BMW Resurfaced Rotors.

illusionx · 03-26-2018, 08:34 PM

Hello guys took my car in for service.
Oil Changed.
Rear Pads changed.
Rear Rotors Resurfaced ?

Wasn't it advised against rotor resurfacing for BMW ? The dealership resurfaced my rotors in the back.

What is the minimum thickness for a f30 before they have to replace them ?

Car pulsates while braking now it got better after driving a few miles on the new pads is this normal ?

1QuikWS6 · 03-27-2018, 04:17 AM

Didn't know anyone resurfaced rotors any more - so 70's

Especially the dealer, think they would want to sell you new rotors. Even while my car is under warranty they totally replaced the rotors with new

Even when I'm paying I would buy new rotors instead of resurface, but hey, if done correctly there should be no pulsation

You might get some pulsation when pairing new pads with old rotor until the pads 'wear in' but should be nothing with new rotors or correctly resurfaced versions...

illusionx · 03-27-2018, 12:18 PM

This was all covered under the maintenance plan. Should i raise this concern up with the service manager ? I figured they would install new rotors with new pads.

1QuikWS6 · 03-27-2018, 12:37 PM

Well, all I can say is whenever my pads were changed under maintenance plan - they also installed new rotors & I didn't have to ask for them

I would definitely inquire, guess it's possible for different dealers to have different policies...

Orion4 · 03-27-2018, 03:17 PM

That is odd. BMW dealerships that I've used have ALWAYS installed new rotors and pads as a set when needed under my maintenance plans. I'm surprised the dealer service department even had a Brake Lathe or anyone trained in using it properly anymore. Hopefully, this wasn't your technican for the brake work.

Unless the rotors are almost new, its cheaper in parts, labor and customer satisfaction to change rotors and pads. Too much of a hassle otherwise.

I'd be very curious as to why they turned your rotors and what the final thickness measurement was after turning. Depending, you may "run out of rotor" before the pads are close to being due for replacement.

illusionx · 03-27-2018, 04:06 PM

Says after resurface from 19.8mm to 19.5 mm

jkwhar · 04-01-2018, 09:17 PM

The dealer cut the front rotors on my f15 before because it was warped.

Check this out...

https://bmwtechnician.com/2017/04/12/bmw-brake-lathe/

phrost · 04-07-2018, 02:38 PM

I used to always get the rotors changed but last time the dealership told me BMW is telling them to now resurface first before replacing.. /shrug

Orion4 · 04-07-2018, 02:51 PM

Looks like BMW is trying to go the "cheap" route with rotors under the Maint. plans

FaRKle! · 04-10-2018, 10:59 AM

I helped a friend swap rotors/pads on his 435i the other weekend and he told me the first time his brakes were changed by the dealer under the free maintenance plan they resurfaced the rotors too and changed the pads.

illusionx · 04-16-2018, 11:28 AM

Wont this wear down the pads faster ?

BMW in NE · 04-16-2018, 11:58 AM

I just had an issue with mine and they resurfaced rotors and replaced pads all under warranty.

Billfitz · 04-26-2018, 08:31 AM

If the rotors can be resurfaced without taking them too thin, and if the dealer has a lathe, that's what they'll usually do. If they don't have a lathe they'll probably replace rather than re-face. The idea that you can't turn rotors can be traced to Japanese cars, which typically use rotors that are too thin to be turned, to reduce weight.

Orion4 · 04-30-2018, 01:39 PM

Most rotors are recycled- so not a total waste other than the additional energy required to do so.

F32Fleet · 05-09-2018, 06:24 AM

I just found out that dealers have access to a portable lathe which turns the rotors while they're still attached to the car.

BMW uses it for in-warranty brake issues.

BEM-S4 · 05-11-2018, 07:27 PM

New bmw official policy is resurface if possible for brake service. New rotors only if absolutely necessary.

Sea-Tac · 05-17-2018, 09:44 PM

I thought they stopped resurfacing rotors about 10 years ago...Am I wrong here?

n00bkiller944 · 05-20-2018, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sea-Tac

I thought they stopped resurfacing rotors about 10 years ago...Am I wrong here?

I thought so too. Yesterday got my car back from the dealership and they replaced the pads and turned the rotors. Love that it was free work done so I can't complain but it looks like they started turning them again after the free maintenance came around.

Billfitz · 05-27-2018, 12:20 PM

To quote myself, The idea that you can't turn rotors can be traced to Japanese cars, which typically use rotors that are too thin to be turned, to reduce weight.

Big Mexican Women · 05-29-2018, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orion4

Looks like BMW is trying to go the "cheap" route with rotors under the Maint. plans

I don't see anything wrong with making the most out of your rotors if there is still some thickness remaining..

Quote:

Originally Posted by illusionx

Wont this wear down the pads faster ?

could you explain how?

03-26-2018, 08:34 PM	#1
illusionx Private 19 Rep 83 Posts Drives: 2015 328i Xdrive Join Date: May 2016 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	BMW Resurfaced Rotors. Hello guys took my car in for service. Oil Changed. Rear Pads changed. Rear Rotors Resurfaced ? Wasn't it advised against rotor resurfacing for BMW ? The dealership resurfaced my rotors in the back. What is the minimum thickness for a f30 before they have to replace them ? Car pulsates while braking now it got better after driving a few miles on the new pads is this normal ?
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03-27-2018, 04:17 AM	#2
1QuikWS6 No 55mph 1622 Rep 8,476 Posts Drives: F32 435ix MSport Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Blitzburgh, PA iTrader: (113) Garage List 2022 BMW M440ix Vert [0.00] 2015 BMW 435ix MSport [0.00] 2000 Pontiac Trans Am [0.00]	Didn't know anyone resurfaced rotors any more - so 70's Especially the dealer, think they would want to sell you new rotors. Even while my car is under warranty they totally replaced the rotors with new Even when I'm paying I would buy new rotors instead of resurface, but hey, if done correctly there should be no pulsation You might get some pulsation when pairing new pads with old rotor until the pads 'wear in' but should be nothing with new rotors or correctly resurfaced versions... __________________ F32 435ix//MGM//M Sport-Prem-Tech-Driver Assist-Lighting-Cold Weather-Dyn Handling Pkgs//M4 Black Lthr Int w/M4 Alum Blade Trim//HK w/Bavsound Stg3//763M//M4 Euro LCI Tails//M4 Mirrors w/CF Covers//AWCarbon CF F/R Spoilers-Side Splitters-Diffuser 6WB/ID6 HU+HUD/IND M4 Alcantara Armrest//PURE S2 Turbo//AA FMIC+DP//ER CP+TIC//3.5bar TMAP/TS DV//AWE Tuning Exh w/Blk Tips//Turner MS CF Intake//BM3 Cary Jordan Tune//MPerf Diff//PrecRW Ignition Kit
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03-27-2018, 12:18 PM	#3
illusionx Private 19 Rep 83 Posts Drives: 2015 328i Xdrive Join Date: May 2016 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	This was all covered under the maintenance plan. Should i raise this concern up with the service manager ? I figured they would install new rotors with new pads.
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03-27-2018, 12:37 PM	#4
1QuikWS6 No 55mph 1622 Rep 8,476 Posts Drives: F32 435ix MSport Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Blitzburgh, PA iTrader: (113) Garage List 2022 BMW M440ix Vert [0.00] 2015 BMW 435ix MSport [0.00] 2000 Pontiac Trans Am [0.00]	Well, all I can say is whenever my pads were changed under maintenance plan - they also installed new rotors & I didn't have to ask for them I would definitely inquire, guess it's possible for different dealers to have different policies... __________________ F32 435ix//MGM//M Sport-Prem-Tech-Driver Assist-Lighting-Cold Weather-Dyn Handling Pkgs//M4 Black Lthr Int w/M4 Alum Blade Trim//HK w/Bavsound Stg3//763M//M4 Euro LCI Tails//M4 Mirrors w/CF Covers//AWCarbon CF F/R Spoilers-Side Splitters-Diffuser 6WB/ID6 HU+HUD/IND M4 Alcantara Armrest//PURE S2 Turbo//AA FMIC+DP//ER CP+TIC//3.5bar TMAP/TS DV//AWE Tuning Exh w/Blk Tips//Turner MS CF Intake//BM3 Cary Jordan Tune//MPerf Diff//PrecRW Ignition Kit
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03-27-2018, 03:17 PM	#5
Orion4 Lieutenant Colonel 481 Rep 1,572 Posts Drives: 2013 335i Sport Line Sedan Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Melbourne, FL iTrader: (0)	That is odd. BMW dealerships that I've used have ALWAYS installed new rotors and pads as a set when needed under my maintenance plans. I'm surprised the dealer service department even had a Brake Lathe or anyone trained in using it properly anymore. Hopefully, this wasn't your technican for the brake work. Unless the rotors are almost new, its cheaper in parts, labor and customer satisfaction to change rotors and pads. Too much of a hassle otherwise. I'd be very curious as to why they turned your rotors and what the final thickness measurement was after turning. Depending, you may "run out of rotor" before the pads are close to being due for replacement. Last edited by Orion4; 03-27-2018 at 03:26 PM.. Reason: added detail
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03-27-2018, 04:06 PM	#6
illusionx Private 19 Rep 83 Posts Drives: 2015 328i Xdrive Join Date: May 2016 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	Says after resurface from 19.8mm to 19.5 mm
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04-01-2018, 09:17 PM	#7
jkwhar Captain 172 Rep 740 Posts Drives: F30 328i Xdrive \| F15 x35i Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Central NJ iTrader: (7)	The dealer cut the front rotors on my f15 before because it was warped. Check this out... https://bmwtechnician.com/2017/04/12/bmw-brake-lathe/ __________________ Did my post help? Click "Appreciate!" FOR SALE! Sport line Steering wheel with heated, paddle shifter, vibration motor, no airbag \| EDM Bi-Xenon adaptive headlights (SOLD) \| surround view retrofit kit (sold) \| KAFAS2 camera and ECU \| FLA camera(sold) \| 6WB cluster (SOLD)
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04-07-2018, 02:38 PM	#8
phrost zzzzaaaaannnnggggg 24 Rep 120 Posts Drives: 2014 328i xdrive sportline Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: NEPA iTrader: (0)	I used to always get the rotors changed but last time the dealership told me BMW is telling them to now resurface first before replacing.. /shrug __________________ _./ 2014 328i xDrive, Alpine White, Coral Red Interior, M-Sport Conversion (from Sportline), 15% Tint, Trunk Spoiler, Roof Spoiler, Active Autowerke Exhaust, Gloss Black Double Slat Grills, DINANTRONICS Sport, VMR V801 Wheels \_.
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04-07-2018, 02:51 PM	#9
Orion4 Lieutenant Colonel 481 Rep 1,572 Posts Drives: 2013 335i Sport Line Sedan Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Melbourne, FL iTrader: (0)	Looks like BMW is trying to go the "cheap" route with rotors under the Maint. plans Last edited by Orion4; 04-08-2018 at 10:24 AM..
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04-10-2018, 10:59 AM	#10
FaRKle! Brigadier General 4016 Rep 3,540 Posts Drives: 328d Wagon, M2 Comp, i4 eD35 Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2023 BMW i4 eDrive 35 [0.00] 2017 BMW 328dx Wagon [0.00] 2021 BMW M2 Competi ... [0.00]	I helped a friend swap rotors/pads on his 435i the other weekend and he told me the first time his brakes were changed by the dealer under the free maintenance plan they resurfaced the rotors too and changed the pads.
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04-16-2018, 11:28 AM	#11
illusionx Private 19 Rep 83 Posts Drives: 2015 328i Xdrive Join Date: May 2016 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	Wont this wear down the pads faster ?
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04-16-2018, 11:58 AM	#12
BMW in NE Second Lieutenant 69 Rep 287 Posts Drives: 2022 M340 xDrive Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: New England iTrader: (3)	I just had an issue with mine and they resurfaced rotors and replaced pads all under warranty.
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04-26-2018, 08:31 AM	#13
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,082 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	If the rotors can be resurfaced without taking them too thin, and if the dealer has a lathe, that's what they'll usually do. If they don't have a lathe they'll probably replace rather than re-face. The idea that you can't turn rotors can be traced to Japanese cars, which typically use rotors that are too thin to be turned, to reduce weight.
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04-30-2018, 01:39 PM	#14
Orion4 Lieutenant Colonel 481 Rep 1,572 Posts Drives: 2013 335i Sport Line Sedan Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Melbourne, FL iTrader: (0)	Most rotors are recycled- so not a total waste other than the additional energy required to do so.
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05-09-2018, 06:24 AM	#15
F32Fleet Lieutenant General 3572 Rep 10,352 Posts Drives: 2015 435i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Southeastern US iTrader: (0)	I just found out that dealers have access to a portable lathe which turns the rotors while they're still attached to the car. BMW uses it for in-warranty brake issues. __________________ "Drive more, worry less. " 435i, MPPK, MPE, M-Sport Line
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05-11-2018, 07:27 PM	#16
BEM-S4 Major General 4516 Rep 8,942 Posts Drives: Dinan M235, Dinan Sport Wagon Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (5)	New bmw official policy is resurface if possible for brake service. New rotors only if absolutely necessary. __________________ 2022 Macan S 2016 F31 328i xDrive Sport Wagon 2006 E46 330ci ZHP Convertible
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05-17-2018, 09:44 PM	#17
Sea-Tac Major 1455 Rep 1,487 Posts Drives: 2108 X3 xDrive30i Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Bellevue, Wa iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 X3 xDrive30i [0.00] 2016 328i xDrive [0.00]	I thought they stopped resurfacing rotors about 10 years ago...Am I wrong here?
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05-27-2018, 12:20 PM	#19
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,082 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	To quote myself, The idea that you can't turn rotors can be traced to Japanese cars, which typically use rotors that are too thin to be turned, to reduce weight.
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