Brake fluid is one of the most essential things in your BMW braking system since it’s responsible for providing the necessary amount of friction between your brake pads and discs.
In most cases, what happens is that the fluid gets old or contaminated with dirt and debris which can damage or even destroy your BMW braking system.
In this article, I am going to go more into detail about what this means and how to reset the warning light.
BMW Brake Fluid Service Overdue Meaning
In short, Bmw Brake fluid service overdue is a maintenance minder That automatically notifies you when your BMW’s brake fluid needs to be replaced.
This warning light will usually come on after 28 000 miles, or every two years depending on the model year.
Brake fluid can become contaminated with dirt and other debris and lose its ability to provide proper friction between your brake pads and discs.
The Importance of Brake Fluid on Your BMW Explained
Now, that I have clarified what the message really means, let’s look at why BMW brake fluid service is so important.
Brake fluid is a vital component of your BMW’s braking system, serving several important functions.
Firstly, when the brake pedal is pressed, the brake fluid transfers the force, causing your BMW to stop when necessary.
Additionally, brake fluid is formulated to protect the metal components inside the brake system from corrosion, which can occur over time due to the breakdown of inhibitors or exposure to excess moisture.
Furthermore, brake fluid contains properties that help to maintain the smooth functioning of the brake system, preventing the build-up of contaminants that could disrupt the fluid flow.
How to Reset the “Brake Fluid Service Overdue”
In order to fix and reset the message, you will need to do a brake fluid flush by draining the old brake fluid and replacing it with a new BMW brake fluid.
You can either that your vehicle to any BMW dealer (relatively more expensive) or you can take it to any qualified BMW auto shop that has the right equipment and expertise to do this. The latter option will be much more affordable.
I personally recommend going with a qualified BMW auto repair, since brake fluid change is a simple process and doesn’t require any specialized skills or tools.
What is important is to ensure whoever will be changing your brake fluid uses a BMW brake fluid which is made by BMW and can find it in most automotive stores.
BMW Brake Fluid Change Interval
The recommended BMW brake fluid change interval is every 24 months or 30,000-70 000 miles.
If you drive more than this amount of time, then it is recommended that you change your BMW brake fluid at least once a year.
How Much Does BMW Brake Fluid Service Cost?
I recently wrote an article about the cost of doing a BMW brake fluid change here.
In general, the dealer will charge you anywhere between £100 ($120) – £200 ($240) depending on the model. Taking it to a local qualified repair shop will be relatively cheaper, you can expect to pay £70 ($83) – £100 ($120).
Signs your BMW needs a Brake Fluid Change
Other than the “BMW Brake fluid service overdue” message there are several other warning signs that your BMW needs a brake fluid change including:
Brake Pedals Feels Harder
As the brake fluid ages, it becomes less effective. This means that you need to apply more pressure on your brake pedal for it to work.
If you notice that your brake pedal feels harder than usual then this could be a sign that you need to change the fluid soon.
ABS Light Comes On
Another sign is If you see the ABS light come on in your dashboard, this could be a sign that your brake fluid needs to be changed.
Brake Fluid Color
BMW brake fluid color is generally Clear (transparent) or Amber in color, but it can turn dark brown if you have left the fluid in your car for too long.
If you notice that the brake fluid has turned brown, then this is a sign that it needs to be changed.
BMW takes a DOT 4 or DOT 5 I recommend you check your car’s owner’s manual for the exact type of brake fluid that you should use. If it says DOT 4 or DOT 5, then this is what you need to use.
