It’s time for my two-year brake fluid flush, and because the car is no longer covered by a warranty or maintenance plan, this is the first time I’ll be doing it myself.
It’s an everyday driver. During rush hour, the interstate traffic is frequently stop-and-go. On the track never.
My concern is: For better protection, should I stick with the stock BMW brake fluid or should I swap to another brand? Or would it not be required?
DOT-4 brake fluid is used in every new BMW. Sometimes it is difficult to find, or you can only obtain synthetic DOT-3/DOT-4. I purchased some DOT-4 (“Super 4”) under the Pentosin (German) name at a business that sells vehicle parts for imports. A 1L can and a 1/2L can cost me $16.
Many individuals also utilize the ATE brand, specifically the ATE200 or the ATE super-blue (gold colored).
Thanks. I suppose my biggest concern was whether there was any legitimate justification for me to use something other than OEM brake fluid. especially while I’m driving like I normally do. Would using an aftermarket fluid give me any observable benefits?
In a day-to-day driving scenario, there will be no advantage to ANY DOT 4 over another. I’ve used Valvoline DOT3/DOT4 in numerous BMWs for about ten years. Cheap and simple to find (AutoZone).
If you’re not wasteful, one liter or quart should be sufficient. It wouldn’t hurt to purchase two so you have enough for top-off or the next time.
I also concur with this. Currently, I have Valvoline in both my Z3 and E90. I merely desired a change to something different. Since Pentosin is the original equipment manufacturer’s power steering oil, I assumed that their brake fluid would be adequate for the brake system. It wasn’t too expensive either.
I think Castrol LMA is BMW’s OEM. I was told that many years ago by a parts specialist at Tischer BMW, and I used it for my E30 for a very long period.
Under typical driving circumstances, we advise sticking to the authentic BMW fluid (found HERE).
Flushing is made a little bit easier by switching between blue and yellow on the ATE. Although there is nothing wrong with OEM for daily/street driving, ATE’s price is quite reasonable for a high temperature fluid.
In This Article...
Breathing fluids
BMW brake fluid should be either Normal or Low Viscosity and DOT4, DOT5, or DOT5.1 rated. Low Viscosity fluid is used on any BMW model equipped with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), which includes nearly all BMWs since 2003, unless the vehicle is being driven on a racetrack. The thicker Normal Viscosity fluid is used for track use and in vehicles without DSC. Although some DOT4 fluids could also be low viscosity, all DOT5.1 fluid is.
The fluid’s dry and wet boiling temperatures are described by the DOT ratings. Wet fluid has absorbed moisture after a year, whereas dry fluid is still fresh out of the bottle. A higher DOT rating is earned by having higher boiling points. However, DOT5.1 is only used for low viscosity glycol-based fluid, while DOT5 is related with silicone-based fluid. Labeled as “DOT4/5” or “Super DOT4”, a Normal Viscosity fluid that satisfies DOT5 boiling points is classified. Although DOT3 fluid can be utilized in a pinch, DOT4/5 is preferable because to its higher boiling points.
Under non-racing conditions, glycol-based fluid (DOT3, DOT4, and DOT5.1) should be flushed/changed every one to two years; however, for track or racing use, this frequency should be substantially higher.
Conclusion
We came to the conclusion that many people are unaware of brake fluid, particularly if they are regular drivers or even if they own a BMW. Even though BMW vehicles are of the highest caliber, not every component you need, like brake fluid, has to be purchased from BMW.
Almost any braking fluid is more than capable of being purchased from any reputable manufacturer. However, we discovered that because there are several sorts of break fluid, just because you can use any brand does not imply you can use any brand.
These brake fluid varieties include DOT 3, 4, 5, and 5.1. DOT 4 or DOT 5 brake fluid will always be used in your BMW depending on the model and how you drive it (causal everyday use or racing track).
You can find out the DOT variant you need for your particular model of car by consulting the owner’s manual, online discussion boards, or contacting your local BMW dealer. However, when selecting your brake fluid, be sure to consider how you drive the vehicle.
In a BMW, where does the brake fluid go?
Open the hood to reveal the brake fluid reservoir on the vehicle’s driver’s side, hidden behind a plastic cover. If you’re uncertain of what to check for, consult your owner’s manual. (It’s probably going to say “brake” on it.) Find the minimum and maximum lines on the reservoir’s outside.
What type of brake fluid is necessary for a BMW 3 Series?
All contemporary cars equipped with ESP and ABS are best suited with pentosin DOT 4 LV brake fluid. All vehicles that need DOT 4 fluid can utilize DOT 4 LV.
Will brake fluid work in my BMW?
You may find out how much brake fluid you require by consulting your owner’s manual, but generally speaking, most vehicles consume between 0.5 and 1 liters of BMW brake fluid.
Do I need any brake fluid, BMW?
I need to know how many bottles of brake fluid I’ll need because I’m about to clean out my braking system. Does anyone with experience flushing brake fluid know how many liters I’ll require? I’ll also need to bleed out my clutch because I have a 6MT.
Three automobiles can fit in a 3L. For the clutch and perhaps the brakes, 1L should be adequate. See how far you can get with 2L. Also, unless absolutely necessary, avoid opening the second bottle. Even in a closed container, DOT 4 or DOT 5 has a shaky shelf life since it is highly hygroscopic (absorbs moisture). But you already knew that.
How is the brake fluid in a BMW checked?
- On the vehicle’s master cylinder, locate the brake fluid reservoir. If you have any additional queries, pop the hood and consult your owner’s handbook.
- The reservoir’s exterior should have maximum and minimum lines.
- Check the brake fluid’s color.
Can I replace the fluid in my BMW myself?
The first step in learning how to change brake fluid is to remove the old fluid from the reservoir and replace it with new fluid.
Some automakers advise changing brake fluid every 24,000 miles or every two years. Others fail to mention changing brake fluid at all. However, checking your brake fluid is simple. To check the color, simply dip a test strip into the fluid and match it to the chart on the container.
Although you can’t perform a thorough brake fluid cleanse yourself, you can perform a fluid switch. You won’t completely replace the old fluid with new fluid during this treatment, but you will add enough new fluid to notice a difference.
What shade is the braking fluid in BMW?
Brake fluid has a yellow hue and is translucent (clear). Therefore, if you gaze into the reservoir, you ought to be able to see the bottom and it ought to appear somewhat yellow.
How frequently does BMW change its brake fluid?
Most manufacturers recommend changing your brake fluid every two years, but there are other indications that your brakes require maintenance.
Just adding brake fluid is it okay?
You don’t need to add any brake fluid if your brake fluid level is at or above the “MIN” line. Once the reservoir cover has been gently removed, add brake fluid until the level is slightly below the “MAX” line if your fluid level is below the “MIN” line. Avoid overfilling.
What results from not changing the brake fluid?
The brake reservoir, where the brake fluid is housed, will become contaminated with moisture if you don’t change your brake fluid as advised by the vehicle’s manufacturer.
Your braking fluid will inevitably become polluted with “debris buildup” as it ages. Your brake system’s many seals and hoses might gradually lose little amounts of rubber as they wear down. Additionally, rust particles may get up in your brake fluid as a result of metal components corroding and rusting due to moisture-rich brake fluid.
Your car’s ability to stop suffers substantially from not changing the brake fluid, which results in subpar braking performance. Most of the time, you can tell by pressing the brake pedal: if it feels excessively spongy, your brake fluid is probably about to fail. You may find that stopping your car requires more work and time, and in some situations, you may even need to pump the brakes in order to build up enough pressure for a secure stop.
If you’re moving at any speed, the uncomfortable idea that your brakes could completely fail is also a deadly one. This may occur if the boiling point of the braking fluid is reached while the vehicle is in motion, particularly if the boiling point was intentionally decreased due to moisture contamination.
What happens if there is not enough brake fluid?
Does the brake pedal seem spongy, loose, or even bouncing when you press it? Does your car have to be stopped and slowed down by pressing the brake pedal all the way to the floor? You should change your brake fluid if this happens.
Air will enter the gaps in your brake line when the brake fluid level drops, resulting in soft brakes. When your brakes get spongy, it can be frightening and dangerous, especially if you don’t have them fixed right away.
How much does a brake fluid flush cost?
You could change your own brake fluid, but a mechanic can use a brake-flushing machine to accomplish it fast and thoroughly. If you choose to perform the work yourself, use high-quality brake fluid. It’s also crucial to remember that exposure to outdoor air can quickly contaminate brake fluid, resulting in the combination of water vapor with the fluid. Be cautious because this contamination may eventually harm the complete brake system.
If you bring your automobile to the shop, the mechanic will first find the reservoir holding the brake fluid and drain it completely before adding fresh fluid. Your car will next need to be lifted up and all four wheels must be removed in order to remove the old fluid from the brake valve. Tubing is attached to the brake valve on one end to flush the fluid, and the other end empties into a container to collect the fluid.
While the other technician opens the valve, a second technician will pump the brakes and hold down the brake pedal. Next, pour the used brake fluid into the container. While new brake fluid has a yellow tinge, old brake fluid is a dark color.
Until the container indicates that the fresh, clean fluid is getting to the brakes, the “flushing” procedure is repeated. Before the wheels are reinstalled on the vehicle, the procedure is repeated on all four brakes. The brakes can then be tested on the road to ensure they are operating at their best.
A brake fluid flush typically costs around $100, with labor making up the majority of the price.
The second most crucial component of your car, after the engine, is the brakes. The parts of your brake system deteriorate over time. Regular brake fluid replacement can increase your car’s safety, increase the lifespan of your braking parts, and ultimately save you money.