Mechanical Brake Pad Wear Indcator

[winkeldc]

I was wondering if anyone can attest tothe accuracy of the mechanical wear indicator on the rear brake pad. I have read around and about that brake pad life is not that great with the factory pads. I am at 5K plus, and the indicator bar has not moved that much. I am still over 75% of the pad life left.

Thanks for the help.

[deilenberger]

If you mean the rings on the retaining pin - they pretty much have to be accurate since the pad moves relative to the pin as it wears.

That said - you might go to the BMW-MOA forums, hexheads, DIY - there is a good writeup (finished editing it last night) on changing pads - and it shows the rear very clearly. You can eyeball the rear pads directly without removing anything. Fronts are a bit more of a challenge - but if you get down on your knees you can see the pad material and backing - which will give you a good idea of the pad left.

I did wear out a set of rears in about 16,000 miles.

[winkeldc]

Thanks Don. I appreciate it. I will check out the other post.