BMW Repair: e38 brakes and headlamp washer, washer nozzles, wheel alignment

Question
Hello, I am considering changing the front and rear brake shoes and rotors on my 2001 740il.  Is there anything tricky about it or any special tools required?  What are the shims and grease that comes with some brake kits used for.  Also on passenger side, one of the two headlamp washer nozzles is missing from the holder in the bumper.  How is that replaced.  One nozzle is still there and one is missing.  How tuff is that to get changed.  I have located a set of slotted rotors and quality pads with sensors for about 500 bucks from a co in new england. Dealer wants over 500 just for the fronts and just oem pads and rotors, nothing special.  Any computer reset issues after new pad sensors are hooked up.  No warnings have shown up yet on dash. Just had car at dealer (1800.00) for inspection since i just purchased car.  They did oil service, replaced strut thrust arm mounting bushings(131)replaced rear control arms(402.76)replaced rear ball joints (90)and did 4 wheel alignment((100).replaced drive belts(2 for total of (56).  All the above numbers are without labor (83 per hour).  I do not mind the labor rate, but the parts combined with the flat rate for some items seems steep.  things like .3 for changing cabin filters and then charging 65 each for filters is not easy to swallow.  I got good bosch carbon filters (39) and had them in the first time in about 10 minutes and I never did it before and even had to locate them.  I really like the guys at the dealership in service but find it hard to be loyal at those prices.  Passenger window regulator is acting up and they wanted 475 to repair.  I have a rebuilt one coming for 100 exchange and need help figuring out how to get door panel off with out damage.  I have alot of good tools and just bought a set of door panel tools to help with the job.  I spent 90 on the two sets but not doing damage to the car is more important than the money.  thank you very much for help with the brakes, the light washer nozzle and door panel removal/window regulator tricks.  Mark

Answer
On your Brakes ive never had good luck on aftermarket pads and rotors we only use factory pads and rotors from the dealer, and especially on a heavy car like a 740i. no special tools required but then again i dont know what tools you have,make sure you put anti seize on the moving parts of the brakes.. rear of pads and where they ride on the caliper. 2 you must remove the bumper to replace the nozels. 3 Its very easy to ruin the door panels so be carefull doing the window regulators, they are pretty tricky and becarefull that you dont activate the airbag light.  These cars are fun quality cars but expensive to maintain.  Hope this helps.   Thanks Nathan Babbitt   (Babbitt Motor Werks)