[dpwct]

2019 430ix

Mycar information display is saying that I need new front brake pads in 1200 miles. Is that usually accurate? how does the system measure
that?

What’s a typical mileage for brake pads? Also, any suggestions every time I bring it in for pads they suggest new rotors.

[visionaut]

It’s when the recommendation says to check them. It’s using mileage or time, whichever is less, not a brake measurement (if your wear sensors haven’t worn enough to trip).

There can be a wide range of mileage based upon how the brakes are used, including self-application from the dynamics controls. Overall exterior exposure, cleaning and condition of pads/rotors are also factors. BMW’s estimate is usually a bit conservative, obviously.

You can change just pads if the rotors aren’t worn. AFAIK, BMW dealers prefer to replace rotors vs. resurface them. The minimum thickness might be too easy to exceed with a full cut/resurface.

IIRC, the minimum pad thickness warning occurs at 3.7mm and the Min is 3mm, and the rotor can only wear 2.4mm (1.6mm for M). The rotor min thickness is also cast into the rotor.

Check them yourself to see if your estimate’s any good…

.

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by dpwct

2019 430ix
Mycar information display is saying that I need new front brake pads in 1200 miles....how does the system measure that?

It doesn't. It's a semi-educated guess. The wear sensors aren't worth much either, as there's only two of them and there's eight pads. The only way to know the condition of the pads is to visually inspect all of them on a regular basis.