[VrmmVrmm]

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?

[spta97]

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.

[GS - X3]

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.

[chassis]

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.

[huggy509]

Originally Posted by spta97

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.

Working in support of Auto industry we used to supply brake fluid systems where fluid was heated and kept under vacuum to out gas it. Then production system would pull a vacuum on brake system and if it held backfill with warm out gassed fluid to fill system without need for bleeding.
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

[spta97]

Originally Posted by huggy509

Working in support of Auto industry we used to supply brake fluid systems where fluid was heated and kept under vacuum to out gas it. Then production system would pull a vacuum on brake system and if it held backfill with warm out gassed fluid to fill system without need for bleeding.
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

I'm confused, is this a system that is installed on cars or used instead of bleeding?

In my experience, the old fluid is usually mucky in color and the new fluid makes an instant improvement in peddle feel.

[Razel]

Originally Posted by huggy509

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

Huh?

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.

[freshxdough]

Originally Posted by Razel

Huh?

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.

Lol. You should definitely be replacing your brake fluid every 2 years.

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.

[VrmmVrmm]

Originally Posted by chassis

Brake fluid replacement is a German thing. Mercedes calls for brake fluid replacement every two years. Not based on miles/kms.

I agree about the need for it to be replaced...my point could have been made a little better.

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"...

[MediaMan]

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?

[GoldenWest]

Originally Posted by spta97

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.

I’ve posted my experience in another forum. I don’t go by timeframe or mileage; but by feel and performance. And over time, one becomes “used to” the gradual decline in performance.
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!”

[spta97]

Originally Posted by GoldenWest

I’ve posted my experience in another forum. I don’t go by timeframe or mileage; but by feel and performance. And over time, one becomes “used to” the gradual decline in performance.
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 a slightly oxidized white wine. New fluid was much lighter and clearer.
The result was a much firmer pedal. “Proof is in the pudding!”

Because the performance degrades over time it hard to really notice it - good deal you can sense it!

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.

[ContactPatch]

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.

[spta97]

Originally Posted by ContactPatch

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.

Thanks for posting. According to what I researched the farthest caliper (pass rear) was more critical on older cars as modern cars typically have dedicated lines so it doesn’t matter.

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.

[ContactPatch]

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$.

[spta97]

Originally Posted by ContactPatch

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$.

That only detects water not fluid?

[ContactPatch]

Originally Posted by spta97

That only detects water not fluid?

Yup, just water. They do make test strips to check the ph level of the fluid, never tired them.

[GoldenWest]

Originally Posted by ContactPatch

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.

True about “The hardest part ( and most time consuming is taking the wheel off (and then back on)”. Definitely start with wheel (caliper) furthest from the master cylinder.
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.

[huggy509]

Originally Posted by freshxdough

Lol. You should definitely be replacing your brake fluid every 2 years.

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.

I do, it’s part of my service plan purchased from BMW

[avi66]

Originally Posted by huggy509

I do, it’s part of my service plan purchased from BMW

Me to.

The first change is on the third anniversary (3 years) of the production date, and then every two years after that.