Is 4mm good, bad, dangerous for Q5 front brake pad / rotors?
 

I took my car in to a local Audi dealer's service dept for a driver's seat problem, and they wound up doing this "World Class Inspection" (what appears to be a ploy to find things they can charge me for).

They want $676 to replace front brake pads and rotors. They say the measurement is "4mm" for the existing pads.

FACTS:
I have ~17k miles on the car, bought in Sept 2010.
I drive it for lots of very short drives around town mostly.

QUESTIONS:
(1) Can't I wait until the brake warning light goes on?
(2) At 4mm, shouldn't I have several thousand miles to go before the brakes need work?
(3) Isn't $676 a bit high?

If you are interested in doing the work yourself I'll price out the parts from us for OEM dealer parts. I'd need to know your vin in order to double check prices on these since there are a couple of options for the different year Q5's. Rotors 92.69 each, plus 4 caliper bolts at 3.41 each, and brake pads are 96.72 for both front wheels. They include the sensors too, looks like the inboard pads have the sensor built into it. Plus shipping of about 55.00 or so due to weight/location. That's 295.74 for parts plus shipping. Retail and what your quote from the dealer should show for the brake parts pricing should be closer to 372.00 dollars, possibly a bit more. We charge 219.00 at our dealership here to replace front pads and rotors. If my figures are right, your quote for labor was a bit higher than that. Again, depends on your VIN number, if you have the bigger brakes then my labor and parts quote here could be way off.

4mm isn't much until you get the light on either, you might have a couple thousand miles yet but it depends if you drive highway much or not.

never go to a dealership for something simple like a brake job. if it were serious engine work, maybe i'd consider a dealership (stealership) but if it's something routine like brakes, find an independent shop. i live in LA, and there's a shop owned by a former master tech from a dealer. he charges MUCH less, but same (if not more) experience than those dealer technicians. it's a win win!

Hi boywonder-I'd love to know the name/location of the master tech in LA, I just got quoted nearly a grand to have my brakes replaces which seems like highway robbery. Thanks!