Thanks for the write-up and the links. Yeah. I've been reading up on e90post about getting ceramic. I'm almost at nearly 81K miles, and due for an oil change in 4k miles. I'm not 100% certain that I need brakes, but they aren't the same anymore. I'm holding off on the purchase as long as possible though, since I just bought tires + alignment for almost $700. Rims will have to wait, LOL.
You said you did it yourself? How long did it take you?
Now that I've had these brakes for over a week, I don't regret getting them at all. They may not have that extra bite when you need to stop suddenly, but how often do you need to do that? ... Majority of the time it's all about smooth braking, and these ceramic pads have a much more linear, and therefore more predictable, brake application.
I inspect my car vitals each month and saw that my rotors had a very noticeable lip on them, so I knew soon enough I'd need to change them and the pads out. Sure enough, a few months later the car popped-up an alert warning me to change my brakes. From there it took about a week to order and receive my pads and rotors, and a few more days until I did the brake change. Needless to say, the car was spot on and the pads were worn down pretty well. Just an FYI, there is a sensor attached to the left-front brake pad, as well as the right-rear pad, and once the pad gets warn down to a certain point, that sensor then also begins to grind against your rotors when you apply the brake.....and hence it alerts the car that your pads are worn down. Therefore, mental note... if/when you change the pads & rotors yourself, you'll need to purchase a new sensor too ($15 off ebay).
I won't be needing new tires for a while yet. I'm at about 57K miles, and the tread depth is surprisingly good. When it comes to an oil change, I do that myself also (and when I say 'myself', I mean having a second person as a helping hand...but it's still done at home). Doing the actual oil change is dead simple on the E92... easier than your typical car (mainly because the oil filter is housed right at the top of the engine bay, not squished down low like most cars). There is just a slight issue though..... getting enough clearance under the car to reach the oil drain plug. I bought a pair of Rhino Ramps ($50), and they serve me very well...and will definitely pay for themselves with the money I save in going with the DIY oil-change route. Roll the front tires up on the ramps and you have ample clearance to get the job done comfortably. I tend to do my oil changes every 7,500-10,000 miles, and I used all OEM parts and oil (again, bought from getbmwparts.com ... the oil change kit costs about $70 incl. shipping ...mainly because you'll need just about 7 quarts!! of fully synthetic Castrol oil).
I need to replace my brake fluids, but I don't have the specific tools for that, and since it's not a regular thing you need to do, I'm thinking of taking it to an indy-BMW shop when I can find the time.
To answer your question about the brake change... as I mentioned, I only did the front pads and rotors. In all honesty, it didn't take that long... a few hours, but that's because it was the first time, so naturally was being extra cautious and making mental notes about what goes where in-case I messed up or forgot to buy some part. There are some excellent DIY guides (with photos) on some of the E92/BMW specific forums, so if you ever do want to give it a go, definitely check them out..and of course you can shoot me a PM on here and I'll help all I can.
Make sure you choose the right rear derailleur length too!
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