theALPINAregister.com

[ade and liz flint]

I always knew this system was half useful ( service, inspection) and half useless (brake wear). Just to prove a point, #127 was showing 1300miles until rear pad exchange required. I'd had a quick peek at the pads as best as possible as previous owner didn't want to hand over with an impending bill for me. My limited visual showed they looked ok, so I said leave them and I'll sort as I like them done properly, not by service monkeys on time limits.

So, #127 is on stands whilst I get the rear wheels refurbed and new ps2's fitted, so I stripped the pads out and measured them: 7mm of friction material depth remaining, from original 10mm, so around half worn assuming 3-4mm as minimum thickness. If I wasn't so anal I'd just stick them back in for another 20k, but at £30 for a set of pads I'll exchange and forget for longer as discs are barely marked and will see at least this next set of pads out.

Pics of removed pads after a clean and measure; obviously in need of imminent change (according to BMW CBM):



Don't believe what you see. This is just a crappy algorithm working solely in BMW service favour. If told the brakes are cooked, ask to see them prior to paying a fortune for monkeys to uneccesarily replace them and empty your wallet
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Current:
E91 B3SBiturbo #127
981 Porsche Cayman GTS
Focus STline dog wagon

Previously loved:
ALPINA: E92 B3SBiturbo #285, E90 D3Biturbo #097, E85 Roadster S #168 & variety of 'grey' 4 and 6-cyl BMW lumps.
PORSCHE: Macan S, Cayman 981 S

[ali]

Thats good advice.
I've just sold my E91 LCI 330D and the OBC was showing 2100 miles to new front pads.
Popped the front wheel off and pads look grand enough just like yours do so they are getting left on
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B3 3.3 Touring #108
B10 V8 #540
B3 3.0 Biturbo #107
E46 M3 Convertible

[octanejunkie]

I never trust that system. It was designed for fleet cars. Not really suitable for high performance metal that needs special care.
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If its a job no man can survive, he's the man for the job.

[AidanB10]

I see it alot, always advise "It MAY require a set of pads, but we'll check while on the ramp"

However in most cases theyre maybe 60% worn or so

BUT we're not allowed to do a CBS correction anymore, as it'll confuse the computer and over estimate the life of the pads...
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'00 E39 B10 V8 Saloon #456 (Weekend) - Traded
'10 E90N D3 BT Saloon #262 (Daily) -Traded
'06 E60 M5 Saloon (Daily)

[ade and liz flint]