[tri335]

Hi all, had a question regarding brakes and rotors...my car condition based system says I have 6000 miles more rear and 9000 more miles in the front but this am a brake warning came up and I have a brake red light on the dash. What does this mean? And also, how do I know if I need rotors and brakes or just brakes? Thank you.

[_Sinister_]

You could stop pulling the e-brake while drifting in the AM JK
You can just look at the brakes by either removing the wheels and inspecting how much pad you have left or go to either meineke or an indy and have them inspect. Usually they have offers of free brake inspection and that's where I would start.

[Avenged328i]

You should be able to do a visual check on them. Simply bend over, and look at your pads.
Maybe something happened to you brake pad sensor?
Check when was your last brake and rotor were replaced.

If you still have the stock OEM brake and rotors, I say this is a perfect time to upgrade them!

[Agentphish]

Run your fingers up from the center of the rotor to the outer edge. Feel a large lip? Time to replace. If this is your original set from 09, I'd pop a new set.

Check out http://www.autohausaz.com. I don't track my car or anything and wasn't looking for a big upgrade so I got OE compound pads, Zimmermann rotors, Genuine BMW sensors, anti-sieze, and a caliper tool (I know i could have used a clamp but I'm a "right tool for the job" guy) from there for my 328 for under $400 shipped which is a great price.

[tri335]

Thanks everyone. Nobody really mentioned about rotors though. Do they have to be replaced or is the dealer going to take me for a ride..

[mike5809]

If the red light came on the wear sensor on your pads was more than likely triggered. At a minimum it is time to get new pads.

[mike5809]

Originally Posted by tri335

Thanks everyone. Nobody really mentioned about rotors though. Do they have to be replaced or is the dealer going to take me for a ride..

Hard to tell - how many miles are on the vehicle? It will also depend on your driving stlye.

If the dealer says they need replaced they usually do, but ask them for a reading of the rotors. Then compare it to the minimum rotor specs. I forget what they are off the top of my head but I believe it is stamped on the rotor... im sure you can also search the forums.

[deadmn1337]

Originally Posted by Agentphish

Run your fingers up from the center of the rotor to the outer edge. Feel a large lip? Time to replace. If this is your original set from 09, I'd pop a new set.

Check out http://www.autohausaz.com. I don't track my car or anything and wasn't looking for a big upgrade so I got OE compound pads, Zimmermann rotors, Genuine BMW sensors, anti-sieze, and a caliper tool (I know i could have used a clamp but I'm a "right tool for the job" guy) from there for my 328 for under $400 shipped which is a great price.

^this. If there is a large lip replace. BMW does not recommend turning the rotors. You can measure them to absolutely sure you need to change them but if there is a large lip on the edge then more than likely you need new rotors.

[jphughan]

The CBS monitor isn't a totally reliable predictor of when you'll need to pads, and it doesn't predict rotors at all. It tries to adjust based on your driving style and its knowledge of how the OEM pads and rotors wear, but it's not perfect. Fortunately BMWs have relatively open wheels, so it's pretty easy to see the outboard pads to gauge thickness -- but keep in mind that the inboard pad you can't see is likely worn noticeably more due to the sliding caliper design on these cars.

In any case, the light you're referring to means that the wear sensor actually installed into the pad was tripped, so unless there's some wiring issue or electronic gremlin, that means your pads are running low. Go by what you can see and a physical wear sensor rather than what the computer is telling you, otherwise: