrs · 11-14-2022, 03:37 PM

Sure they are not hot spots from driving habits? you can see hot spots on the rotors...

slowblackx3f25 · 11-16-2022, 03:27 PM

take it to a BMW/Euro specialized shop, something is wrong with installation (IMO).

FranzX3M · 11-22-2022, 07:45 AM

Thats unacceptable. Go somewhere else that will use quality parts such as Zimmerman rotors. That shop should fix the problem for free. Pads will have minimum impact on this problem, assuming they are installed properly. Make sure the hub service is clean and level before installing the rotors. By level I mean not a bunch of grease or anti-seize, If used it is just a very thin even coating. Also by level I mean make sure hubs are not corroded or else the rotors might not be sitting perfectly. Any corrosion on the hubs needs to be sanded flat. Especially on the edge. Finally make sure the wheel lugs are not over torqued.

drewlucas4 · 12-07-2022, 06:57 AM

Hi all,

This is interesting as I have had exactly the same issue. 3 sets of disks in the last 14 months. Can't remember exactly but I think the first set had disks and pads replaced.
It's a local independant garage that I have used for best part of 20 years and know them very well.

First set was swapped out for same brand under warrenty but they also warped after around 3 months. These were swapped out for a different brand to see if that was the cause but now 4ish months later these feel like they are going the same way?

I'm no expert in these things but the rest of the brake assembly has been checked each time and there's no binding (I think that's the word) and everything is free.

I was wondering if it's down to one of my drives that I do on a monthly basis where I go over some fells in the Lake District and there's a long drop down into a vally where I'm on the brakes constantly for aound a mile. Parts of the hill are a 1 in 4.
Would that cause them to overheat and warp?

Can't think of any other reason.
Cheers,
Drew

Opie55 · 12-07-2022, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drewlucas4

Hi all,

This is interesting as I have had exactly the same issue. 3 sets of disks in the last 14 months. Can't remember exactly but I think the first set had disks and pads replaced.
It's a local independant garage that I have used for best part of 20 years and know them very well.

First set was swapped out for same brand under warrenty but they also warped after around 3 months. These were swapped out for a different brand to see if that was the cause but now 4ish months later these feel like they are going the same way?

I'm no expert in these things but the rest of the brake assembly has been checked each time and there's no binding (I think that's the word) and everything is free.

I was wondering if it's down to one of my drives that I do on a monthly basis where I go over some fells in the Lake District and there's a long drop down into a vally where I'm on the brakes constantly for aound a mile. Parts of the hill are a 1 in 4.
Would that cause them to overheat and warp?

Can't think of any other reason.
Cheers,
Drew

We have way bigger "hills" than that here in Colorado and I have never heard of this being a big issue. One of the downhills on the major highway is 11 miles long. However, do you seriously ride the brakes the entire mile, as opposed to using them, then backing off,then using them again? I can't imagine having any significant pressure on the brakes for a solid mile. That would generate a lot of heat for sure.

rcblackwell · 12-07-2022, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drewlucas4

... I'm on the brakes constantly for aound a mile. ...

I don't know if that could cause the issue however I wonder why you wouldn't down shift rather than apply the brakes for so long.

drewlucas4 · 12-07-2022, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Opie55

We have way bigger "hills" than that here in Colorado and I have never heard of this being a big issue. One of the downhills on the major highway is 11 miles long. However, do you seriously ride the brakes the entire mile, as opposed to using them, then backing off,then using them again? I can't imagine having any significant pressure on the brakes for a solid mile. That would generate a lot of heat for sure.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcblackwell

I don't know if that could cause the issue however I wonder why you wouldn't down shift rather than apply the brakes for so long.

It's a very steep hill called Hard Knott pass in the lakes, it's also very twisty with hairpin bends. I'm not hard on the brakes all the time but come off them entirely and gravity takes over and wooooosh.

The car tries to use the engine for braking but the revs get really high for a long time and given the steepness of the road, brakes are the best way to get to the bottom.

I've been driving the road for many years and no previous car has had issues with the brakes warping and they've been supplied by the same garage so it was just a thought really?

Opie55 · 12-07-2022, 04:37 PM

So I had to look - wow, that road has grades up to 33%. This may or may not mean much to you, but for comparison I looked at the grades for streets in San Francisco, which are known for their steepness and can be hard to even walk on the sidewalks. The steepest grade in SF is only 31.5%, so yeah, that is a crazy-steep road you have there.

Hillbeley · 08-05-2023, 05:35 AM

I have wobbly discs on a 2016 F25, they are Brembo, I changed the discs/ pads about 8K miles/ 10 months ago.

bmwPower99 · 08-14-2023, 05:39 PM

Interesting video covering causes of brake vibration.

E36M3 · 08-31-2023, 05:38 PM

BmwPower99 just posted the video I was going to recommend. It’s worth checking the hub flange runout as that many sets can’t be bad.

10-05-2022, 02:58 PM	#1
dbramley 320d M-Sport 88 Rep 335 Posts Drives: BMW 320si Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Hartlepool, UK iTrader: (0)	Problem with warped discs (4 times this year) Got an issue could do with a bit of advice on please. Based in the UK I have a 2.0d X3 M-Sport. Had it 6 years and on 63k miles now. Last November I had all pads and discs changed due to the others wearing out. Since then I’ve had to have the front discs and pads replaced another 3 times as they keep warping. Garage are changing them under warranty each time (I should add it’s not a BMW garage) but it shouldn’t be happening. I want to accuse them of using cheap parts but before I do could anything else cause this, thinking callipers, brake fluid? Ps - I know driving style could, but since I’ve driven with them for 6 years I am assuming it’s not me Thanks __________________ Previous: BMW 320si E90 Le Mans Blue. \| BMW 320d E92 LCI Alpine White \| F10 520d Alpine White Now: F30 320d X-Drive Alpine White
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10-05-2022, 03:30 PM	#2
pungo Colonel 880 Rep 2,547 Posts Drives: Z4MC-X3-35i-525i, Corrado G60 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: MD iTrader: (5) Garage List 2011 BMW X3 x35i [0.00] 2001 BMW 525i [0.00] 2007 BMW Z4 M Coupe [8.76]	What is the runout measurement? All 4 rotors warped on 4 different replacements in a year? Unless something is causing the brakes to drag and overheat, they may be using the cheapest Chinese rotors available
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10-05-2022, 03:37 PM	#3
Wgosma Lieutenant Colonel 806 Rep 1,906 Posts Drives: 2012 F25 X3 28i (N52) Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Northern Nevada iTrader: (0)	So is this correct: 3 sets of front pads/rotors replaced over an 11 month timeframe? Something is wrong with this shop - they should be examining the parts, the braking system and related components, suspension, etc. to determine why such frequent replacement is required. Warped brake rotors are actually a fairly rare occurrence; are you certain that is what has happened? (The only real way to know the rotors are warped is to spin them on a shop fixture and measure the runout). I would query this shop about the cause. Does your warranty make a statement about what type of replacement parts are to be used/acceptable? such as Genuine BMW, OEM, aftermarket, etc.
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10-05-2022, 04:27 PM	#4
dbramley 320d M-Sport 88 Rep 335 Posts Drives: BMW 320si Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Hartlepool, UK iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the replies. Yes that’s correct, I’ve had the fronts replaced 3 times so far in 11 months. The garage used is Kwik Fit - they are a national chain that deal with exhausts, tyres and brakes. Basically I don’t know, they tell me they are warped, replace them and then problem goes away. I don’t think they are the type of outfit that would study the issue, just it’s a quick easy job to shot another pair on and send me on my way. Whilst I could continue going back and getting them changed every couple of months it’s rather annoying and I’d rather get to the bottom of it!
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10-05-2022, 04:57 PM	#5
Wgosma Lieutenant Colonel 806 Rep 1,906 Posts Drives: 2012 F25 X3 28i (N52) Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Northern Nevada iTrader: (0)	Suggest you get a second opinion from reputable independent German car shop.
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10-05-2022, 05:32 PM	#6
bmwPower99 Private First Class 19 Rep 148 Posts Drives: bmw f25 X3 35d Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: uk iTrader: (0)	Kwick fit use the cheapest of the cheap discs and pads. I saw pics on an F10 forum where month old discs looked like a year old. Apparently they have a deal with GSF car parts to supply their own GSF brand discs and pads called DriveTec, they are cheap rubbish normally 1/4 to 1/3 cheaper than everything else. Stick to well known OEM quality brands like paid, brembo,bosch or get the parts direct from the dealer.im guessing they keep on installing these chocolate fire guard discs. Get your money back and get some good parts and go to an indie, maybe some calipers have an issue but not all 4!! That screams chocolate rotors!
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10-09-2022, 06:34 AM	#8
n55david Check out my Youtube @n55david! 1296 Rep 3,533 Posts Drives: 2017 m240i, 2015 X3 x35i Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Michigan USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 m240i xDrive [0.00] 2015 X3 x35i [0.00] 2015 335i xdrive [0.00]	Either the parts are absolutely trash or you have a caliper issue that the shop isn't diagnosing. __________________ 2017 m240i xDrive 10.99@122.86mph bootmod3 stage 2+ ots 2015 335i xDrive 10.95@124.99mph w/bm3 - SOLD 2015 X3 x35i pwg 12.96 catless w/bm3 stage 2 93 ots IG: @n55david For pics and updates! Youtube: @ n55david For videos or Racing etc
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11-14-2022, 03:37 PM	#9
McPurrs The deuce gets loose 290 Rep 499 Posts Drives: '17 M2 BSM 6MT Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Worcester, MA iTrader: (0)	Sure they are not hot spots from driving habits? you can see hot spots on the rotors...
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11-16-2022, 03:27 PM	#10
slowblackx3f25 xdriv33 69 Rep 218 Posts Drives: 17' BMW x3 F25 xDrive28i xLine Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 BMW x3 [0.00]	take it to a BMW/Euro specialized shop, something is wrong with installation (IMO).
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11-22-2022, 07:45 AM	#11
FranzX3M Private 17 Rep 80 Posts Drives: '13 X3M Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0)	Thats unacceptable. Go somewhere else that will use quality parts such as Zimmerman rotors. That shop should fix the problem for free. Pads will have minimum impact on this problem, assuming they are installed properly. Make sure the hub service is clean and level before installing the rotors. By level I mean not a bunch of grease or anti-seize, If used it is just a very thin even coating. Also by level I mean make sure hubs are not corroded or else the rotors might not be sitting perfectly. Any corrosion on the hubs needs to be sanded flat. Especially on the edge. Finally make sure the wheel lugs are not over torqued.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-07-2022, 06:57 AM	#12
drewlucas4 New Member 0 Rep 11 Posts Drives: x3 f25 Join Date: Jun 2022 Location: ambleside iTrader: (0)	Hi all, This is interesting as I have had exactly the same issue. 3 sets of disks in the last 14 months. Can't remember exactly but I think the first set had disks and pads replaced. It's a local independant garage that I have used for best part of 20 years and know them very well. First set was swapped out for same brand under warrenty but they also warped after around 3 months. These were swapped out for a different brand to see if that was the cause but now 4ish months later these feel like they are going the same way? I'm no expert in these things but the rest of the brake assembly has been checked each time and there's no binding (I think that's the word) and everything is free. I was wondering if it's down to one of my drives that I do on a monthly basis where I go over some fells in the Lake District and there's a long drop down into a vally where I'm on the brakes constantly for aound a mile. Parts of the hill are a 1 in 4. Would that cause them to overheat and warp? Can't think of any other reason. Cheers, Drew
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12-07-2022, 04:37 PM	#16
Opie55 Colonel 1195 Rep 2,908 Posts Drives: '15 650i Convertible Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: US iTrader: (0)	So I had to look - wow, that road has grades up to 33%. This may or may not mean much to you, but for comparison I looked at the grades for streets in San Francisco, which are known for their steepness and can be hard to even walk on the sidewalks. The steepest grade in SF is only 31.5%, so yeah, that is a crazy-steep road you have there.
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08-05-2023, 05:35 AM	#17
Hillbeley Hillbeley 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: BMW X3 F25, 997C4S Join Date: Jun 2022 Location: Wales iTrader: (0)	Warped discs I have wobbly discs on a 2016 F25, they are Brembo, I changed the discs/ pads about 8K miles/ 10 months ago.
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08-14-2023, 05:39 PM	#18
bmwPower99 Private First Class 19 Rep 148 Posts Drives: bmw f25 X3 35d Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: uk iTrader: (0)	Interesting video covering causes of brake vibration.
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08-31-2023, 05:38 PM	#19
E36M3 Private 53 Rep 77 Posts Drives: 97 M3, '14 335i, '12 X3 35i Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Here iTrader: (0)	BmwPower99 just posted the video I was going to recommend. It’s worth checking the hub flange runout as that many sets can’t be bad.
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