red "BRAKE" warning in dash...quick question
 

Today I got a red BRAKE indicator that I haven't seen before and am having trouble determining what it means? The manual is brief and lends itself to low fluid? (I think). I have gotten the "check linings" in the past and done the rears myself. I also have gotten the "brake light warning" and sanded the socket on the rear taillights as well so I kind of thought I knew my way around the system but this new light is really frustrating me.

The only pertinent search I could find was this: http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...13-brakes.html but there was no explanation of the light.

I too am CPO but I am certain this wont be covered. (I've been unlucky with the dealer).

Note: About 2 months ago I had front suspension totally redone at Indie shop and the mechanic said I was "almost through" the front pads. I knew this as I got the car w/39K miles with brand new pads/rotors. I am now at 73K and I am a "spirited" driver. I was going to wait until the sensor went off and get meaty rotors and pads and do it myself. Could these issues be related?

Thanks for any thoughts, this site has been very informative...and saved me a lot of money!

Joe

2006 4.4 w/72,000 miles

If it was your pads the "Check Brake Linings" should appear on your gauge cluster. If just the light is on, it could be low fluid or your eBrake. I'll let others chime in with more educated info!

Cyrus

Sounds pretty educated to me.

JCL...I knew you'd chime in on a brake post! (thanks again for help in the past on rear brake job).

As I am beginning to be more and more educated I am guessing that the BRAKE warning is tripped by sensor on top of master cylinder? I will get some good fluid and top off. If light goes out I would assume I'm good until I do pads/rotors/flush?

Do you think that the decreased thickness of the pads eventually lowered the fluid level to the point the warning tripped? or am I reaching here...

thanks again

Low brake fluid is from a level sensor in the master cylinder, and yes, the fluid level drops as the pads (and rotors) wear and the caliper pistons move out.

You can top it off, but first check that the hand brake isn't causing the light to be on (or just look and see if the fluid is low before topping it off).

Just a reminder that the brake fluid should be flushed every two years, so when you get your brake job make sure it is done.

Bummer....added fluid as it was a few mm low. Filled it to "max" point and light is still on?

Is there a way to reset it or clear with scan tool?? I am starting to feel clammy...I hate going to the dealer....even if I decline work they still manage to excise a few hundred out of me every time.

It isn't a reset, it is a contact switch. Fix the problem and the light goes out. How have you decided it isn't the handbrake switch? Could also be the level sensor itself in the master cylinder. Time to diagnose the problem.

Check Brake Linings
 

I have the same issue. I replaced my rotors, brake pads, pad wear sensors, and replaced the brake fluid, about 6 months ago. I turned the key to position two and waited 30 sec., but the light still doesn't come of and I get the "Check Brake Linings" every time I turn off my X5. I ordered a new wear sensors for the front and rear, replaced them today, followed the 30 second procedure but the light is still on. Any suggestions???

If the sensors aren't faulty, then look for a poor connection where they plug in, or damaged wiring nearby.