Brake pads/rotors. How long are they lasting?

TRZ06 · 12-05-2009, 11:39 PM

I know the system saids they should last about 25K miles, but what are you guys seeing real world?

I ask because I had my 15K service today and was surprised I didn't need new pads and rotors.

On my 335i, I went thru them every 12K on average, and since the M3 brakes are better then the 335i brakes, how do they get the additional usage out of the M3, yet still have better breaking performance over the 335i?

DiamondGCoupe · 12-06-2009, 11:01 AM

Are stock brake pads ceramic? I seem to get A LOT of brake dust from them when braking the same way I do in all my vehicles.. Don't want to replace them just yet since I recently picked up my car but it may be worth it. I expect to get at least 25k miles out of the pads with maybe resurfacing the rotors a little sooner.

JCtx · 12-06-2009, 01:48 PM

BMWs have always produced an inordinate amount of dust for some reason. And also the rotors usually get eaten up with one set of pads, which is ridiculous too. Plus the fact a soft (dusty) pad shouldn't eat a rotor

. Anyway, remember reading M3 rotors seem to be a bit beefier than on other cars, and don't need replacing the first pad change. But pads seem to be soft as always, due to the tons of brake dust. Hope to get at least 20K with mild driving. Curious to hear other owners as miles pile up on these cars. Good day.

!Xoible · 12-06-2009, 01:49 PM

30k here both almost brand new. no track, mostly freeway miles

TRZ06 · 12-06-2009, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by !Xoible

30k here both almost brand new. no track, mostly freeway miles

Good to hear, since I plan on having my M past the warranty period

swamp2 · 12-06-2009, 05:47 PM

The answer is is many orders of magnitude in size. Spend time on a high speed and hard on the brakes track driving like a real pro and your pads will be toast in a few sessions. Cruize on the freeway and baby her and they will last 3 years.

TRZ06 · 12-06-2009, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swamp2

The answer is is many orders of magnitude in size. Spend time on a high speed and hard on the brakes track driving like a real pro and your pads will be toast in a few sessions. Cruize on the freeway and baby her and they will last 3 years.

Sorry, I should have clarified. No track/autocross. Mix city/highway driving with a few mountain twisties thrown in every now and then.

swamp2 · 12-06-2009, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TRZ06

Sorry, I should have clarified. No track/autocross. Mix city/highway driving with a few mountain twisties thrown in every now and then.

Sounds loosely like my driving. But I have done 1 track event (2 days) and 1 autocross (way less than I would have hoped due to being generally swamped). I have had my car for 1.5 years, have about 27k miles and the brakes are fine. I have not even bothered to check the wear levels.

12-05-2009, 11:39 PM	#1
TRZ06 Lieutenant Colonel 629 Rep 1,755 Posts Drives: 16' M3 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0)	Brake pads/rotors. How long are they lasting? I know the system saids they should last about 25K miles, but what are you guys seeing real world? I ask because I had my 15K service today and was surprised I didn't need new pads and rotors. On my 335i, I went thru them every 12K on average, and since the M3 brakes are better then the 335i brakes, how do they get the additional usage out of the M3, yet still have better breaking performance over the 335i? __________________ 18? Camaro 2SS 1LE 16' M3 MG Ext. /SO Int. (DCT, Ohlin R/T, 19" wheels) 15' Audi S4 13' Audi TTRS (APR stage 1, MSS springs) 09' C6 Z06 08' M3 Interlagos Blue: 6sp, Tech.
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12-06-2009, 11:01 AM	#2
DiamondGCoupe Second Lieutenant 33 Rep 235 Posts Drives: 2018 X5 & 2015 M4 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: FL iTrader: (3)	Are stock brake pads ceramic? I seem to get A LOT of brake dust from them when braking the same way I do in all my vehicles.. Don't want to replace them just yet since I recently picked up my car but it may be worth it. I expect to get at least 25k miles out of the pads with maybe resurfacing the rotors a little sooner. __________________ 2018 F15 X5 - Alpine 2015 F82 M4 - Yas Marina 2010 E92 M3 - Alpine White - Sold
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12-06-2009, 01:48 PM	#3
JCtx Major General 258 Rep 5,012 Posts Drives: No BMW yet Join Date: May 2008 Location: El Paso TX iTrader: (0)	BMWs have always produced an inordinate amount of dust for some reason. And also the rotors usually get eaten up with one set of pads, which is ridiculous too. Plus the fact a soft (dusty) pad shouldn't eat a rotor . Anyway, remember reading M3 rotors seem to be a bit beefier than on other cars, and don't need replacing the first pad change. But pads seem to be soft as always, due to the tons of brake dust. Hope to get at least 20K with mild driving. Curious to hear other owners as miles pile up on these cars. Good day.
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12-06-2009, 01:49 PM	#4
!Xoible Banned 832 Rep 46,029 Posts Drives: .... Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: . iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 M3 [4.00] 2007 335i [9.00] 2008 528i [8.00] 2006 Infiniti - G35 ... [8.00]	30k here both almost brand new. no track, mostly freeway miles
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12-06-2009, 05:47 PM	#6
swamp2 Lieutenant General 609 Rep 10,407 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Diego, CA USA iTrader: (3)	The answer is is many orders of magnitude in size. Spend time on a high speed and hard on the brakes track driving like a real pro and your pads will be toast in a few sessions. Cruize on the freeway and baby her and they will last 3 years. __________________ E92 M3 \| Space Gray on Fox Red \| M-DCT \| CF Roof \| RAC RG63 Wheels \| Brembo 380mm BBK \| \| Vorsteiner Ti Exhaust \| Matte Black Grilles/Side Gills/Rear Emblem/Mirrors \| \| Alekshop Back up Camera \| GP Thunders \| BMW Aluminum Pedals \| Elite Angels \| \| XPEL Full Front Wrap \| Hardwired V1 \| Interior Xenon Light Kit \|
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