Red "BRAKE" and "CHECK BRAKE LININGS"

[bmw_jeff_X5]

My sequence of events:
1. Changed my front rotors, pads and sensors Saturday.
2. I monitored my brake fluid level while compressing the pistons. I removed a small amount of brake fluid from the reservoir to compensate for the compression of the brake fluid back into the reservoir.
3. This morning the red "BRAKE" symbol lights up. When I get to work and research the subject I see that this can be caused by low brake fluid. So I think that could make sense since I had to remove some. When I get home I check the brake fluid and it is at the max level.
4. Before I check the fluid level as I remove my key from the ignition the "CHECK BRAKE LINiNGS" light shows up. I know my rear pads are nearly gone too and have the parts to do them this Saturday so I assume that's what this error light is related to.

I guess I'm wondering what the relationship of the 2 errors lights is since my brake fluid level seems good?

[JCL]

I don't think the red brake light is just triggered by fluid level. There are multiple triggers. It is designed to get your attention so that you then go and see what the problem is.

[jc1surf]

Originally Posted by JCL

I don't think the red brake light is just triggered by fluid level. There are multiple triggers. It is designed to get your attention so that you then go and see what the problem is.

got my attention on the way home. just happened to me last Wednesday. Same lights, BRAKE AND CHECK BRAKE LINING. Brake fluid was at correct level. Mechanic said to first check the connection of the sensor, its wiring and if it situated correctly. The problem for myself was The inside front pads were basically worn down to the sensor. I wished i could've taken a pic of it. I had the rotor, pads and sensors replaced....i guess i can call it a $365 bday gift for the X.

but deff get it checked out asap to be safe.

[bmw_jeff_X5]

So you had both errors showing up from worn pads/sensor?

[jc1surf]

Originally Posted by bmw_jeff_X5

So you had both errors showing up from worn pads/sensor?

Yep. Well first the "CHECK BRAKE LINING" came on. Then about half mile or so, then the RED BRAKE light came on. And remained on until I have then replaced.
I wish I can be of more help, but seems like you had already replaced that parts that triggered in my X. Have you gone back to check the sensor housing? there was a thread on here few months back. I'll try to hunt that thread down.

[omodos]

Originally Posted by jc1surf

Yep. Well first the "CHECK BRAKE LINING" came on. Then about half mile or so, then the RED BRAKE light came on. And remained on until I have then replaced.
I wish I can be of more help, but seems like you had already replaced that parts that triggered in my X. Have you gone back to check the sensor housing? there was a thread on here few months back. I'll try to hunt that thread down.

Hi got same message sequence yesterday, any idea if i have any drive time left once the red brake light with exclamation mark has popped up?

[bmw_jeff_X5]

My rear pads and rotors also need to be replaced which I received the parts for today via UPS. I have known they were about to go for a while but I had the front parts first this past weekend (long story). I planned on doing the rear this weekend.
I'm hoping that the issue is simply the rear pads being worn down to sensor and not something I screwed up when replacing the fronts. I really took my time and there are no odd sounds or vibrations or stopping issues currently. Thanks for the continued input.

[jc1surf]

Originally Posted by bmw_jeff_X5

My rear pads and rotors also need to be replaced which I received the parts for today via UPS. I have known they were about to go for a while but I had the front parts first this past weekend (long story). I planned on doing the rear this weekend.
I'm hoping that the issue is simply the rear pads being worn down to sensor and not something I screwed up when replacing the fronts. I really took my time and there are no odd sounds or vibrations or stopping isssues currently. Thanks for the continued input.

did you replace the sensor? sounds just like what happened to me. The mechanic estimated 2months about 2weeks ago. It was sooner than expected. My rears are also worn down so i'm cringing for when those two RED lights come back on.

[bmw_jeff_X5]

Yes...sensor replaced too on front.

[bmw_jeff_X5]

It's odd that it was in the opposite order...red brake and then check brake linings.