No Brakes.....uh ohh... Brake Booster?

[Lexicon740iL]

Hi Guys,

So I noticed the past couple of days when I start the X the brake peddle was pushing back at me an abnormal amount during self test at startup. I checked the fluid level and topped it off as it was a bit low. Then yesterday I left work at lunch and could barley stop when backing out of my parking spot.

There was no pressure in the peddle and I had to push all the way down to the floor for the brakes to barely engage and stop me.

No lights were on in the cluster so I knew it was not ABS or DSC related. No fluid loss so I know it's not a leak or broken line.

I pulled it around the corner to a garage a half a block away where I know the service manager (Former BMW Dealership Tech) and I left the X with him for diagnosis.

He called me back last night and said the hydraulic system is fine with no leaks and it's the brake booster. He said there is good vacuum and no oil infiltration into the system as sometimes occurs.

He said he was going to call this morning with a quote once he confirms parts availability.

Can anyone link me to a R&R for this part? I usually do stuff myself but it was convenient to drop it off there and not tow it home.
But I want to be informed on the level of work involved in replacement of the unit so I can see if the labor quote is reasonable or If I should just do it myself and cash them out for diagnosis.

The main reason I am considering doing it myself is they have a strict policy of no customer supplied parts. Well with my CCA discount I can get 20% off that booster from the same local dealership they are probably going to source the part from so I'm already overpaying from the get go just on the part needed.

Thanks for you input guys

-Lex

[jsoto]

It depends. Figure $100-$120 on diag.
If you have tow coverage. Great. If not, then you are paying a tow cost.
Is the $ factor worth it when all said and done ...

[Lexicon740iL]

I have free towing with AAA

[BigBlack48is]

do you see leakage around the vacuum pump? If so, swap out those o-rings and while you have it apart. Check for slop inside of the pump. if it's real sloppy, hit a junk yard for one with low miles on it.

[Lexicon740iL]

UPDATE:

I've been extra busy lately so I had the shop do the work for me.

They told me part will be in Monday and it will be finished by 5PM

I called at 4:30 and asked for an update. They said the tech was flushing the system and bleading the brakes but was having a hard time building pressure. I said no worries I'll take the loner home. Call me when it's done.

I get a call an hour later and miss it so the owner leaves a VM

Stating that the master cylinder needs replacement and it will be at no charge to me He will have the part in the morning and call me when it's done.

NO CHARGE HMMMMMM. Obviously they broke it and are gonna replace it for free ok cool. They are taking responsibility for there improper repair or bleeding technique.

I can respect that.

So I pick the X up this afternoon...

I got in and noticed the peddle was a bit spongier than I remember. No Biggie I thought.
I get back to work and leave again an hour later.
1 mile down the road the brake light comes on and DSC/4x4 light illuminates and I get a warning on the cluster stating 4x4/dsc disabled / inactive.

I bring it back to the shop and tell the owner the issue

He apoligizes for the inconvenience gets me right in a loner and on my way to my meeting.
Before I left I asked that the tech that preformed the work and road tested my vehicle NOT TOUCH MY X5 AGAIN he said that's no problem I totally understand.

He said that in the rare instance that something is over their head so to speak he has a partner shop he works with that does German cars exclusively he said it might take a day or two but he can have it fixed and returned to me in working condition.

What do you guys think they damaged?
What are you thoughts on what could be comprimized and needs assurance it is in working order?
How would you deal with a situation like this?

Now I remember why I work on all my cars myself....

[Ricky Bobby]

Are you losing fluid? There was a thread recently about rotted brake lines under the car near the rear of the vehicle

[upallnight]

Sounds like they drained the fluid out of the ABS system and just normal bleeding (not bleading) will not replace the fluid in the ABS pump. They need software to cycle the pump on and off.