BMW Repair: Replacing Brake Pads on M3, bench lathe, replacing brake pads

Question
1995 BMW M3 (46,000 miles)
I hope you do not mind my asking about an older car.

Is it easy to replace the front pads myself or does this car require that the dealer replace the pads?  Should I buy a particular pad?  Do I need a special tool?
A friend stated that the rotors should be turned on the car. Is that really a requirement?  Or, can I remove them and have them machined at a shop? Thank you.

Answer
Peter, I would use BMW factory brakes because they stop so much better than any aftermarket pieces I have seen. Make sure you have good help or a service manual before attemping to do this yourself. Generally rotors are better if they are turned with an on the car brake lathe. Millions of shops turn them on a bench lathe with no problems. As for BMW's we do not turn (resurface) rotors because the rotors are soft and are very close to minumum spec. to begin with. The rotors are designed to last for one set of pads only. I recommend replacing the Pads, Rotors, and brake wear sensor of the affected axle. Look at some BMW enthusiast web sites for instructions. You need a basic set of tools (metric). Make sure someone qualified checks your work because brakes are a safety item especially if this is your first time replaceing brakes.
-Evan