Break Pad / Fluid Change Cost

Ejryan10 · 02-26-2020, 06:10 PM

Hey guys,
So I had my oil changed today on my '16 X3 at a local indie BMW shop, they've been very trustworthy so far. Today nothing was out of the ordinary, but they did give me a potential work up of what my next visit would look like, as they stated my break pads on the rear were down to 5 mm. I currently have just shy of 60k miles on my vehicle, and I go in for oil changes around 7500 miles or so. They quoted me with the rear break pads being replaced, the sensors for the break pads, break fluid change, and all of the labor (there might be another one or two things on the work up, but I'll add them if I find anything of significance) at just over $900. This very well could be a decent price or I could be getting ripped off, just curious what you guys think. Any feedback appreciated! I'll try and update this post with a picture of the work up if needed!

E90705 · 02-26-2020, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ejryan10

Hey guys,
So I had my oil changed today on my '16 X3 at a local indie BMW shop, they've been very trustworthy so far. Today nothing was out of the ordinary, but they did give me a potential work up of what my next visit would look like, as they stated my break pads on the rear were down to 5 mm. I currently have just shy of 60k miles on my vehicle, and I go in for oil changes around 7500 miles or so. They quoted me with the rear break pads being replaced, the sensors for the break pads, break fluid change, and all of the labor (there might be another one or two things on the work up, but I'll add them if I find anything of significance) at just over $900. This very well could be a decent price or I could be getting ripped off, just curious what you guys think. Any feedback appreciated! I'll try and update this post with a picture of the work up if needed!

For just rear brake pads/sensors/fluid seems overpriced. Well that's my opinion though. Btw there is only one sensor for the rear brakes. I wouldn't spend 900 for that "break" job.

Ejryan10 · 02-26-2020, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90705

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ejryan10

Hey guys,
So I had my oil changed today on my '16 X3 at a local indie BMW shop, they've been very trustworthy so far. Today nothing was out of the ordinary, but they did give me a potential work up of what my next visit would look like, as they stated my break pads on the rear were down to 5 mm. I currently have just shy of 60k miles on my vehicle, and I go in for oil changes around 7500 miles or so. They quoted me with the rear break pads being replaced, the sensors for the break pads, break fluid change, and all of the labor (there might be another one or two things on the work up, but I'll add them if I find anything of significance) at just over $900. This very well could be a decent price or I could be getting ripped off, just curious what you guys think. Any feedback appreciated! I'll try and update this post with a picture of the work up if needed!

For just rear brake pads/sensors/fluid seems overpriced. Well that's my opinion though. Btw there is only one sensor for the rear brakes. I wouldn't spend 900 for that "break" job.

Just updated my post with a pic of the work up he gave me

pungo · 02-26-2020, 07:37 PM

Seems a little steep, are all the parts genuine BMW? If you trust the shop and they do good work, it my be worth it. Makes me glad I do all my own wrenching because it would cost me less then $250 and a couple of hours of my time.

tracer bullet · 02-26-2020, 07:40 PM

That looks to me to be pretty close to what you'd pay at a dealership. But I'd consider asking them about knock-off parts that aren't necessarily OEM (i.e. the brand of rotor used). I think you'll see the cost drop to around half for the parts.

And definitely do the air filters yourself, engine / pollen / cabin. It's so easy.

One other thing - 5mm means pay attention but isn't time necessarily to do the work. If that's where you are at 60,000 miles you've probably got another 10 - 20 you could go if you wanted.

Wgosma · 02-26-2020, 08:42 PM

Typical Dealer prices, bit high.

If you're reasonably handy w/tools and don't mind getting your hands dirty, replacing the brake pads and rotors is VERY simple to do at home. Two German made brake rotors, one wear sensor and set of pads will cost you about $275. Let a shop flush and fill the hydraulic brake fluid; should run maybe 150 bucks.

Food for thought.
Good luck/Bill

Bilbofraggins · 02-27-2020, 06:49 AM

With parts from Germanparts.ca....I did front and rear with Brembo, rotors, pads and sensors for 550...Canadian.

I would gather up the parts and pay labour only at an Indy.

Some of that quote is plain nuts.

Bilbofraggins · 02-27-2020, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wgosma

Typical Dealer prices, bit high.

If you're reasonably handy w/tools and don't mind getting your hands dirty, replacing the brake pads and rotors is VERY simple to do at home. Two German made brake rotors, one wear sensor and set of pads will cost you about $275. Let a shop flush and fill the hydraulic brake fluid; should run maybe 150 bucks.

Food for thought.
Good luck/Bill

Even adding in the electric parking brake...I totally agree..

Opie55 · 02-27-2020, 07:45 AM

I would not change pads with 5mm left. That is half their life left. Wait until between 2-3 mm. Every time somebody posts a repair shop estimate I'm glad I do my own work. I wish somebody would pay me $45 labor to replace an air filter. I'd be rich.

Bilbofraggins · 02-27-2020, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Opie55

I would not change pads with 5mm left. That is half their life left. Wait until between 2-3 mm. Every time somebody posts a repair shop estimate I'm glad I do my own work. I wish somebody would pay me $45 labor to replace an air filter. I'd be rich.

Doing what we can, literally saves thousands...

My Indy charges 55Cdn an hour where I can’t or choose not to bother.

joshaguirre · 02-27-2020, 12:56 PM

As someone else has stated, definitely do the filters yourself. You already have the part numbers listed on the paper and can order them online...that's $90 you just saved in labor.

Opie55 · 02-27-2020, 01:37 PM

If you do your own filters - two things to note. The internal pollen filters under the glove box are a pair. They go side by side, but you can only see one through the access door. The second one is hidden to the left and you have to reach in there to grab it. For the cabin air filter under the hood by the firewall on the passenger side, after you remove the top cover there is a like a rim filter holder that snaps in at the top of the filter box. Pull that off as well and installing the new filter is way easier. The filter is weird. It's two filters joined by some cloth and sits in there like a sideways pup tent.

kevink1 · 02-27-2020, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshaguirre

As someone else has stated, definitely do the filters yourself. You already have the part numbers listed on the paper and can order them online...that's $90 you just saved in labor.

Once I figured out that I can save over $100 doing the engine air filter/cabin air filters (both through glove box and under hood) I went that route once I wasn't getting it done "free" anymore.

The only new tool I needed to buy was a needle nose pliers.

Ejryan10 · 02-27-2020, 06:36 PM

Thanks guys, this is the only indie BMW mechanic in my area, and we don't have a BMW dealership in our town either, so I'm guessing they're taking full advantage of that fact. I guess I'll stick with them for oil changes, break fluid flushes, etc, but will try and do a lot of stuff like changing filters and break pads on my own. My father-in-law was a mechanic on multiple NASCAR teams and my brother-in-law is a mechanic as well, so I'm pretty confident with their help I could get this kind of stuff done without too much hassle.

Bilbofraggins · 02-27-2020, 06:42 PM

You'll be fine....do some you-tube prep....and you will have it down....

This debris was left after backing the vehicle out the garage in July-ish 2018...

2 winters later...the BREMBO stuff still looks like new...The OEM stuff...utter garbage...

Wgosma · 02-27-2020, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ejryan10

Thanks guys, this is the only indie BMW mechanic in my area, and we don't have a BMW dealership in our town either, so I'm guessing they're taking full advantage of that fact. I guess I'll stick with them for oil changes, break fluid flushes, etc, but will try and do a lot of stuff like changing filters and break pads on my own. My father-in-law was a mechanic on multiple NASCAR teams and my brother-in-law is a mechanic as well, so I'm pretty confident with their help I could get this kind of stuff done without too much hassle.

Make a note of these two websites:

BWW part numbers:
RealOEM.com

Repair instructions:
NewTIS.info

Both sites are quite useful.

Opie55 · 02-27-2020, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ejryan10

Thanks guys, this is the only indie BMW mechanic in my area, and we don't have a BMW dealership in our town either, so I'm guessing they're taking full advantage of that fact. I guess I'll stick with them for oil changes, break fluid flushes, etc, but will try and do a lot of stuff like changing filters and break pads on my own. My father-in-law was a mechanic on multiple NASCAR teams and my brother-in-law is a mechanic as well, so I'm pretty confident with their help I could get this kind of stuff done without too much hassle.

Do your father-in-law and brother-in-law know you spell it "breaks"?

Ejryan10 · 02-28-2020, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Opie55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ejryan10

Thanks guys, this is the only indie BMW mechanic in my area, and we don't have a BMW dealership in our town either, so I'm guessing they're taking full advantage of that fact. I guess I'll stick with them for oil changes, break fluid flushes, etc, but will try and do a lot of stuff like changing filters and break pads on my own. My father-in-law was a mechanic on multiple NASCAR teams and my brother-in-law is a mechanic as well, so I'm pretty confident with their help I could get this kind of stuff done without too much hassle.

Do your father-in-law and brother-in-law know you spell it "breaks"?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bilbofraggins

You'll be fine....do some you-tube prep....and you will have it down....

This debris was left after backing the vehicle out the garage in July-ish 2018...

2 winters later...the BREMBO stuff still looks like new...The OEM stuff...utter garbage...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wgosma

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ejryan10

Thanks guys, this is the only indie BMW mechanic in my area, and we don't have a BMW dealership in our town either, so I'm guessing they're taking full advantage of that fact. I guess I'll stick with them for oil changes, break fluid flushes, etc, but will try and do a lot of stuff like changing filters and break pads on my own. My father-in-law was a mechanic on multiple NASCAR teams and my brother-in-law is a mechanic as well, so I'm pretty confident with their help I could get this kind of stuff done without too much hassle.

Make a note of these two websites:

BWW part numbers:
RealOEM.com

Repair instructions:
NewTIS.info

Both sites are quite useful.

Probably, lol. Thank god they're not on this site. Dammit, I'm usually as careful as I can be about spelling/grammar too. FML.

RedRaiderDavid · 03-04-2020, 02:54 AM

Never pay anyone to change filters. Parts there seem reasonable but $45 is stupid, air filter will take you 5 minutes and a child could do it. Cabin filters are a little more involved but the hardest part is getting under the glove box if your a big guy.
Brake fluid service I have issue with, it's a hydraulic closed system, it shouldn't need to be changed as often as BMW recommends, but I'm no expert there.
The labor on the brake job doesn't seem too out of line and if the parts are BMW OEM the parts probably aren't out of line. First thing to consider is the rotors, you don't need to replace them with every pad replacement especially if there is no brake judder (warped rotors) or the pads are gone and the rotors are scored. On my previous 335 I replaced the front brakes not because the pads were gone but the rotors were warped. I did some research and ended up buying Powerstop rotors and pads which came in a kit for just over $200 and included the sensor. The rotors were drilled and slotted and they worked as well or better than the stock ones. Bottom line you can do everything there sans the brake fluid for between $300 and $400 if you don't mind getting dirty and have some basic mechanical skills, brakes aren't that hard. If that's not your wheelhouse you might want to take a little control over what they do and what parts they use.

rob175 · 03-04-2020, 10:13 AM

I follow "The Rule of Three"....I always get 3 quotes!..... But obviously, any BMW's labor rate will be high so check out "indy's" in your area. As a last resort, if there aren't a couple of skilled independent shops in your area to quote then even a second BMW dealer, because you might come up with different numbers.

I agree with the comments on replacing a few of the filters yourself to save $$. Typically they are easy to change without even getting your hands dirty.

These days brake fluid should be changed every 2 years due to the fact that it absorbs water from the air (closed system but moister can still accumulate) and can negatively affect the ABS systems.

Most "indy" shops (even non BMW specialists) can do simple brake/rotor jobs and obviously oil changes......and if they can't or don't feel comfortable they typically will indicated that and recommend someone else.

All food for thought!

pungo · 03-04-2020, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedRaiderDavid

Brake fluid service I have issue with, it's a hydraulic closed system, it shouldn't need to be changed as often as BMW recommends, but I'm no expert there.

The hydraulic system is not completely sealed and takes in outside air into the reservoir as the pistons move outward from pad wear. Brake fluid is hygroscopic which means it attracts moisture which can cause corrosion ofthe brake calipers and eventually cause a leak as well as reduce the boiling point of the fluid by more than 100 degrees.

I agree that the recommended 2 year interval may be too often, depending on the humidity in your location, but flushing the old fluid out periodically will reduce failures in the brake system. I use an electronic brake fluid tester on all my vehicles to measure the moisture content and flush the fluid when needed which is generally around 3-5 years depending on use.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedRaiderDavid

First thing to consider is the rotors, you don't need to replace them with every pad replacement especially if there is no brake judder (warped rotors) or the pads are gone and the rotors are scored. On my previous 335 I replaced the front brakes not because the pads were gone but the rotors were warped.

It's very rare for an OEM rotor to warp. I'm not saying it's not possible, or that yours weren't warped, I've just never seen it on an OEM rotor. I've tested many rotors that people thought were warped due to judder and none of tm were warped. What I did find was a deposit of brake pad material on one spot on the rotor that causes the pad to grab on each rotation making it appear as it could be a warped rotor. This is usually caused by a high speed emergency stop on the highway where the pad a rotor get really hot, then pad deposits excess material onto the rotor in one spot while stopped. Scuffing the rotor surface or resurfacing it corrected the judder. Of course replacing the rotor will fix it too, but if the rotor thickness has a lot of life left in it, then removing the excess pad material off the rotor will save the need to replace the rotors.

Bilbofraggins · 03-04-2020, 12:18 PM

In particular with regard to brakes...I think all this OEM spin is a massive misnomer...BMW don't make brake parts...they just have favored suppliers...the junk in the pictures above was OEM (TRW actually) from the factory...On other BMW's, I have replaced , jurid, pagid etc, but that was my first encounter with TRW....No idea where they were fabricated but my guess is China or similar...The replacements 'Made in Italy" are standing up well....No rust evident...

There was no way, OEM were going back on the F25 no matter what was stuffed in any OEM box.

If a part, any part has performed well, I usually replace with the same brand, particularly spark plugs...but if a part was not up to snuff...I'll look at alternatives.

That being said, I have a complete set of OEM brakes (pads, rotors, sensors) waiting to go on my 2013 X6M...

02-26-2020, 06:10 PM	#1
Ejryan10 Private 11 Rep 56 Posts Drives: 2016 BMW X3 XDrive28i Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	Brake Pad / Fluid Change Hey guys, So I had my oil changed today on my '16 X3 at a local indie BMW shop, they've been very trustworthy so far. Today nothing was out of the ordinary, but they did give me a potential work up of what my next visit would look like, as they stated my break pads on the rear were down to 5 mm. I currently have just shy of 60k miles on my vehicle, and I go in for oil changes around 7500 miles or so. They quoted me with the rear break pads being replaced, the sensors for the break pads, break fluid change, and all of the labor (there might be another one or two things on the work up, but I'll add them if I find anything of significance) at just over $900. This very well could be a decent price or I could be getting ripped off, just curious what you guys think. Any feedback appreciated! I'll try and update this post with a picture of the work up if needed! Attached Images
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02-26-2020, 07:37 PM	#4
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]	Seems a little steep, are all the parts genuine BMW? If you trust the shop and they do good work, it my be worth it. Makes me glad I do all my own wrenching because it would cost me less then $250 and a couple of hours of my time.
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02-26-2020, 07:40 PM	#5
tracer bullet Brigadier General 2412 Rep 3,549 Posts Drives: '11 135i , '15 X3 35i Join Date: May 2011 Location: Saint Paul, MN iTrader: (1)	That looks to me to be pretty close to what you'd pay at a dealership. But I'd consider asking them about knock-off parts that aren't necessarily OEM (i.e. the brand of rotor used). I think you'll see the cost drop to around half for the parts. And definitely do the air filters yourself, engine / pollen / cabin. It's so easy. One other thing - 5mm means pay attention but isn't time necessarily to do the work. If that's where you are at 60,000 miles you've probably got another 10 - 20 you could go if you wanted.
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02-26-2020, 08:42 PM	#6
Wgosma Lieutenant Colonel 806 Rep 1,906 Posts Drives: 2012 F25 X3 28i (N52) Join Date: Sep 2018 Location: Northern Nevada iTrader: (0)	Typical Dealer prices, bit high. If you're reasonably handy w/tools and don't mind getting your hands dirty, replacing the brake pads and rotors is VERY simple to do at home. Two German made brake rotors, one wear sensor and set of pads will cost you about $275. Let a shop flush and fill the hydraulic brake fluid; should run maybe 150 bucks. Food for thought. Good luck/Bill
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02-27-2020, 06:49 AM	#7
Bilbofraggins Captain 284 Rep 912 Posts Drives: 2013 X6M, 2019 X3 M40I Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: North of the Wall iTrader: (0)	With parts from Germanparts.ca....I did front and rear with Brembo, rotors, pads and sensors for 550...Canadian. I would gather up the parts and pay labour only at an Indy. Some of that quote is plain nuts.
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02-27-2020, 07:45 AM	#9
Opie55 Colonel 1195 Rep 2,907 Posts Drives: '15 650i Convertible Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: US iTrader: (0)	I would not change pads with 5mm left. That is half their life left. Wait until between 2-3 mm. Every time somebody posts a repair shop estimate I'm glad I do my own work. I wish somebody would pay me $45 labor to replace an air filter. I'd be rich.
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02-27-2020, 12:56 PM	#11
joshaguirre Private 13 Rep 51 Posts Drives: 2016 X3 xDrive28i F25 Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	As someone else has stated, definitely do the filters yourself. You already have the part numbers listed on the paper and can order them online...that's $90 you just saved in labor.
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02-27-2020, 01:37 PM	#12
Opie55 Colonel 1195 Rep 2,907 Posts Drives: '15 650i Convertible Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: US iTrader: (0)	If you do your own filters - two things to note. The internal pollen filters under the glove box are a pair. They go side by side, but you can only see one through the access door. The second one is hidden to the left and you have to reach in there to grab it. For the cabin air filter under the hood by the firewall on the passenger side, after you remove the top cover there is a like a rim filter holder that snaps in at the top of the filter box. Pull that off as well and installing the new filter is way easier. The filter is weird. It's two filters joined by some cloth and sits in there like a sideways pup tent.
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02-27-2020, 06:36 PM	#14
Ejryan10 Private 11 Rep 56 Posts Drives: 2016 BMW X3 XDrive28i Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	Thanks guys, this is the only indie BMW mechanic in my area, and we don't have a BMW dealership in our town either, so I'm guessing they're taking full advantage of that fact. I guess I'll stick with them for oil changes, break fluid flushes, etc, but will try and do a lot of stuff like changing filters and break pads on my own. My father-in-law was a mechanic on multiple NASCAR teams and my brother-in-law is a mechanic as well, so I'm pretty confident with their help I could get this kind of stuff done without too much hassle.
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02-27-2020, 06:42 PM	#15
Bilbofraggins Captain 284 Rep 912 Posts Drives: 2013 X6M, 2019 X3 M40I Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: North of the Wall iTrader: (0)	You'll be fine....do some you-tube prep....and you will have it down.... This debris was left after backing the vehicle out the garage in July-ish 2018... 2 winters later...the BREMBO stuff still looks like new...The OEM stuff...utter garbage... Attached Images
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03-04-2020, 02:54 AM	#19
RedRaiderDavid Private First Class 32 Rep 185 Posts Drives: 2017 X3 35i X Drive M Sport Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Fort Worth, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 328i [0.00]	Never pay anyone to change filters. Parts there seem reasonable but $45 is stupid, air filter will take you 5 minutes and a child could do it. Cabin filters are a little more involved but the hardest part is getting under the glove box if your a big guy. Brake fluid service I have issue with, it's a hydraulic closed system, it shouldn't need to be changed as often as BMW recommends, but I'm no expert there. The labor on the brake job doesn't seem too out of line and if the parts are BMW OEM the parts probably aren't out of line. First thing to consider is the rotors, you don't need to replace them with every pad replacement especially if there is no brake judder (warped rotors) or the pads are gone and the rotors are scored. On my previous 335 I replaced the front brakes not because the pads were gone but the rotors were warped. I did some research and ended up buying Powerstop rotors and pads which came in a kit for just over $200 and included the sensor. The rotors were drilled and slotted and they worked as well or better than the stock ones. Bottom line you can do everything there sans the brake fluid for between $300 and $400 if you don't mind getting dirty and have some basic mechanical skills, brakes aren't that hard. If that's not your wheelhouse you might want to take a little control over what they do and what parts they use.
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03-04-2020, 10:13 AM	#20
rob175 Major 688 Rep 1,116 Posts Drives: BMW X3 xiDrive30 Join Date: Feb 2020 Location: Illinois iTrader: (0)	I follow "The Rule of Three"....I always get 3 quotes!..... But obviously, any BMW's labor rate will be high so check out "indy's" in your area. As a last resort, if there aren't a couple of skilled independent shops in your area to quote then even a second BMW dealer, because you might come up with different numbers. I agree with the comments on replacing a few of the filters yourself to save $$. Typically they are easy to change without even getting your hands dirty. These days brake fluid should be changed every 2 years due to the fact that it absorbs water from the air (closed system but moister can still accumulate) and can negatively affect the ABS systems. Most "indy" shops (even non BMW specialists) can do simple brake/rotor jobs and obviously oil changes......and if they can't or don't feel comfortable they typically will indicated that and recommend someone else. All food for thought!
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03-04-2020, 12:18 PM	#22
Bilbofraggins Captain 284 Rep 912 Posts Drives: 2013 X6M, 2019 X3 M40I Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: North of the Wall iTrader: (0)	In particular with regard to brakes...I think all this OEM spin is a massive misnomer...BMW don't make brake parts...they just have favored suppliers...the junk in the pictures above was OEM (TRW actually) from the factory...On other BMW's, I have replaced , jurid, pagid etc, but that was my first encounter with TRW....No idea where they were fabricated but my guess is China or similar...The replacements 'Made in Italy" are standing up well....No rust evident... There was no way, OEM were going back on the F25 no matter what was stuffed in any OEM box. If a part, any part has performed well, I usually replace with the same brand, particularly spark plugs...but if a part was not up to snuff...I'll look at alternatives. That being said, I have a complete set of OEM brakes (pads, rotors, sensors) waiting to go on my 2013 X6M...
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