Over time, the brake pads in your car will become worn down and will need to be replaced. They are one of the most crucial parts of your car and should be changed out regularly for safety reasons.
Brake pads are designed to stop your car immediately if you apply the brakes so it is very important that they are changed as soon as you notice a decline in performance.
When your brakes start to squeak, or the brake light comes on, it’s time to start thinking about replacing the brake pads on your BMW. In this article I am going to provide an answer for how much it costs to replace brake pads on a BMW, let’s jump straight to it.
BMW Brake Pad Replacement Cost
The average brake pad replacement cost is $112 per wheel and the price ranges between $75 per wheel up to $150 per wheel including parts and labor. If you are looking to replace the rotors and sensors too then the average price increases to $137 per wheel.
The price varies due to factors such as the BMW model, Type of pads, location, and more.
Factors Influencing the Cost to Replace BMW Brake Pads
1. BMW Model
The BMW brake pad replacement cost will mainly depend on the model of your vehicle, although there are other factors that can affect it. All you have to do is to go to your nearest auto repair shop and ask for a quote.
The BMW model is one of the main factors that can affect the cost of replacing the brake pads. A performance BMW like the M4 requires special brake pads since it’s a fast performance vehicle therefore changing brakes pads will cost more compared to a BMW 1 series for example.
The make and model of your car will determine which kind of pads are suitable for your vehicle.
2. Location
The cost of BMW brake pad replacement differs from one state to another. For example, if you are in New York and looking to get your brake pads replaced, the cost will be around $246. However, it will be significantly cheaper if you are in Texas i.e. $176.
3. Parts and labor
The brake pad replacement cost also depends on the parts and labor used for your car repair service. For example, if you are getting the OEM brake pads installed, the cost will be higher than a third-party one since OEM parts are more expensive and reliable as compared to third-party ones.
Similarly, the labor costs at auto repair shops are much lower than those at BMW dealerships since auto repair shops do not charge for brand name or quality assurance as opposed to BMW dealerships that charge extra for brand name and high-quality parts.
4. Dealership or Auto repair shop
As mentioned above, BMW brake pad replacement cost differs from a dealership to an auto repair shop due to the fact that their labor charges differ significantly.
The labor charges at an auto repair shop can be more than 50% less than at a BMW dealership which is why it is always recommended to get your car serviced at an auto repair shop rather than a dealership unless you can afford to.
5. OEM vs Aftermarket
There are two types of brake pads available in the market: the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket. They both have their own pros and cons, so it is important for you to know more about them before deciding which one to purchase.
The OEM pads are designed specifically for a certain make and model of car, so they are guaranteed to work well with your vehicle. They tend to be more expensive than aftermarket ones, but they provide better performance overall because they were specifically made for the particular vehicle in question, so they last longer too!
Aftermarket ones are generally less expensive than OEMs because they do not have as many features or functions built into them. However, these kinds are still able to provide reliable stopping power when needed; an example would be during emergency situations where every second counts!
When Should Brake Pads be Replaced on a BMW?
There is no set answer for when to replace your brake pads. It depends on many factors. If you drive mostly in the city and make a lot of stops, then your brake pads will wear faster than if you typically drive on highways.
If you frequently take your car on long trips or drive with heavy loads in the car, your brake pads will likely wear faster as well.
You should replace your BMW brake pads every 30 000 to 65 000 miles or every 2-3 years depending on how often you use them. For example, if you drive primarily in the city, then it’s more likely that you will have to change them every year or two.
Symptoms of Worn BMW Brakes
- BMW brake pad warning light
- Grinding Noise
- Wear Indicator
- Takes longer to Brake
- Brake Pad Vibration when pressed
- Rubbing Metal when Braking
Can You Change BMW Brake Pads Yourself?
Changing your brake pads on your BMW is something you can do if you’re handy with a wrench.
It’s not recommended unless you’re very familiar with how the brakes work and what is involved in the service and replacement procedure.
If you’re going to try doing it yourself, I recommend watching a few videos online about replacing BMW brake pads as there are certain techniques that will make this job easier such as using a screwdriver and hammer and other necessary tools.
But I don’t recommend it unless you have some expertise with cars. If you’re not familiar with this kind of work, the wrong move could damage your car. For that reason, I strongly advise taking it to a professional.
