Can I service leased BMW by a mechanic instead of dealer?

Ask the Hackrs
,
1

Leased 2020 bmw 330 x drive
15k miles driven
Car is saying rear brake pads need replacement

I thought it was a faulty sensor, dealer claims it’s down to 3mm and needs replacement. They did not walk me inside service area to show it, they only said so.

I was planning on getting a second opinion by having a local mechanic check the break pads remaining life.

If needed can I have it changed by mechanic instead of dealer ?

Dealer wants 480 plus tax so like 520 for 2 break pad change…for their cheap quality break pads

This is my first ever bmw and I have had Honda accords and Acura tlx previously. I can’t believe breaks are going out at 15k miles. I drive mostly normal and no aggressive breaking

My front brakes I was told are in good shape

2

Yup, no requirement to use the dealer

3 Likes
3

Could also try doing it yourself. If its just pads should be easy.

I’m impressed you need new brakes at 15k…my old 3 series lasted over 40k with canyon and track driving.

2 Likes
4

I agree I’m at 28k with a, shall we say, aggressively driven M340i daily driver, and I’m nowhere close to needing pads.

1 Like
5

Thanks for your input.

Yeah I’m in absolute disbelief that my brake pads are worn out at 15k miles with my mostly normal driving habits.

Thanks for your cars reference.

I’m looking forward to getting a second opinion to ensure dealership was being honest with me.

1 Like
6

I’m not handy unfortunately.

Can I buy the OEM pads from parts department at dealer and then have a trusted mechanic shop change it locally ?

Or should I just have local mechanic provide the pads and change it?

Thanks for your help

7

Forget the parts dept (theyll mark them up). Order some oem pads on fcpeuro and have an independent shop install them.

2 Likes
8

I do my own servicing on my G01 X3 M40.

9

Most mechanics won’t warranty customer- or 3rd party-sourced parts. So if the parts are defective and you get replacement parts from the retailer, you’ll have to pay labor again to install them.

10

FCPEuro LRG. Free oil changes if you can provide labour.

2 Likes
11

Remember the days when BMW’s came with 4/50k maintenance warranty that included brake rotors and pads.

2 Likes
12

Yes, you can even shop on a site like FCPeuro. Remove the dealer from the entire equation.

13

Why do you say this? I’d be pretty surprised if they weren’t oem jurid pads.

14

Are you referring to the OEM pads as ‘cheap quality pads’, or to the part they wish to install?

1 Like
15

You have two contradicting statements. You may be upset about the situation but please do not spread misinformation.

2 Likes
16

Local shop or DIY, go onto your cars’ enthusiast forum and find out what performance brake pads are the most-preferred. On Mini, the OEM were soft organic and caused a ton of brake dust, discoloring the light silver wheels, and felt ‘slow’ and often ‘spongy’. Ceramics and other performance compounds improve wear, dust, and feel/stopping power, and should last well beyond 15K.
edit: In Mini, the popular upgrades were EBC Greenstuff, Redstuff and Hawk HP+, for example

17

Sure I will look into that website for the part

18

I say this because how does factory break pads go out at 15k miles
Down to 3mm

Meanwhile my fronts are in good shape

I just find this extremely strange

The services advisor said these newer cars are more performance oriented and the brakes are wearing out quicker

19

I only am referring the OEM as cheap quality due to it wearing out in 15k miles

20

It is quite odd, never had that happen on any of my BMW’s. You must have some weird brake bias issue.