reset the "check brake linings" message?

OK, did my brakes yesterday. New rotors and pads front and rear, piece of cake. I also replaced the sensors front and rear. However, the "check brake liners" and the "brake" light have not reset. I remember either reading or hearing that there is a little trick to resetting these after new brakes are installed. What is it?

Thanks.

Originally Posted by Aye Chingow!

OK, did my brakes yesterday. New rotors and pads front and rear, piece of cake. I also replaced the sensors front and rear. However, the "check brake liners" and the "brake" light have not reset. I remember either reading or hearing that there is a little trick to resetting these after new brakes are installed. What is it?

Thanks.

Nevermind, found the answer in another thread. In case anybody else wants to know, here is the answer from Dave:

Originally Posted by DZeckhausen

Turn the ignition key to position 2, but do NOT start the car. Wait for about 45 seconds and the brake warning message will be reset.

I just wanted to add, I can't BELIEVE how much the dealer and shops want to do this job! This was my first attempt and with a little research (mostly here) and some foreplanning it only took me a couple of hours. Most of that was just figuring out the first one. After that, it was about 20 minutes a corner... and I saved myself about $500 in labor...

I can't believe this worked for me too!!! Turn the key in the ignition without starting the car and wait a few seconds until the brake light disappears!!!
Thanks a million guys!!!

Originally Posted by Aye Chingow!

I just wanted to add, I can't BELIEVE how much the dealer and shops want to do this job! This was my first attempt and with a little research (mostly here) and some foreplanning it only took me a couple of hours. Most of that was just figuring out the first one. After that, it was about 20 minutes a corner... and I saved myself about $500 in labor...

When you pushed back the pistons in teh brake calipers, did you open the bleed valve or just remove some fluid from the reservoir and push the fluid out that way?

Hey

I was wondering if you can tell me DIY for replacing the brakes on my 2001 540i ? Is there a single thread that has the DIY instructions or do I have to read through Bimmerfest like I'm fishing in a lake ?

What type pads are recommended? I've heard there are pads available that don't put off the asbestos material that cruds up the front wheels... Also, are rotors always required to be replaced ? And what is the procedure for seating the pads that I keep reading about ?

I've done a lot of mechanicing and don't feel uncomfortable doing the work, but it sure helps to have up front pointers.

Thanks

Leadfoot

Just want to say thanks for posting this info! My husband was having one of those nothing is going right days and this was the last thing on his list, to change the sensor. Then the warning light wouldn't go off and he was ready to throw stuff. I searched, found and !! Thanks for the info.

Turn the ignition key to position 2, but do NOT start the car. Wait for about 45 seconds and the brake warning message will be reset.

Does this nice tidbit work to reset all warning indicators or just the brake warning lamp indication?

Originally Posted by LeadFoot

I was wondering if you can tell me DIY for replacing the brakes on my 2001 540i ? Is there a single thread that has the DIY instructions or do I have to read through Bimmerfest like I'm fishing in a lake ?

You may find Mike K's DIY for the M3 pads to be helpful. The 540i is similar. The only difference is that it's easier to pull out the pad wear sensors on the 540i, since there's a "handle" on them to grab.

Front pads: http://m3.madrussian.net/diy_front_brake_pads.shtml
Rear pads: http://m3.madrussian.net/diy_rear_brake_pads.shtml

What type pads are recommended? I've heard there are pads available that don't put off the asbestos material that cruds up the front wheels...

You won't find asbestos pads any more. Legislated out of existance. Most people are happy with the Axxis Deluxe Plus pads as a low dust, low cost alternative to the factory pads.

Also, are rotors always required to be replaced ?

No. Only replace the rotors if they are worn out or if you are having a judder problem when braking. How do you tell if they are worn out? BMW specifies a maximum of 1.6mm of allowable rotor wear. Since the 540i front rotors started out at 30mm thick, that means they can get down to 28.4mm before you should throw them out. (528i front rotors start out at only 22mm thick, so they should be discarded at 20.4mm.) The rear rotors started out at 20mm thick, so you need to toss them at 18.4mm. (528i uses the same rear rotors as the 540i.)

And what is the procedure for seating the pads that I keep reading about?

That's called "bedding" the brakes and you can find a write-up on my web site: http://www.zeckhausen.com/bedding_in_brakes.htm