Question: Brake & Anti-Freeze System Flush

[BMERGRL]

I took my 3.0 into the dealer the other day and they told me I needed the brake & anti-freeze systems flushed. It has 48,000 miles on it now....

I have a couple questions about this: 1) I've never heard of a Brake system needing to be flushed???? If anyone could explain this that would be helpfull. Is this something any mechanic could do if I provided OEM Brake Fluid.

2) Does BMW use the 'long-life' Antifreeze as their OEM fluid? Also, is this something that any mechanic could do if again provided the OEM fluids? Obviously I'm asking about tools and such...ie, do BMW Techs have speical tools for this job that a reg. mech. wouldn't have?

[hayaku]

1. brake fluid is hygroscopic. meaning it sucks the moisture out of the air like a sponge sucks up water. when it has moisture content in it, it heats up faster during braking and causes brake fade to eventual brake failure under heated braking. the bmw flush cycle for brake fluid is every 2 years.

2. coolant is a mix of 50/50 water and anti-freeze solution. the anti-freeze part breaks down after awhile. i forgot how long, but something in my head says 3 years is the cycle for the flush..

if you are a diy'er these flush procedures are very simple to do... i'm about to go through it myself and will be putting up some instructions soon...

hope that helps...

[motordavid]

BMERGRL:
Hayaku, as per his usual, is Right On!

I'd rec'd getting both done...DIY, or get the Hub to do it, Or
Any good privateer that knows his way around BMWs or good cars, in general.

Havoline brand or any DexCool brand coolant prod and distilled water for the rad. and any Quality DOT 4 brake fluid...
GL,md

[TQ2K]

Originally Posted by hayaku

1. brake fluid is hygroscopic. meaning it sucks the moisture out of the air like a sponge sucks up water. when it has moisture content in it, it heats up faster during braking and causes brake fade to eventual brake failure under heated braking. the bmw flush cycle for brake fluid is every 2 years.

2. coolant is a mix of 50/50 water and anti-freeze solution. the anti-freeze part breaks down after awhile. i forgot how long, but something in my head says 3 years is the cycle for the flush..

if you are a diy'er these flush procedures are very simple to do... i'm about to go through it myself and will be putting up some instructions soon...

hope that helps...

- BMERGRL, Thanks for the comprehensive leasing advice by the way, I greatly appreciate it!

[BMERGRL]

You guys rock!!! Okay...so then, I'll ask my tech in the back to do the flushes and I'll provide the fluid for both. I love to learn and I think he gets a kick out of me always wanting to help or perform some mod on the 'X'.

Hayaku.....I'll wait until I see your post about the job. You Da' Man!!!

TQ2K....You're mighty welcome!! I love to feel usefull. I just had family come into the dealership today on a Pilot Lease. It's all about sharing the knowledge!!!

[jwalsh22]

Pretty simple procedure, I would definately recommend using the BMW coolant, or something a little better than Dexacool. It's worth it just to know that you won't have any problems later on. Good luck.

[motordavid]

JWalsh, not to arm wrestle, but
imo, DexCool prods, or their iterations, are The Freaking Best
"normal" oem/aftermkt coolants on the mkt. Read Withidl's, et al, posts on this.
BMW coolant is made by someone...

Jes'my2Cts.
BR,md