Just an FYI...you do know/see that there's another thread discussing the same topic going on at the same time, right?
Here's that thread and the resolution/answer to one of your original questions:
"I got a red "BRAKE" light on the dash today and when the key is off, it tells me to check the linings. Is this triggered by the pad wear sensor and is that sensor a one-time piece?" :
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...e-linings.html