[David3]

It is time to change the front brake rotors/discs on my 2012 550ix. I quickly realized that the factory rotors are lightweight directional (side specific) units. The reason for replacing is that I am getting the car ready for sale. I doubt any prospective buyer is going to be ok with the vibration and steering wheel shaking during hard braking. Otherwise, the car is ready to go and in 9/10 condition with 94k miles. And, loaded with all options...no really, even has IR night vision.

Anyway, my dilemma:
1. Install cast iron, non directional rotors (about $130/ea)
2. Install OEM lightweight (aluminum hub) directional rotors (about $200/ea)
3. Run the used pads (still plenty of life left)
4. Replace front pads (do not know what pads are on the rear as I have never had to work on the brakes since i purchased the car in 2016).

What would you do? Remember, I am selling the car (probably will ask $13k).

[SWFLf10]

Originally Posted by David3

It is time to change the front brake rotors/discs on my 2012 550ix. I quickly realized that the factory rotors are lightweight directional (side specific) units. The reason for replacing is that I am getting the car ready for sale. I doubt any prospective buyer is going to be ok with the vibration and steering wheel shaking during hard braking. Otherwise, the car is ready to go and in 9/10 condition with 94k miles. And, loaded with all options...no really, even has IR night vision.

Anyway, my dilemma:
1. Install cast iron, non directional rotors (about $130/ea)
2. Install OEM lightweight (aluminum hub) directional rotors (about $200/ea)
3. Run the used pads (still plenty of life left)
4. Replace front pads (do not know what pads are on the rear as I have never had to work on the brakes since i purchased the car in 2016).

What would you do? Remember, I am selling the car (probably will ask $13k).

If there’s still plenty of pad and it just needs rotors, I’d replace them with the aluminum hat version since the price isn’t much different.

[TuckerE36]

Originally Posted by David3

It is time to change the front brake rotors/discs on my 2012 550ix. I quickly realized that the factory rotors are lightweight directional (side specific) units. The reason for replacing is that I am getting the car ready for sale. I doubt any prospective buyer is going to be ok with the vibration and steering wheel shaking during hard braking. Otherwise, the car is ready to go and in 9/10 condition with 94k miles. And, loaded with all options...no really, even has IR night vision.

Anyway, my dilemma:
1. Install cast iron, non directional rotors (about $130/ea)
2. Install OEM lightweight (aluminum hub) directional rotors (about $200/ea)
3. Run the used pads (still plenty of life left)
4. Replace front pads (do not know what pads are on the rear as I have never had to work on the brakes since i purchased the car in 2016).

What would you do? Remember, I am selling the car (probably will ask $13k).

I would do everything correct with OEM manufactured parts from FCP Euro, they will be less expensive than the OEM branded parts and will give the buyer peace of mind.

[SWFLf10]

Originally Posted by TuckerE36

I would do everything correct with OEM manufactured parts from FCP Euro, they will be less expensive than the OEM branded parts and will give the buyer peace of mind.

+1 for the FCP Euro recommendation. They do list out the OE and OEM parts nicely and have always provided me with great customer service.

[Hoa]

If rotors are still thick within manufacture’s spec, have it resurfaced and you’re good to go. Most shop charges around 20-40 for the pair.

[David3]

Thanks for the comments. I believe I will go with OEM lightweight rotors and reuse the pads. Let the new buyer then decide what pads he wants to use when the time comes. Headed to dealer today (I get 20% discount, no tax, no shipping which makes the dealer competitive).

[SocomCA]

If you dont want to replace them yourself and want to use OEM parts. The brake pads and rotors are pretty cheap at the BMW Dealership if you use the value service plan.

Its around $1200 for front and rear brake pads, sensor and oem rotors installed.


You can access the pricing here: https://mygarage.bmwusa.com/vehicle-profile.html

It does vary from dealership to dealership btw which you can check by changing your preferred dealership online on the website after you log in.

See attached.