When and what to change for my BMW e46 Brakes?

I have a 2001 BMW e46 316i

I noticed that when I am climbing a hill or coming down a hill at speeds, my brakes sometimes makes a squeky noise, sometime ago a mechanic said to me that my brakes needs changing, as the brake oil had come down quite a bit.

Now I am going to buy the brakes today from BMW, I am thinking how many should I buy, I am thinking of buying all 4 brakes, but I might be wrong here. It is worth buying just front 2 or all 4.

Also, on a more seperate note, when I was driving this morning, on a wet icy road, coming down the hill, the car skidded and i temporarily lost control, it was going sideways to hit another vehicle, I am note sure if this is related to the brakes or just the road condition, I did put on the ASC function afterwards, is this the right thing to do and what else do I need to check in the car ?

When and what to change for my BMW e46 Brakes?vincent

Firstly, your ASC is turned ON by default. (No light = ON, orange ASC light on = OFF).

Brake pads should be changed in pairs. Also, you will need to buy a brake wear sensor.

You'll need 1 sensor for the front, 1 for the rear.

If the mechanic said you have brake fluid leaking, you have a more serious brake problem that may require the brake calipers to be changed too.

Depending on how worn your rotors are, you may also need new brake rotors (discs).

You can tell by looking through your wheels how much brake pad life you have by looking at the thickness of the brake pad friction material. Then judge by yourself whether you need 1 or 2 pairs. Squeeky noise does not necessarily mean you need new brakes.

Edit: it's advisable to change your brake sensors everytime you change your pads even if the sensors have not physically rubbed on your rotors. It's not expensive, in the US, it's $10 a piece. The reason is the plastic piece that clips onto your rotor normally would become brittle with age and heat from your pads. It's easy to break it when you remove it.

I wanna get a BMW 5 Series!?

I want to buy a BMW E34, 525i, but im concerned about the running costs of these machines... If possible can some one tell me how much fuel they go through a week and how reliable they have been for them?

Thanks!!!

I wanna get a BMW 5 Series!?virus protection software

Dear Danny,

BMW cars are always well maintained around the world and mostly owned by affordable crowd.

Timely service,oil change etc.

rarely u find unreliable cars.

However u pls check the service records and make yourself happy first.

Take to a known good mechanic and have him inspect and test drive and then give his opinion of the condition and of any repairs required in the near future and also the estimated cost.

BMW cars very economical on long distance/highways.

Town use is not that economical.All depends which city u live.

Fuel cost depends on how much your travel per week and if in town,you will feel little pinch.

why not try 520i ,if u are on budget for fuel.

BMW cars are very powerful and reliable,luxurious with class..

There is always warning b4 breaking down.so dont ignore the warnings.

Wishing u the best to be a BMW owner soon.

I wanna get a BMW 5 Series!?adware

The 5series has areally good driving ability. It is really a fast car. However this comfort and sportivity has a cost. This car is a heavy drunker and uses more than 15 litresof petrol for 100km. This is a minimum as as you get further in the 5series (518,520,525,540,m5) it becomes more and more drinker. I won`t be suprise if the 525i uses more than 18litres. In fact all car that has an aptitudefor fast driving uses lot of petrol. For example, a subaru impreza wrx sti uses on average 18litres for 100km. The bmw 5series is however very reliable and its not the type of car to breakdown easily. it`s realy a nice car and if you can afford the running cost, i suggest you to buy it.
I would personally not get a 525i. It is a bigger car than the 325i with the same engine so it gets a lot worse gas mileage. I used to have an old body style 540 that I loved. Only problem with that is the bigger engine uses more fuel. I currently have a 325i (2006) and absolutely love it. If you are willing to get a little bit smaller car, the 325i or 330i is the one to go with. Just remember, all BMWs require premium gasoline so they are not the cheapest to keep on the streets.
if you like speed, then try to go up the next trim, as it will give you more horsepower... but if that is not a factor, then go for it. its a nice car with reliability.
Hey Danny R - First...BMWs are great performance cars......Also had a Mercedes Kompressor....loved it, great gas mileage, but the service prices were a big "ouch". on your wallet...Had a 99 BMW, an 04 BMW...and guess what....these are absolutely, without a doubt, the best cars...and the engineers keep tweeking the car to make it even better.....I think they have outdone themselves in 06 %26 07... ..Second, .... Skip the 5 series...just bought the newer and wider model - a 325i 2006 (it was a service loaner with only 10K miles - I saved bunches)...this car is much wider and has more interior goodies than the 04 model. I did not get the all-wheel drive and this, coupled with a tad smaller engine than the 5 series, is another way to save fuel. Also, from a gal's point of view...the 5 Series is for old guy bankers....kinda like the guys who order Manhattans. (sorry if I hurt anyone's feelings)
Both local and freeway combined: 20-22 mpg

Audi,Mercedes Benz or BMW.over all witch is best?

I am thinking of upgrading from my Skoda Superb But----

Audi-bit bland %26 understated!

BMW-bit flash %26 vulgar!

Merc.-Build quality,size!

Audi,Mercedes Benz or BMW.over all witch is best?virus protection

I'd say Mercedes.

They used to have a quality problem, but after much critisism, I think this has been sorted. The model range is also impressive, from A to S.

Audi's are good cars, just like your Skoda. You'll probably know that they share many components, both being part of the VAG group. A little too much badge-engineering for my liking.

BMW? Yes, good drivers cars, but ruined by the image of middle-management-boy-racers. Not exclusive enough.

Audi,Mercedes Benz or BMW.over all witch is best?agv

Audi for quality and value. We have a Audi Avant TD! 130 and it is better than anything comparable from BMW or Merc.

I am awaiting delivery of a new TT 2.0 Turbo and truly believe after trying both SLK and BMW that the TT is a better buy. Have had a TT Roadster 163 for two years and it has been superb for non competition driving - quality, performance and overall cost factor.
umm LEXUS.
We have a Merc C Class, its fantastic and you cant beat the customer service 30 years breakdown cover.. yes 30 years.
Mercedes Benz for quality and reliability plus the trim is nicer.
i used to sell cars and i personaly prefer mercs. Audi, as you stated - bland and uninvolved, and front wheel drive. BMWs are more involving and rear wheel drive but just dont feel the same. You cant beat a Benz. ill have a CL65 V12 bi turbo please......
No comparison, mercedes, by far. Especially the American version because it is made better, than for other Countries
kika is right lexus happens to be the the most reliable car in the world(yes it beats maserati and toyota but the ratings(from consumers)give it the best rating for everyday cars(now you cant say bently is better it aint an evryday car!)
Mercedes Benz is by far the best as they provide the best range of special features.

Would you get a bmw 323 (last generation) or a brand new civic coupe?

both go for about the same price. the bmw would have 40-70k miles on it.

Would you get a bmw 323 (last generation) or a brand new civic coupe?virus removal

BMW no doubt

Would you get a bmw 323 (last generation) or a brand new civic coupe?anti virus protection

Buy the new Civic Coupe - better deal (BMW maintenance would be higher than the Civic)
Civic Coupe, the BMW is very cliche.
both for the same price? Def BMW
z-3 for 11,000 .... you are such a wuss .....
I LOVE my Civic. My friend drives an older (5 or 6 years) BMW......I think my car is nicer!
brand new civic coupe...
I like BMW better.

UTI or Wyotech, want to work on BMW's.?

I want to work on BMW's at a dealership. Some guy who owns a shop the other day said you could make $100,000 a year. But I dont need that much money anyway I just like cars and have always been mechanical minded. Anywho, I live in Sacramento California and I have Wyotech and UTI right down the road. I am thinking which one I should go to to become a BMW Tech?

Would prefer people who have gone to one of these schools or people who know for sure. Also how much does it cost? Tear.

UTI or Wyotech, want to work on BMW's.?virus scan

I wish you the best as you pursue a career working with BMWs. It takes hard work and dedication, but with the right education and skills, you can achieve your dreams.

I work with WyoTech, so here’s some info about the BMW concentration that’s from the catalog:

The BMW motorcycle training concentration provides the technical information required for specialization in BMW motorcycle repairs. This training also applies towards students being awarded BMW Certified Technician status. Students will study:

�?BMW Engine Section

�?BMW Electrical Systems

�?BMW Frame and Suspension

�?BMW Transmissions and Drive

�?BMW Fuel Systems

�?BMW Related Information

�?BMW Management Section

BTW, check out the video link below to see what the program is all about.

I don't work with the financial assistance team, but they can definitely answer your questions on cost for each program.

Have you taken a BMW performance driving school class near Spartanburg, SC?

It seems like a great experience and you can really learn how to drive your BMW. What do you think about the two day course?

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/E...

Have you taken a BMW performance driving school class near Spartanburg, SC?virus scanner

I was involved in the "M5 Driving Experience" which was complimentary for all new owners of M5's. It was a 2-day session and the experience was terrific. The instructors were very professional and every detail well thought out. One learns first-hand the capabilities of these cars and leaves with the knowledge of what sets them apart from Hondas, Pontiacs, and Toyotas - superlative engineering. It's the kind of stuff not readily apparent to the naked eye.

Have you taken a BMW performance driving school class near Spartanburg, SC?anti virus software

I think it looks like a Blast! I definitely want to do it sometime in the future.

I ordered the DVD about the Course from BMW.com They sent it to me for free!
Its the best course you could ever imagine. You will have a blast if you take it!

Why is my 2008 BMW 328I only Avg. 16 miles per gallon?

I just leased a 328I BMW and the gas milage suks. I had a CLK 320 before and it was much better. I'm now avg.ing about 16MPG!!!??? is this right, or is something wrong with the car. I do both city and highway driving with some traffic?? Thanks guys.

Why is my 2008 BMW 328I only Avg. 16 miles per gallon?virus

If you are still in your breakin period (about the first 1000-2000 miles), you will always get worse gas mileage than after the period.

Why is my 2008 BMW 328I only Avg. 16 miles per gallon?anti virus

Does anyone know how long a BMW 325 XI will last for. I see one for sale has 123 miles owner wants 12,000 for a 2003. Is it worth the buy? Report It


CHANGE OUT OF 1ST GEAR M8
It probably has something to do with your driving style. It COULD be a bad oxygen or air flow sensor, but chances are the problem lies in your right foot.

Keep the RPMs low, don't accelerate too fast or too slow, use cruise control and keep it under 75 or so (optimum speed will vary, but above that almost all cars fuel economy plummets) Brake early so you have better control over your speed through turns, and so that you can avoid having to stop at red lights (this depends on traffic, of course).

You can draft trucks and motorhomes, too, but if you can't do it at a safe following distance (you'll know when you're in the wake, since you can feel a transition when you enter it)...that is, if you can't do it following 2 seconds behind the car in front, don't. But on the highway, large vehicles DO punch a big hole in the air, and it DOES work.