Break pad replacement?

sjogreen

I have about 21000 miles on my 99 BMW, and just got told by the dealer at a regular service interval that my break pads were totally shot and need replacement. Since this is "normal wear and tear" its not covered by the warranty.

So, my question is this: Is it really "normal wear and tear" to have front break pads completely shot after 21000 miles? This seems WAY early to me, and therefore should come under warranty protection. Am I wrong?

Mr_Shiftright

It depends on how you drive and where you live. 20K seems a bit low, but certainly not out of the question for brake pad replacement.

I'd say it's on the low end of normal for your type of car.

armtdm

Sorry, can be anywhere fron 12,000 miles to 75,000 on pads and never covered under warranty.

oldharry

A friend of mine whose wife is from Germany went to visit her family a few years ago. His brother in law drove a Mercedes, and replaced his brake pads every 5000 KILOMETREs !!! The way he drove, however, frightened my friend. This man would pass a car going only a little slower than he was, then slam on the brakes for a curve. Extreme driving can wear brake pads very quickly.

Harry