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Cost of replacing brake discs/pads??

I took my Mini in for a service today, however they've just phoned me saying it needs loads of work done, most are minor things like new wipers, however, they've told me that the front brake pads/discs need replacing, at a cost of over £200, and the rear pads need replacing too, which will cost £130.
Plus VAT on top. :eek:

Obviously its going to be more pricey as its an official dealer, if I took it elsewhere do you reckon I could get it done cheaper? Or would it be about the same? :confused:

Thanks guys.

Reply 1

pghstochaj

11

Give a few places a call, it's pretty much fast fit so you don't need a top end garage. It depends on your area really as to whether those prices are good, I always do discs/pads myself since it's so simple and quick. Being a Mini garage they will probably use original equipment pads/discs where as some places may skimp (or offer better parts).

In terms of parts, for the Mini One:
Pads (front):
Part Number : MDB2162

Price : £26.64 + v.a.t (axle set)

Discs:
Part Number : SBG3661

Price : £15.44 + v.a.t

(Individually Priced)

Rear pads:

Part Number : MDB2163

Price : £21.21 + v.a.t

(Axle Set)

Which will give you an idea of what labour they're charging you.

I had a quick look for some basic pricing on the net and didn't find anything immediately. What mileage has your mini got on it? It will have wear indicators which should tell you when it's worn. You shouldn't rely on that but I would be slightly dubious that they need doing and the wear indicator hasn't told you to be honest. Depends on your mileage though.

Anyway, to answer your question; they're not silly prices.

Reply 2

tbm

OP

13

Thanks for that. I had a feeling they needed to be done as I had two new front tyres last month and the garage said then, but I forgot. I always go to a small reputable garage where my parents live, so I can get them done there I should think, I'll phone and ask how much they charge. My Mini has done 22,000 miles.

EDIT: I just phoned the Mini garage back about 5 mins ago to ask the total exact price and with VAT it would be £398.

Reply 3

gbduo

15

Your brake discs need replacing after 22k miles!? Absolute load of *******s, run your nail along the disc if there is a huge groove of over about 5-7mm then the discs need replacing. I seriously doubt this on such a low mileage.

My mum's car (Honda Civic Exec) has done about the same mileage and Honda told her she needed new discs, which was rubbish.

Have you got drums on the rear? If so, i doubt that the rear pads need replacing. In fact if you have discs on the rear, i doubt you would need new rear pads as they do so little work anyway.

I would however agree that the front brake pads need replacing, but thats it.

It seems like this garage is ripping you off, probably because you are a woman :frown:

Graham

Reply 4

pghstochaj

11

Joystar*

Thanks for that. I had a feeling they needed to be done as I had two new front tyres last month and the garage said then, but I forgot. I always go to a small reputable garage where my parents live, so I can get them done there I should think, I'll phone and ask how much they charge. My Mini has done 22,000 miles.

EDIT: I just phoned the Mini garage back about 5 mins ago to ask the total exact price and with VAT it would be £398.

Well at least you know it needs to be done then and they're not trying to cheat you.

22k is silly miles for the discs though, pads 'ok' but discs after that mileage is very poor, are you the sure the discs need replacing, usually you go through 2 sets of pads per disc. Then again they are constantly changing the compounds and for all I know, minis have silly discs that wear quickly.

£398 inc. VAT for front discs/pads and rear pads is pretty high, you should expect a lot less from the local garage, I would hope. It's a very straight forward and standard job that a 16 y/o apprentice can do.

Let us know how much the local garage charges.

Reply 5

JC.

19

You should always change pads and disks in pairs. It may be that one disk has warped a little. The other may be perfectly fine but it is bad practice to only change one side at a time.

Reply 6

pghstochaj

11

I don't think anybody is suggesting otherwise? If I have inadvertently, I didn't mean it to sound like that!

Reply 7

JC.

19

No, but it doesnt hurt to emphasise good workshop practice to the novices.

Reply 8

pghstochaj

11

Good

Was worried that something I may have said suggested otherwise.

Reply 9

stevoboy

Ouch. Sounds expensive but to be honest if you go anywhere near BMW/mini main dealers you will get caned. I dont know about the mini but for my dads car front discs are £105 EACH from BMW dealer. You can look up the make of standard fit brake discs/pads and get them much cheaper elsewhere (e.g. eurocarparts.com) so you know youre getting the same quality stuff but without getting ripped off. Replacing them is a straightforward job which you should be able to get done anywhere.

Reply 10

nmt_oli

1

Get a 2nd or 3rd opinion by all means, but ultimately don't skimp on brakes! Brake and tyres are two things on a car that i am very careful with, and change even if they don't 'need' changeing.

I do agree the quote was a little high, although i have heard of non main dealers chainging brakes and somehow damaging the sensord built into the new minis that read tyre pressures (if thats applicable). With newer cars dealer servicing is of benifit in some instances.

Reply 11

Clubber Lang

15

I have found that local small garage mechanics charge around £40 per hour max whereas the ones at places like VW dealers charge over twice as much

So its a definitley a case of going to a local mechanic that you can trust for sure.

Reply 12

Né Stig

15

You can't piss up a disk and pad change, so that's a good thing. So any Tom / Dick or Harry can change them. It could be the worst dealer in town giving you the chapest price, and you I'd still go there if I was you. (not me obviously).

Disks on Mini's aren't great. My sister has gone through a set on 20k and I changed them for her (along with pads at same time (might as well)). Its a pity I didn't take photo's for the OP with a process. The cost of the actual disks though are quite cheap when you consider the size of them, which are bigger than other 1.6l engines which aren't that powerful.

Reply 13

randomuser

I'd ask around if I was you and see if there is anyone you know who would be happy to change them for you.

My clio needed new discs and pads, garage quoted over £200, I picked up new pads for £15 and discs for £20 and my brother changed them for me!

Reply 14

Camoxide

14

Dat 7 year old thread.

Reply 15

jusdorange

3

Original post by Camoxide

Dat 7 year old thread.

why did you bump lol

Reply 16

IntriguedUser

12

I have a local indie guy who done my rear discs and pads for £35, I give him loads of work though so that could be why besides its going straight in his pocket!

I do discs and pads myself though, only the front....