I have a 2012 F07 that has just displayed the service warning that the rear brake pads need renewing. this car has an electronic hand brake, which i believe this makes the replacing of the pads not a straightforward job. can anyone advise me as to the likely costs of having this work done? as the car is now 10 years old and i have owned the car for 7 years and have never had any of the brake pads replaced and the mileage is now 65000 miles. do i use an independent garage(does this car use specific tools for resetting hand brakes) or do i use i BMW main dealer? just to check is it advisable to have the brake fluid changed every 2 years as the computer says, as i am traveling less than 5000 miles a year?. thanks Tim
Hi Tim, AFAIK your car has two rear brake systems: one system for slowing you down; the other for parking. I'm guessing the warning you've received relates to the slowing down system. The OBC often gets it wrong when advising something needs replacing, brake pads being one of them. The best way to see if the pads do need replacing (and given the mileage they probably do) is remove each of the rear wheels and have a look. Search WWW.REALOEM.COM to get an idea of what I'm on about. Given that brake fluid is hydroscopic, and deteriorates over time regardless of mileage, I'd get it done. And if it's never been replaced over the last 7 years, I'd have it done ASAP.
You tube is your friend Re changing brake pads, it’s not necessary to visit a BMW dealer, all independent garages shall undertake It’s advised to change the wear sensors at the same time. In regards to Cost, circa £60 for pads and sensors if your DIY competent it’s a relatively simple job though you do need a piston pushing tool or similar implement (I used to use lever and old pads. the menu on screen can be reset via the hidden menu AN other you tube tutorial shall explain how to access, though I’m thinking on the F07 it’s simpler and can be done via the idrive screen Regardless re the comment above about Brake fluid changed, whilst I DIY, I pay the main dealer for brake fluid changes and get a health check at same time, whilst I feel it’s a half Ar5ed sales check it’s a free check all the same! EDIT, the YouTube video, also shows resetting the dash ⚠️
Easy Did Mine in a 640d…. Handbrake rewind can be done with clasper removed and torx bits to wind back to null setting….. If I can do it… anyone can…. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
It was a mechanical lever once fitted to the interior of cars to initiate the reverse J turn, with an aggressive flick of the steering wheel allowed simplified access to parking spaces, car got bigger & spaces never followed, however over time, the uninitiated often got it wrong, so was inadvertently used for holding vehicles stationary whilst owner was absent, following further failures & rollaways this underwent a supposedly much improved design incorporating electricary. In essence, taken a simple design and making it more complex and costly to repair and eradicated the fun element ie “hand brake” turn They even gave it a new name - Parking Brake (???) as it was never used more costly electricary was incorporated To this day I’m still lost finding the release lever So much fun spoilt of yesteryears with design - can’t even open a door & jump out with car in motion now! without the Dahm thing activating…… Certainly no fun on a frosty winters morning when your locks freeze, you approach the first corner & the door swings open - Boom the parking brake is applied and one face plants the windscreen!
