l have a 2004 BMW 530i, with about 500 miles left on the front brakes. The dealer quoted $383 for the front brakes alone, and around $700 if it was necessary to replace some rotor covering or other, l can not quite recall the names. They said they would not know if that was necessary until they took things apart and had a look.

Is the cost reasonable? Sounds very expensive to me. Other than a dealer, where else could l go, and how much could l expect to save? I'd prefer non-generic parts.

Just go to any good tire store or Sears or Midas. $100 for pads and $200 more if you need rotors.

hi bro, we got the same car. and sure BMW are really expensive to maintain. where are you from? if you're from the bay area, it would be great coz, you could use craigslist to find a real bmw mechanic who is taking sidelines outside bmw centers probably during weekends. they around 40% less. still expensive, but u pay them for ur skill. so if bmw quoted you $700, it should be around $400 with them.

u dont want to let non experts put their hands on our precious cars :)

It is reasonable. DON'T try and replace them yourself. The cars take special tools, and after you start you might get screwed. l needed front and rear breaks on my 750li and it was around 800 if l remember correctly, just pay the fee, do not own BMW is if you do not expect to spend alot on maintenance.