The 6 series are some of the finest grand touring vehicles that BMW has ever produced. Available in several configurations, such as a two-door coupe or convertible, a four-door sedan, and a five-door fastback, the 6 series is the ultimate highway cruiser. Also available are the M6 models with potent V10s or twin-turbo V8s, which can sprint from 0-60 in under 5 seconds. As magnificent as the 6 series are, keeping up with maintenance will help ensure that your BMW provides years of trouble-free service. Here, we will review the brakes and how you can tell when they need to be serviced on your 6 series.
Brake Service 101
Brakes are one of your vehicle’s most important safety systems and should be inspected regularly. This includes changing the oil, rotating or replacing the tires, and performing routine maintenance. Unlike other vehicle services that are done after a certain number of years or mileage, the brake pads and rotors are replaced as needed. This will vary depending on several factors, such as driving habits and the type of pad materials (ceramic pads tend to last longer). Below are average brake service intervals:
- Changing the brake fluid every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
- Replacing the brake pads and sensors every 30,000-50,000 miles.
- Replacing the brake rotors every 70,000 miles.
Again, with the exception of flushing the brake system and changing the fluid, which should be done every 2 years or 30,000 miles, the pads and rotors should be replaced as needed. The lower end is more realistic if your commute involves a lot of city driving or stop-and-go traffic, with the opposite for mostly highway driving.
Signs My BMW Needs a Brake Service
There are several ways you can tell when your 6 series is due for a brake service. The easiest way is to visually inspect the pads by looking between the brake caliper and rotor. Additionally, it can be done anytime the wheels are removed, such as during a tire rotation or replacement. Most BMWs, including the 6 series, have front and rear brake pad sensors. A warning light in the instrument cluster will be illuminated when the pad material is low.
However, there are some additional warning signs you should be aware of. Most importantly, if the brake pedal feels soft or sinks to the floor. This usually indicates a fluid leak or that air is trapped in the system. In both situations, the vehicle should not be driven, and the brakes should be inspected by a mechanic immediately. On the other hand, if the brake pedal feels hard, it could indicate a bad brake booster or frozen caliper, which is common in higher-mileage vehicles. Given how important the brakes are for your safety, most mechanics will inspect the entire system when servicing the brakes.
Do I Need to Replace All Four Pads and Rotors at the Same Time?
Unless the front and rear pads and rotors are worn, they only have to be replaced across the same axle. That is both front or rear wheels. In addition, the brake pad sensor on the axle being serviced needs to be changed, and they are fairly inexpensive, typically costing less than $20. Lastly, if the brake fluid is dirty or has been more than 2 years or 30,000 miles, it should be replaced.
