12-07-2020, 09:00 PM | #1 |
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Brake Fluid Service & Warranty Inspection
Hi All
I was alarmed the other day by the appearance on the binnacle of a light in the shape of a car and a YELLOW warning triangle. After further research into it I found out that the brake fluid service is due as the fluid will be 2 years old. This is my first encounter with this service type as it never happened with my previous vehicles Lexus & Merc. Of course as instructed I contacted the dealer and yes it was confirmed that even though my service interval regards distance travelled was NOT due as a result of low usage due to COVID lockdown this particular service is "Time" associated and due. In fairness to the dealer he also informed me that my Warranty will run out Feb 2021 (3 years) and they would give the G01 X3 XLine a thorough inspection in order to facilitate any issue found under warranty...if genuine I thought this was a fair thing to do. I don't dispute anything just sharing a learning curve with fellow forum members and interested to hear any similar experiences of things I should definitely get inspected before the warranty runs out. Eg Should I consider purchase of an extended Warranty Package which I suspect will be offered? |
12-08-2020, 09:00 AM | #2 |
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As an FYI, brake fluid is hydroscopic. Meaning it collects moisture over time which can lead to poor braking performance and rusting internals.
All vehicles should have the brake fluid change at least every two years. I'm glad that BMW recognizes that. Once you get it swapped, you should notice an immediate increase in peddle feel as it slowly gets worse over time but gets immediately better once changed. |
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VrmmVrmm68.00 GoldenWest14.00 |
12-08-2020, 09:35 AM | #3 |
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I have changed the brake fluid every two years on virtually every vehicle I have owned. I suspect that were you to do a little research, you would find that both Mercedes-Benz and Lexus also recommend the same brake fluid replacement interval. Not having owned either, I cannot speak from certainty. My current X3 M40i is the first vehicle that I have owned to specifically point out that the brake fluid is due for replacement on the instrument display.
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VrmmVrmm68.00 |
12-08-2020, 09:54 AM | #4 |
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Brake fluid replacement is a German thing. Mercedes calls for brake fluid replacement every two years. Not based on miles/kms.
In my first 35 years and nearly million miles of motoring I had never replaced brake fluid. Now with two Germans in the garage, I replace it every two years. |
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VrmmVrmm68.00 |
12-08-2020, 12:05 PM | #5 | |
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Ever since then I have never replaced brake fluid on any car I have had from a beetle from early 70’s to date unless any repairs or issues with brakes requiring draining or bleeding needed - gas / air impacts brake fluid but water has minimal impact of any - it’s another money making scheme |
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12-08-2020, 12:18 PM | #6 | |
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In my experience, the old fluid is usually mucky in color and the new fluid makes an instant improvement in peddle feel. |
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VrmmVrmm68.00 |
12-08-2020, 06:43 PM | #7 | |
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Water in the brake lines lowers the boiling point of the fluid, so stopping ability can diminish in hard stops as heat in the system increases. In addition, over time the moisture can cause internal corrosion in the brake lines, calipers, the master cylinder and other components.
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12-08-2020, 07:30 PM | #8 | ||
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Money making scheme? Why would companies make brake fluid tester kits to check the moisture level? Why does brake fluid get darker and darker until it becomes essentially black? G01 forum, please don't listen to this gentleman. Follow your maintenance schedule and replace your brake fluid as required. |
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12-09-2020, 06:55 AM | #9 | |
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When I mentioned ownership of both Lexus and Merc from NEW I should have provided the additional info ....the vehicles in both cases made no provision to warn the owner via the dash binnacle...whereas I'm fairly sure the change of fluid did happen during the services undertaken. What I found novel or at least new to me was the warning which I had not encountered before in other prestige marc's. Like I mentioned I'm not in dispute of any of the reasoning just on a learning curve with a new BMW system...I'm averse to "Warning Lights"... |
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12-09-2020, 07:45 AM | #10 |
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Given the cost of the brake fluid service, which for me was just over £100, why buy a premium brand car, then whinge about service costs? It's £2 per weeks, FFS.
As freshxdough says, you should be replacing every two years, and given the fact water in the fluid can cause corrosion in ABS systems, why would you want to risk your safety? Surely when you research a potential purchase, you check the service costs and not buy blindly? |
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09-16-2023, 12:48 PM | #11 | |
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Just flushed the brake fluid on my 2020 230i (w/track handling package), which had been done previously 1yr and 10K ago at the dealer under the included maintenance period. I decided to flush the fluid because I felt the pedal had lost its firm feel. I used Ate SL6 with a Motive pressurized tank. 1 yr old fluid came out a medium dark yellow; like an oxidized white wine. New fluid was much lighter and clearer. The result was a much firmer pedal. “Proof is in the pudding!” Last edited by GoldenWest; 09-17-2023 at 12:05 AM.. |
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09-16-2023, 01:03 PM | #12 | |
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I’ll have to take a look at those one man bleeders as I have it difficult finding help when I need it. Would rather do it myself. |
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GoldenWest14.00 |
09-16-2023, 02:57 PM | #13 |
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The following tools (bleeder) work on Audi, very quick and easy, no mess either. It should work the same for BMW, just need to find out which brake to start with, usually it's the caliper furthest from the master cylinder. The hardest part is taking the wheel off to get at the caliper.
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09-16-2023, 04:44 PM | #14 | |
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That said I go Pass Rear, Driver Rear, Passenger Front, Driver Front. Ending at the driver front is a good idea (when working with a partner) as you can top off and bleed just the right amount. |
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ContactPatch2442.50 |
09-16-2023, 04:57 PM | #15 |
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You can quickly check the condition of your brake fluid for moisture with this, placed in water for a demonstration. Cost about 10 to 12$.
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09-16-2023, 05:49 PM | #16 |
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09-16-2023, 06:11 PM | #17 |
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09-16-2023, 06:41 PM | #18 | |
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On my current and previous BMW’s & Vw’s, that’s the passenger rear wheel. The calipers on the track handling package are multi piston front with two bleeders / caliper. Started bleeding outside nipples first. |
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ContactPatch2442.50 |
09-17-2023, 02:28 AM | #19 | |
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09-17-2023, 03:20 AM | #20 |
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