Brakes? So what now?

Daevanam

Member
Before the Zeemax debacle, i'd have quite happily taken my car in to get new brakes, but as it stands, i don't feel comfortable.

Where would i go now? What should i do? Who should i speak to?

Fanatic in CT calling for help!

Thanks
 

gpgold

New member
Daevanam said:
Before the Zeemax debacle, i'd have quite happily taken my car in to get new brakes, but as it stands, i don't feel comfortable.

Where would i go now? What should i do? Who should i speak to?

Fanatic in CT calling for help!

Thanks

I must say I feel the same way and will not use Zeemax for any more work.

I just had my vibration dampner pully changed at Mech 5 Auto in Gardens Cape Town. They seem very good and specialise in BMWs. Ask for Ridwaan (021) 461-5208
 

Mr Occo

New member
GMW in retreat - www.gmwcc.co.za. BMW specialist. He has sorted out both my e36 and e46 without any issues over last couple of years. Speak to John or Gary, I can probably organize a discount for members as I know the owner well.
 

Daevanam

Member
Thanks for all the replies. It's an E46 320i.

Yeah, we need a Gizmo in Cape Town. Import anyone? :rollsmile:

I've heard good things about M1 in Kenilworth.

I'm in the Southern Suburbs. So anything our side of the "curtain" would be preferable :biglol:
 

Bayn46

Active member
Daevanam said:
Thanks for all the replies. It's an E46 320i.

Yeah, we need a Gizmo in Cape Town. Import anyone? :rollsmile:

I've heard good things about M1 in Kenilworth.

I'm in the Southern Suburbs. So anything our side of the "curtain" would be preferable :biglol:

If you're going to M1, make sure that you make a booking as they get pretty busy.
 

Philip Foglar

///Member
Daevanam said:
Thanks for all the replies. It's an E46 320i.

Yeah, we need a Gizmo in Cape Town. Import anyone? :rollsmile:

I've heard good things about M1 in Kenilworth.

I'm in the Southern Suburbs. So anything our side of the "curtain" would be preferable :biglol:

With some basic tools it is really easy to DIY! Did my Wife's 320i a few months ago - new disk, pads and brake wear sensors from Midas (ATE disks and pads) for roughly R2700, piece of cake!!! :thumbs:
 

Gregmeister

Member
DIY-it dude. Even if you need new rotors. Dead easy (if not a little messy). I can put a DIY up if you need, but there's probably one here somewhere already...but of course up to you.We don't always have time or space...
 

kabal

Active member
Philip Foglar said:
With some basic tools it is really easy to DIY! Did my Wife's 320i a few months ago - new disk, pads and brake wear sensors from Midas (ATE disks and pads) for roughly R2700, piece of cake!!! :thumbs:

+1, honestly, brakes are easier than oil change
 

Philip Foglar

///Member
Gregmeister said:
DIY-it dude. Even if you need new rotors. Dead easy (if not a little messy). I can put a DIY up if you need, but there's probably one here somewhere already...but of course up to you.We don't always have time or space...

Yep, plenty messy - if, unlike me, you are smart you will use some gloves. The only battle you might have is getting the disks off the hubs - they tend to rust-bond together, so some good all purpose penetrating oil will be necessary and a couple of firm bangs with a hammer will release them.
 
Had some work done by Siegfried Auto in town, off Sir Lowry Road opposite Goodhope Centre.

Top class service from Faizal and he knows he's stuff. I'd recommend him for all types of mechanical work :thumbs:
 

Andy1GP

///Member
DIY like the majority suggests. Basic tools needed. Some spanners and a certain allen key if I recall correctly.

Set aside a day to be safe if you're uncertain. Just do it! I attempted it blindly one day and ended up doing all 4 wheels in one afternoon.

Once you get into it it's pretty simple. Easy design and the rattle clips were a breeze.

Even the brake wear sensor is easy, all will be revealed once you start. Just follow the wire to the sensor housing.

Google for E46 brake DIY and you'll find loads of DIY pic by pic guides. They always inspire confidence.

The reward in doing the job yourself is more rewarding than the money you'll save.

Arguably the labor cost you'll save you could buy the tools with :thumbs:
 

Daevanam

Member
Thanks for the advice.

So where should i get pads from? I see one suggests Midas?

Should i do all the pads in one go, or just the one's that are making the horrendous sound?

Thanks again!
 
M

Mike1

Guest
octurian said:
GMW in retreat - www.gmwcc.co.za. BMW specialist. He has sorted out both my e36 and e46 without any issues over last couple of years. Speak to John or Gary, I can probably organize a discount for members as I know the owner well.

They rebuilt my Smart Fortwo's Motor, I still need to have a word with them as they wired it up wrong. :fishwack:

Or at least, it appears so as it doesnt run when you put the wiring to how they came from the factory. :rollsmile:
 
M

Mike1

Guest
And just to add, spoke to John on the phone and he has booked the Smarty in next week to rectify it even though the car is running perfectly for free. He wants us both to have peace of mind. :thumbs:

Nice one GMW!
 

Raybimmer

New member
Daevanam said:
Thanks for the advice.

So where should i get pads from? I see one suggests Midas?

Should i do all the pads in one go, or just the one's that are making the horrendous sound?

Thanks again!

Are you mechanically inclined to do the job ?
Do you have a set of Allen keys , check if you have a 7 mm one .
You must replace all the pads on the axle, so left and right wheels have to be done .
The job is not too long or difficult , say about two hours ( 30 mins if you are in a hurry ) .
You will get your hands dirty , plastic surgical gloves may help .
Did my e34 fronts this afternoon .Ok , used a bit of Goldilocks brass scourer and prepsol to clean calipers and wheel arch !!

See pics ..




 
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