[BimmerOne]

My car tells my it needs service, BMW stealership says it needs front pads and sensor. Parts and labor will run me almost $500. I ordered the pads and sensor online for under $100 (http://www.rmeuropean.com/Part-Numbe..._657B4470.aspx) and have a great mechanic who specializes in high end cars who will do the install for $80.

I am saving hundreds here... is there anything wrong with this?

And yes, I will bed the brakes in after the install...

[JayKay335i]

Wasn't aware Thrifty now specializes in high end cars....

[Chriztofor]

For the hell of it, I would change the rear brakes too especially if the Indy will only charge you another $80 in labor.

[IancoleTX]

If your guy is an experienced BMW or european car mechanic, then no. There is no material difference in the quality of the work done by dealerships and indy shops, except for the price of the work.

[BimmerOne]

Supposedly I have another 60k left in the rear brakes. Would you still say I should do them while it's on the hoist....?

[Chriztofor]

^ Really? If so, then no.

[Chriztofor]

Winter is coming, when was the antifreeze last changed? Since you found yourself a good Indy ask him about that too. Also, ask him what other maintenance items he would recommend should be performed.

[BimmerOne]

I have no idea about the antifreeze. Should I do this to be safe? How much might this cost?

[J02 335i]

Originally Posted by BimmerOne

I have no idea about the antifreeze. Should I do this to be safe? How much might this cost?

Your car will tell you when the coolant needs changing. Just like the brakes.

[TheRox]

Honestly I looked at the complexity of changing the brakes...you could do it yourself -- its not that hard

I don't see an independent having trouble with it. The only thing I don't get is -- do our sensors have to be replaced...or just reconnected to the caliper?

[BimmerOne]

Sensors have to be replaced - (there is only one on the left wheel). I ordered it with the pads for $15.

Hypothetically, I could do this myself. However, I may be good at taking things apart - not so much putting them back together. I have a strong feeling the the car will end up on a jack with no wheel, and I will have no idea how to get it back together.

[E92-Lighting]

nothing wrong with indy shops

[BimmerOne]

I was less concerned about the Indy mechanic and more concerned with the quality of 'non-bmw' OEM parts. With the amount I'm saving, it almost felt too good to be true.

A knowledgable friend informed me that I will need one more part. Brake pad clip...something along those lines - which I can get at the dealer for pennies..

[Chriztofor]

Originally Posted by J02 335i

Your car will tell you when the coolant needs changing. Just like the brakes.

No it won't, I think you are mixing up one of the symbols. I believe it must be changed every 5 years. I prefer to change every 2 years. Coolant is cheap. Water pump is expensive. (Coolant not only protects against freezing it also lubricates the water pump.)

[Chriztofor]

Originally Posted by BimmerOne

I was less concerned about the Indy mechanic and more concerned with the quality of 'non-bmw' OEM parts. With the amount I'm saving, it almost felt too good to be true.

A knowledgable friend informed me that I will need one more part. Brake pad clip...something along those lines - which I can get at the dealer for pennies..

I have been using autozone parts or internet parts (rmeuropean.com) since 2000 (I purchased a new 2000 323i BMW and kept it for about 10 years and 184,000 miles. Still on the road). The only problem I had is with aftermarket brake sensors. I will only use OEM for those.