[maverick83]

So this will be the first time I would need to do an MOT - in April 2018

My car has front pads due in 4800mls and MOT the will definitely be due before I reach 0mls.

My question is - what kind of things do I need to keep in mind in order to prepare for MOT and what would an acceptable tolerance be on the front pads.

I don't want the car to fail the MOT and I also don't want any advisories so want to make sure everything is ready before MOT.

Lastly - would a BMW dealer be recommended for MOT?

Car is a '09 318d with 52k mls

[dragerboy]

I think pads need 1.5mm of material. However you could get an advisory if they are unevenly worn.

[AndyVR]

As the pad wear sensors are not exact, you could well go down to 0 miles sooner than that, then you will get service indicator lights on the dash, even if the pads have some life left.

Probably best to change them before MOT anyway. Remember to replace the pad wear sensor with a new one, because they wear away like the pads, that's how the mileage left is calculated.

[AWSAWS]

I think every year but one I've had an advisory for low tread on the rear tyres

MOT's are incredibly basic. Don't think you need to use BMW for it unless you think that impacts resale value, if you have that in mind.

[Jeff123]

I had my E90 done at the main dealers every time, that was 3 MOT's. Each time they did it for £30, it passed and they valeted it as well. Looked like a brand new car when ir came back.

Not bad for £30 - ask them to do it for that price.

[Dormermike]

Advantage of having it done at BMW if you have the mondial warranty they can sort it all out.

[rasa bmw]

just take it for mot,,if it fails on anything get it sorted..simples..

[E60525d]

The pad life remaining milleage is only an estimate and in my experience its usually well off.

As long as you dont have the low pad warning on the kombi, you will be fine.

[maverick83]

Originally Posted by E60525d

The pad life remaining milleage is only an estimate and in my experience its usually well off.

As long as you dont have the low pad warning on the kombi, you will be fine.

Thanks for all the advice guys.

The low pad warning triggered about two weeks ago - so I have the Textar Discs, Pads and sensor on the way.

Will be replacing them this weekend.

Interestingly - the front right has started squealing constantly and looks like it might be sticking a bit - not too happy about that - but it could just be the guide pins or the area where the pads make contact with the caliper, or just the wear pattern on the discs that's making contact with the pad.

Won't know for sure till this weekend.

[Dann]

Only take it to the main dealer if they will match the cheapest garage you can find for MOTs.
National tyres are normally good and only £27.

I wouldn't pay any more than £30 for a MOT, and having main dealer ones will do nothing to resale value.