Brake Fluid Service

[Leg]

Mine is booked in for it's brake fluid service later this week.

Is it just a change of brake fluid? Couldnt any garage do it and cheaper than a BMW Stealer?

Cheers

[needspeed]

Should it not be covered under your 4 year 50K mile maintenance????? Oooppps...my bad I see live in the UK. Wonder why we get maintenance and you guys don't seems very unfair .....Steve

[NewM3driver]

Originally Posted by Leg

Mine is booked in for it's brake fluid service later this week.

Is it just a change of brake fluid? Couldnt any garage do it and cheaper than a BMW Stealer?

Cheers

I just scheduled mine to be done 2/2/10. It is a scheduled maintenance service which is done at NO CHARGE. They are also going to do an early oil change as well... again, for free.

I'm getting the sales managers M6 demo for my loaner. Hope it is a clear dry day!

[Georgeair]

It is just a fluid change, and could certainly be done by any garage. I'd just make sure I kept thorough documentation of both the service and the use of BMW fluid, not just the "equivalent". The fluid may cost more, but takes one bullet out of any brake warranty issues gun.

[aus]

Doesn't the dealer need to program some pump to flush all the fluid out?

[Leg]

Originally Posted by NewM3driver

I just scheduled mine to be done 2/2/10. It is a scheduled maintenance service which is done at NO CHARGE. They are also going to do an early oil change as well... again, for free.

I'm getting the sales managers M6 demo for my loaner. Hope it is a clear dry day!

The 50k service thing wasn't available in March 08 when I got my car unfortunately. I was never offered it and wasn't aware anyway.

The JCW has it though.

It's only £106 for this one so I'll let the dealer do it but I'm keeping an eye on the buggers.

[LiM3y]

Originally Posted by aus

Doesn't the dealer need to program some pump to flush all the fluid out?

No, I don't think so. They would use a pressure bleeder. These can be bought online and the work done at home if need be. I just invested in one to accomodate fluid flushes/bleeds after track days. It is a relatively straightforward operation with the right kit...like most things. The clutch flush seems to be a little more challenging (see post in this forum!).

[NewM3driver]

May I ask a question at the risk of sounding dumb? Why does the brake fluid need to be changed? None of my other BMW's ever had to have the brake fluid changed.

[JCtx]

Originally Posted by NewM3driver

May I ask a question at the risk of sounding dumb? Why does the brake fluid need to be changed? None of my other BMW's ever had to have the brake fluid changed.

Because it absorbs moisture man. And you probably know what water does to expensive metal brake components . Not to mention just 3% moisture content dramatically decreases fluid's boiling point, causing premature brake fade.
And you're supposed to change brake/clutch fluid in EVERY car every 2 years max, regardless of mileage. I like to do it earlier than that. It only costs $10, and it's an easy DIY job.

Originally Posted by aus

Doesn't the dealer need to program some pump to flush all the fluid out?

All they do is activate the ABS pump pistons out to be able to bleed as much old fluid as possible. And yes, it's the best way to do it, but if you change the fluid frequently enough, no need for that IMO; that's why I do it every 1 to 1-1/2 years. But if you wait until fluid is filthy, I'd definitely let a dealer do it. The most crucial bleed is the first one, when most cars will have suspended crap from production/assembly, which deteriorates the fluid quickly. After that, it just starts turning dark. Hope this helps.

Finally, not only your brake system costs thousands of dollars to replace, but your life (and your family's) depends on it, so spending $10 and an hour of my time every year is a no brainer IMO. Take care.

[2000gsr]

Are the brake fluid changes covered in Canada?? Mine is in the dealship right now getting brake fluid change with micro filter. The SA told me the brake fluid is supposed to be changed at 9000km, is this true?

[py0413]

I dont know what is really covered in Canada. I just got charged $195 for fuel injector flush and $145 for power steering fluid flush...I thought both of those were supposed to be covered but I guess not@@ Should have bought the M from US and save 10k + on the purchase. sigh

[Kyoshi71]

Do they use just regular brake fluid? I think I would opt for synthetic when the time comes to change mine.

[Georgeair]

Originally Posted by Kyoshi71

Do they use just regular brake fluid? I think I would opt for synthetic when the time comes to change mine.

Ironically, many syn brake fluids are actually more hydroscopic than non-syn, making this a poor choice unless you plan to change much more frequently.

[M3 vert]

Originally Posted by py0413

I dont know what is really covered in Canada. I just got charged $195 for fuel injector flush and $145 for power steering fluid flush...I thought both of those were supposed to be covered but I guess not@@ Should have bought the M from US and save 10k + on the purchase. sigh

Wouldnt have helped, your other regular scheduled maintenance would also be charged, (oil changes etc. )

[M3 vert]

Originally Posted by 2000gsr

Are the brake fluid changes covered in Canada?? Mine is in the dealship right now getting brake fluid change with micro filter. The SA told me the brake fluid is supposed to be changed at 9000km, is this true?

Yes they are, if you have purchased the service-inclusive 5yrs/4yrs/3yrs plan.

http://www.bmw.ca/ca/en/owners/servi...rt_only_EN.pdf


I dont know what mileage it is done at, mine says its due in april, so it was after 2 years for me.

[schnell325]

Good thread. My car, with 14,500 km on it (and about 2 years old) says brake fluid change time too......But, since I did not get the extra service package, I think I'll order me up some fluid and try it myself.

[aus]

elp, thanks for the clarification on the ABS pump.

Originally Posted by schnell325

Good thread. My car, with 14,500 km on it (and about 2 years old) says brake fluid change time too......But, since I did not get the extra service package, I think I'll order me up some fluid and try it myself.

Just don't get BMW fluid. It's sucks. Ate is better and the Castro SRF is even better, but more $$$.