The old worn brakes trick

[Tuono1961]

Took my bike in recently for a service at the local BMW dealer. Was rung after a couple of hours to be told "the front pads are almost down to metal, would you like us to change them"

After enquiring on the price, to be told it would be £140 I politely declined their offer and picked up a set from Steptoe on the way home. Once the bike was back in my garage I set about the change only to find there was at least 1.5 mm of pad left before the wear indicators.

Now I know this isn't the biggest deal in the world but I really was hoping that an official BMW dealer would be above the sort of behaviour normally found at the local "fit fast" type outlet. I'm also disappointed that I can now no longer trust them when they tell me something needs to be replaced.

Was I just being naive

The new DP pads from Steptoe at £40 a set are excellent by the way. Loads more feel and stopping power.

 

[David Nimrod]

After enquiring on the price, to be told it would be £140 I politely declined their offer and picked up a set from Steptoe on the way home. Once the bike was back in my garage I set about the change only to find there was at least 1.5 mm of pad left before the wear indicators...

Just the same cynical sharp practice that car garages of all types have been at for decades...

Why would anyone expect a BMW motorcycle dealer to be any better..?

(Although I'm sure some are).

This is exactly why your friendly, accountable, local, Independent is always the place to go...

And if you have to go to a Dealer because it's a new bike, well, that's what you 'bought into'

 

[original_concept]

And if you have to go to a Dealer because it's a new bike, well, that's what you 'bought into'

another urban myth... new bike, service it anywhere, warranty still good and claims are still processed without bother.

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

The front ones on my GSA are 34,000 miles old and about 50% worn

 

[David Nimrod]

another urban myth... new bike, service it anywhere, warranty still good and claims are still processed without bother.

Look at my Post... I did say 'if'...

 

[Tuono1961]

It's the trust bit that really annoys me.

Now every time I'm told this or that is worn/needs to be replaced I'll have to pick the bike up, check for my own piece of mind then do it myself or book it back in to be done.

Either way I now have to accept potentially taking one up the arse or giving myself a load of grief

 

[MIKA]

In defense of the dealer, if they don't think the pads will last to the next service then they should advise you of this. We would all moan if the brakes hit the metal a couple of months after the service.

Where they went wrong is telling you they need replaced. Agree that the vast majority of independant garages provide a better overall honest service.

 

[Tuono1961]

In defense of the dealer, if they don't think the pads will last to the next service then they should advise you of this. We would all moan if the brakes hit the metal a couple of months after the service.

Where they went wrong is telling you they need replaced. Agree that the vast majority of independant garages provide a better overall honest service.

That's my point if they were truly worn to the point that they wouldn't make the next service I'd have told them to get on with it (not at £140 quid mind).

But they didn't, their exact words were "they're almost down to metal" which in my book is is not the case with 1.5mm of pad showing before the wear indicators.

 

[Decster]

What's wrong with Steptoe servicing it?

 

[Tuono1961]

What's wrong with Steptoe servicing it?

Good question and will probably be the case in future. Thing is I don't mind paying a premium for a great service and the dealer has been excellent up to date.

I've also enjoyed playing with and the convenience of the nice shinny loan bikes

Just hate the feeling of being tucked up

 

[original_concept]

Look at my Post... I did say 'if'...

I'm getting old and using a 13" screen... 'if' is almost too small to see

Remember you can also swap the front pads around if the outer/inner pad is more worn than the other to stretch 'em out a bit longer.

 

[Kremmen]

In defense of the dealer, if they don't think the pads will last to the next service then they should advise you of this. We would all moan if the brakes hit the metal a couple of months after the service.

.

+1 That's why it's called preventive maintenance....

 

[VAL. H.]

The original front pads on my 05 1200 are only just over half worn after 57000 miles


Val.

 

[GrinningGSer]

I jhave just been told the same about the rear pads on my Freelander. "I'll keep an eye on it," I said. Last week I took the wheels off and there is loads left. In biew that rear pads last last an eternity, I reckon there is a year or two left cos I do low mileage