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.
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the volume of fluid required for an effective brake fluid and manual transmission fluid flush
Since I do take my F30 on some spirited mountain drives and a few HPDEs at VIR every year, I’m a bit of a crazy when it comes to going far beyond on preventative maintenance, but that’s just how I am.
1) How many bottles of 500ml fluid will be required for a complete flush and refill when performing a brake fluid flush to replace the fluid with DOT4 fluid (I’m thinking Motul RBF 600)?
2) Regarding the manual transmission flush and refill, I have the same quantity query. Redline D6 ATF fluid is what I’ll be utilizing.
I’ll supply the components and fluid, and a local BMW shop will handle the labor. Thanks!
It will take two quarts of Red Line (the capacity is less than 2, but more than 1 quart). It doesn’t matter how much exactly. Simply fill it until dribbles emerge from the fill hole.
I will bleed the brake lines and the clutch slave cylinder after adding 24 ounces of DOT4 to my pressure bleeder. It’s roughly 700 ml. One bottle of Motul is insufficient; two bottles are required.
Do not forget to instruct the technician to flush the clutch line if you are not performing this task yourself. Normally, they won’t perform a brake flush in that manner. But why not handle this yourself and ensure that it is completed correctly? This is basic material.
Working out of my one-car garage is a challenge because of how little it is. Additionally, it will be carried out by the same individuals that installed my aftermarket parts and tuned my car.
BMW E30 Brake Fluid Flush: How to Flush the Brakes on a BMW E30 325i, M3, and More
One of the simpler tasks you can complete to improve the function of a vital component of your BMW E30 is a brake fluid flush.
The feel of the brake pedal is closely related to the state of the brake fluid in our car. Air in the brake lines will soften the pedal and lessen braking power. The brake system is also harmed by water. The boiling point of the brake fluid will drop if any water is absorbed into it. When a liquid boils, air is introduced into the system. Older vehicles, like the BMW E30, may have brake system rubber parts that have not been replaced when the vehicle was new. A typical way for air and water to enter the system and stop the brakes from functioning properly is through perished rubber. When the brakes are serviced, you should drain out the old fluid and replace it in order to minimize any consequences from old brake fluid.
Everyone can learn how to cleanse their brake fluid at home. The task will require some experience, but just basic tools are needed. If you don’t have access to a power bleeder, having a friend assist you will be helpful. Although this DIY is specific to the BMW E30, the overall technique works for almost all vehicles on the road.
Candubrain
I appreciate your video. I assume you are not a BMW trained motorcycle mechanic based on the statements you made in the video, such as “I’m not sure” and “This is my first time.” The video is still of decent quality and covers the essentials. No offense intended; these are just my observations.
My query is still open.
How much brake fluid should we use, according to BMW, to completely and correctly flush the system? I want to learn about the standard used by BMW.
What much of brake fluid does a BMW require?
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 to flush any brake fluid?
Brake fluid has to be roughly one quart, or 32 ounces, in most vehicles. And you’re right; flushing your brakes ought to be a regular component of basic auto maintenance. It is advised to flush the brake fluid every 30,000 miles, or every two years.
How frequently should a BMW flush its brake fluid?
Most manufacturers recommend changing your brake fluid every two years, but there are other indications that your brakes require maintenance.
What type of braking fluid is employed by BMW?
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.
Is it possible to add brake fluid to a BMW?
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.
What is the lifespan of BMW brake fluid?
The standard recommendation is to replace your brake fluid every two years (or 30,000 miles). Moisture can enter the brake fluid even while your BMW is parked in a garage and not being used, which can result in brake failure.
Do brake fluid flushes have to be done?
One of the most essential components of a safe car is probably the brakes. However, a lot of clients could start to question whether a brake fluid flush is actually necessary. Yes, to answer briefly. Hydraulic fluid is used by your braking system to increase pedal pressure from your foot. This is what enables you to quickly and easily stop a large, moving vehicle. To keep this performance, your brake fluid needs routine maintenance. Here is all the information you require regarding brake fluid flushes.
Can you empty your own brake fluid?
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.
How much brake fluid do I need, in liters?
The correct working of your braking system will be ensured by having and maintaining the necessary brake gasoline level. Simply consult your car’s manual to see how much brake fluid is necessary for your vehicle; you’ll find this crucial piece of information there.
There should be 0.55 to 1 liters (18.60 to 33.81 ounces) of brake fluid, to put it simply.
However, drivers choose to look for this information online rather than in the automobile manual, either because it is more straightforward that way, they are not accustomed to using the manual, or they have misplaced it.
By the way, when you check the brake fluid level, a guide or a warning light will show on your car’s dashboard or on the relevant reservoir.
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.