740iL Brake Pad Install Question

[vinman]

Just wondering if there is anything to be aware of while changing my own Pads on my 99 740iL. I've changed brake pads and rotors at least 10 times on vehicles I have owned over the years, most of which were GM or Chrysler.
I'm only planning on changing the Pads, not the rotors. I looked at the rotors and they seemed fine. No grooves of any sort, very even wear.
Any hidden issues to be aware of?
any advice?

Thanks VinMan

 

[420i]

I would say not. Just be aware of electrical connections! Also mke sure your mountining hardware is in order.

 

[martins]

the project itself is really simple...the brakes come apart fundamentally the same as the ones your familiar with. Couple of tips...

1. Make sure you use the anti-squeal goop in the correct spots, or else!

2. Replace the pads and the rotors...do not cheap out and not replace them or turn them or you will not have a "complete" brake job - the rotors wear with the pads.

3. Flush the brake system...select a brake fluid (DOT 4 of course) with a different color so you know when your done. The one man pressure things work well, but having a friend push the pedal works the best.

4. Order new sensors

have fun

 

[Big Daddy]

I agree with you martins except that if your rotors are in satisfactory condition, not warpped or worn down too far there is no need to replace them. I would never turn a BMW rotor they are designed and priced to be replaced when worn out. I am on the second set of pads with my 750il and they are fine. Also I use ATE Super Blue synthetic brake fluid, it comes in two colors.

 

[vinman]

thanks the feedback guys. If I was going to keep this for longer than a year, then I would replace the rotors and do a complete job. The plan is to sell the 740 within the next 6 months.

I've been looking for an M5 for about a year now, work was a bit volatile so I put it on hold. Now I'm back in the game. No hurry, but summer time should be about right.

Thanks
VinMan

 

[martins]

sounds good, but it is impossible to wear out a set of pads and not wear out the rotors...to each his own!

 

[Big Daddy]

On my 750iL I am about half way through my second set of pads on my current set of rotors and they are fine (They were mic'd and are well within BMW tolerances). Pads and rotors do not wear out evenly and it depends mostly on the type of pads used.

My M roadster is on it's second set of high performance pads using a set of Frozen Rotors that we changed with the last set. They are fine as well and this one is driven hard. Rotors only need replacing if they are worn out, outside tolerances, warpped, pitted, or grooved.

 

[Abdoman]

On my 740i the dealer always recommended changing the front rotors with every brake job, but not the rears - two sets of pads to one set of rotors.

 

[jrt67ss350]

On my 740i the dealer always recommended changing the front rotors with every brake job, but not the rears - two sets of pads to one set of rotors.

Dealer also wants to sell you new rotors and charge you to install them. No need to replace them unless they are actually worn out, just like Big Daddy said.

 

[Abdoman]

I have a very good friend that is a SA at the BMW dealership I have my car repaired at. I don't think he would try to make money on me - besides he knows I order all my parts online.

The 7 series is a much larger car than the 3 series and it takes a lot more to stop. I would be very careful about not changing the front rotors.

 

[Wadula]

martins, rotors last longer than pads. way longer. i have 60k miles now and only the second set of rotors. imagine how many pads were replaced during those miles. i can´t tell you exactly, but sure enough more than two, that i know.

 

[Big Daddy]

I have 100k on the 750iL and my rotors still mic out within specs. I will change them next time around but see no sense in wasting money when it is not needed. By the way my 750iL still stops on a dime.

 

[Abdoman]

Big Daddy - I had a 95 740i - I have had more than just the dealer tell me I needed to change the front rotors at every brake job. I know you have a 91 750 - maybe the rotor thicknesses are different? Different diameters? I am not saying you are wrong, just wondering. Believe me I was pissed when they told me the price and that I need to change them on my 7 series. I had never heard of that before.

I have had two three series and only changed the rotors once at around 100k on my 93'.

 

[Big Daddy]

Maybe the 750's are bigger, I do not know. But I find it hard to believe that you could wear a set of rotors out in the life of a set of pads...wow! I guess all I can say is have them inspected and mic'd before discarding them. Anyone with a 740 out there who can help us? Thanks for posting the information though, maybe I will ask my dealer and see if he offers the same advice.

 

[wood_e]

I don't know about replacing the rotors with each pad replacement. That sounds fairly extreme to me. I have done brakes and rotors on my cars and friend's cars and I just had them turned if they needed it. I think the idea (for new rotors) is to season the rotor to the new pads ie: letting the rotor get used to the new pads. If your rotors are not warped and have good sweep marks then I say just replace the pads. Your rotors will "get used to" the new pads quickly. Go easy on the breaks for about 500 miles. Be sure to bed the pads as well...

 

[kunag]

[No message]

 

[kunag]

Hi Every one,
I am new to this forum. I have 1993, 740i. I have some questions regarding the brakes and replacement issues. I hope you people can help me out.
It has 95,000 miles on it.
Couple of days ago the dash sign for break pads showed up.
The local break shop checked it out. Said all the pads, rotors and sensors need to be changed. Approximate bill about 1000.00.He also said the rear rotors are ok now and probably need to be replaced in couple of months.
I am not sure if I need all the pads and rotors to be replaced. Is there a way for a person without much knowledge about these issues to tell if all the pads, sensors and rotors need to be replaced.
should I get a second opinion?
My son recently bought the pads and rotors for his Audi and got them done by a local shop. He says that buying the parts is a better way as you get what you pay. A better quality product, he means.
I appreciate your thoughts on this issue.
Thanking you .