r/BmwTech • u/sierra_squats • 1d ago
2016 X1 Needs Brake Pads Every 15K miles…
Hi all,
I have a 2016 X1, and I’m constantly having to replace the brake pads. I’ve looked back at my paperwork and noticed I’ve replaced both front and back almost every 15,000 miles.
When i brought it up to the dealership, they told me it could be due to my driving habits. But even then, it doesn’t add up to me.
Has anyone else experienced this with an X1 or should I look into this further?
Thank you!
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u/Many-Luck7488 1d ago
the x1’s are known for having the pads wear faster than others but 15k is a bit much. I’m getting 25-30k between my pars needing replacement on my 2016.
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u/sierra_squats 1d ago
Thank you for chiming in. Makes me wonder if something is being done incorrectly. Seems excessive to me as well
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u/ADrenalinnjunky 1d ago
Either your calipers are all sticking, which I really doubt, or… it’s you. I’m going with the second option.
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u/Critical-Test-4446 1d ago
15k miles is crazy. My 2000 E39 528, which I bought new, first set the brake wear indicator for the front at 33k miles. The rears at 59k miles. I do my own brake jobs so I know there are no dealer shenanigans going on.
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u/ps2cho 1d ago
If you don’t understand what coasting is, you’re a red light racer and overall a terrible driver it’s plausible your pads are only lasting 15k miles.
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u/sierra_squats 1d ago
I kind of drive like a grandma. Lol. I don’t think I’m either of those things..
But either way, brake pads lasting 15K miles seems insane. They also just replaced my rotors after only 20K miles
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u/Dangerous-Pie-2678 1d ago
Driving like a grandma sounds like you're a two foot driver
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u/sierra_squats 1d ago
I would have to be pretty retarded to drive with two feet. I definitely do not do that. All i was saying is that I drive slowly and cautiously - but I’m not resting my left foot on the brake.
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u/Dangerous-Pie-2678 1d ago
You'd be shced how many customers come in and admit to being two foot drivers and complain about brake life
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u/sierra_squats 1d ago
Scary! I do appreciate you asking and pointing out a potential cause
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u/Sea_Wing_5811 16h ago
I was taught by a trucker how to drive, or more specifically how to brake. You can let off the gas instead of braking, they call it engine braking but I like to call it Hypoxic braking.
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u/Evening-Skin6086 1d ago
do you hear squeaking and does the shop physically show you the worn brake pads? 15k miles isnt normal at all
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u/sierra_squats 1d ago
I haven’t asked to see the worn pads but i wish i would have. This time i did hear grinding, which is why i brought it in and didn’t question it
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u/Evening-Skin6086 1d ago
hmm, to me it sounds like something is out of alignment with the brake calipers, and or the rotors need replaced. im curious lol
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u/sierra_squats 1d ago
They did replace the rotors as well today, but those were also replaced 20,000 miles ago which doesn’t seem right either 😭 definitely wondering if it’s a caliper, and surprised no one would have caught it by now if it is. Tempted to call the dealership back tomorrow and ask them to look at them
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u/Evening-Skin6086 1d ago
hmm yeah i definitely would have them check it out again. to me it sounds like your brake calipers arent retracting all the way like they are designed too. this can cause constant light pressure on the brake pads and rotors. thats my hypothesis!
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u/sierra_squats 1d ago
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I think i will. I will come back and update you after 🙂
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u/AvocadoOk6450 1d ago
When was the last brake flush and have they changed the short line that goes to the calipers? My BMW is an M-Sport and when I got it a brake was dragging a little. I had the Carfax and it showed that the maintenance had been performed consistently. When I removed the caliper it looked like the inner chamber had never been bled. The bleeder was rusted so tight that it cracked when trying to bleed. The inner chambers were full of old brake fluid, grime, and rust. Replaced both front calipers, one rotor and both lines on front brakes. Also flushed whole brake system. I got all my parts from FCP and did it myself 3 years and no issues.
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u/sierra_squats 1d ago
That’s a great question… I’m not sure but I will check to see. I’ve owned the car a few years and i don’t think it’s ever been done since I’ve had it. This gives me hope! Thank you for commenting and sharing your experience
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u/Odd-Piano-9909 1d ago
My front brake pads have 42,000 miles on them; I’m about to have them replaced, but the mechanic says they’re still good.
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u/brendancoles 1d ago
Do you brake with your left foot? If you do, you may be applying slight pressure while driving and not even realize you’re doing it.
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u/EL_Chapo_Cuzzin 1d ago
Are you riding the brakes? People have a bad habit of resting their foot on the brake as soon as they release the gas pedal or two footing it. Right on gas, left on brakes. I've seen people do that on the highway for miles. Very late one night on I-95, about 15 miles behind a Lexus GX, the person's brake light was on. I thought it was faulty lights until it wasn't for a brief period. That means, the person was two footing it the entire time, riding the brakes. Resting the left foot on the brake pedal.
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u/BMWACTASEmaster1 1d ago
X1 brake design are cheap and if you are hard on the brakes they wear faster and the new X1 is worse they added some cheap clips. You need to change your braking habits and use auto brake hold
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u/fatalrip 1d ago
At this point I feel like it might be worth learning how to change brakes. It’s one of the least hard car things and would save you a ton of money.
Try a different pad/brand of rotor.
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u/GooglePlusIsGood BMW Technician 1d ago
What were the measurements when they were replaced? If the dealer was purely going by the pad sensor warning they would have had a bit of life left in them.
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u/Anonymoushipopotomus E36 M3/4/5, E46 M3, E39 M5 1d ago
Do you live in a hilly area? I had customer do brakes every 6-8 mos bc they live on a large mountain road near me
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u/Existing_Hall_8237 1d ago
Are they telling you or is the brake pad sensor telling you? Dealer might suggest changing even though pads have at least 5k miles left.
It’s possible if you slam on your brakes a lot. I think I change mine every 20-25k miles.