I was in for an alignment jobbie at Firestone and i also needed new brake pads... however the guy there told me that my car and some or most BMW's u gotta change the rotors with the pads, that u dont just change pads only... it cost me $360 for both front wheels, and that was with a "$50 discount"..... so to me $180 per wheel for brake pads and rotors donr sound too bad.. but I'm no expert. They said the pads were just about totally done.
Need to replace rotors WITH brake pads together?
- Thread starter Dathaeus
- Start date
The answer is - it depends. It is NOT mandatory to replace the rotors every time the pads are replaced, that is crap. BMW, like every other car manufacturer, has a specification for the MINIMUM thickness of the rotor. If the rotor is not worn/close to this thickness, and the rotor is in good shape (not scored, warped, etc.), the rotor does not need to be replaced.
I do these jobs myself. A rotor will cost $30 - $60+ each, depending on brand and quality, pads will cost $30 - $75 a pair depending on brand and quality. So I might spend $125 for parts (discount web order). Most service shops will sell the parts at list price, maybe $200, and 3 or 4 hours of labor at $50 - $75 depending on your area. So, I think you didn't get ripped off for what you got, but it was no bargain either.
I do these jobs myself. A rotor will cost $30 - $60+ each, depending on brand and quality, pads will cost $30 - $75 a pair depending on brand and quality. So I might spend $125 for parts (discount web order). Most service shops will sell the parts at list price, maybe $200, and 3 or 4 hours of labor at $50 - $75 depending on your area. So, I think you didn't get ripped off for what you got, but it was no bargain either.
