[JJD]

Hi

My brake warning light has just come on and so it's time for some new brake pads and possibly discs.

Does anyone know for sure. Do I need to have my brake discs / pads replaced by BMW to maintain the extended warranty?

I've just had a quote from the local dealer and even with the 4 plus discount they want around £200 for front and £200+ for the rears.

As far a I can tell It's a pretty straightforward job and Eurocarparts have a choice of pads for £40/set so if possible I intend having them done elsewhere for a fraction of the BMW cost.

[xenon]

Yes the job is a piece of piss but BMW insist on franchised servicing for the extended warranty (not new car warranty as they're not allowed to do this)

However, changing discs and pads is no big deal so I'd still DIY or get an Indy to do it and say nowt.

[MEGA]

Do it yourself.

Regarding warranty in this situation - then; Should you have a brake failure, they won't warrant the parts that you replaced yourself. *IF* they inspect: which they are very unlikely to do unless a total loss is recorded. So, don't tell them: And take the small possibility that a brake related warranty item (for example slave cylinder failure, damaged lines.. etc) won't be done for you if the dealer were to report it to the finance company.

What they WON'T do, is refuse repair of say - a turbo: Because the brake pads weren't fitted by BMW.

[xenon]

Originally Posted by MEGA

What they WON'T do, is refuse repair of say - a turbo: Because the brake pads weren't fitted by BMW.

I very much doubt they would either, but they could. It quite clearly states in the T&Cs that the extended warranty is null and void in its entirety if servicing is carried out by an unauthorised agent.

[MEGA]

Yes - you're right. They could. But I've never heard of a case of it and personally feel the risk is negligible.

But you make your bed and you lie in it ... Depends if saving the money is worth the risk to the OP or not.

[Kerr]

I've never viewed brakes as a serviceable part and never once had them replaced at a dealer. It's just general wear and tear.

The wear indicator seems to pressure people into thinking it must be done at BMW.

Where do you draw the line, you must have your tyres and windscreen wipers etc changed at the main dealer?

I'd not be amused to be forced to change brakes at BMW to maintain extended warranty.

[JJD]

Cheers guys, thanks for the replies.

DIY it is, No point throwing money away. Besides I'm thinking/hoping that as the extended warranty is insurance backed thaen perhaps the dealers won't be quite so fussy about the specifics of these things and therefore it becomes a non issue...?

I asked them for a quote hoping that their price wouldn't take the p1ss, heho..

Kerr, you make a good point there wrt replacement service items. my tyres werent fiited by BMW and they are just as important. That said I do have BMW screenwash in my skoosher bottle just in case my headlight washers fall off again

Now. Which parts to buy? I've had a look on Eurocarparts website and they do Pagid, Eicher and Textar pads and discs. Out of that lot I've only ever heard of Pagid but I can't remember if what I heard was good or bad Anyone got a recommendation for manufacturer and/or supplier of replacement brakes?

[Subzero2003]

I can't remember for sure, but either Pagid or Textar are OEM's for the E92. I know on my old E46 Textar or ATE were the OEM's, but i have a feeling that for the E92 Pagid were.

Either way, the Pagid pads are good

[cyberlife]

I recently got quoted a discounted price of £720 pounds for discs and pads all round at a main dealer. Thought that was a bit over the top considering the parts department were selling the parts for £440 without discount.

As I have BMW extended warranty on my car I am fully aware of having to have the car serviced at the dealers to maintain the warranty status so I took time out to phone BMW warranty and discussed the brakes with them.

The conversation went as follows;

ME : I'm aware that the brakes are a serviceable item in the handbook and that the warranty states I must get the car serviced at a main dealer to maintain the warranty however as the brake pads and discs are both wear and tear items which I'll never be able to claim against do I have to have the dealer do the work.

BMW : If the car is in for servicing and the brakes are required to be done as part of the service then yes.

ME : Ok, the car isn't in for a service I've just taken it in because the brakes are grinding.

BMW : That is fine then, as long as you use BMW parts then anyone can replace them.

Hope that helps.

[xenon]

All makes sense - Kerr's point about a consumable items is perfect as you wouldn't dream of getting tyres fitted at BMW to maintain your warranty. I'd get an indy to do it.

[Falmouthboy]

Originally Posted by xenon

All makes sense - Kerr's point about a consumable items is perfect as you wouldn't dream of getting tyres fitted at BMW to maintain your warranty. I'd get an indy to do it.

I agree - in simple terms, if it leads to a 'stamp' in the service book, it needs to be done at a dealer, if not, anyone can do it but use of OEM parts is advised.

[ALF_E90]

This seems a very sensible and less paranoid thread than many regarding the warranty.

I thought I was in the same predicament as my brakes were vibrating badly when braking from 60mph or more. The car had only done 30k at the time and there was loads of pad and disc left. Putting them through a fairly intensive heat cycle a few times (like a break-in procedure for a performance pad - some serious stops in a row) eased things but did not make it go away, the vibration would come back in time.

Then one day I washed the car and gave the front callipers a more thorough than usual hosing out and the problem went away completely never to return (on 44k now). It was either a complete coincidence or there was some crud in there that I flushed away - nothing else was changed.

Weird. But it saved me some serious £!!!

[JJD]

Originally Posted by ALF_E90

This seems a very sensible and less paranoid thread than many regarding the warranty.

I thought I was in the same predicament as my brakes were vibrating badly when braking from 60mph or more. The car had only done 30k at the time and there was loads of pad and disc left. Putting them through a fairly intensive heat cycle a few times (like a break-in procedure for a performance pad - some serious stops in a row) eased things but did not make it go away, the vibration would come back in time.

Then one day I washed the car and gave the front callipers a more thorough than usual hosing out and the problem went away completely never to return (on 44k now). It was either a complete coincidence or there was some crud in there that I flushed away - nothing else was changed.

Weird. But it saved me some serious £!!!

Lucky you.

Not saying this was related to your problem but just as a general point of interest to others (perhaps); coming to a halt from speed (M-way slip roads,
A/B road junctions etc. and keeping the brakes on while waiting to move off again (when the brakes are hot) can cause pad residue to stick to the discs thereby causing vibration..I've had this problem previously and it cost me a few £££ before I twigged.