[bmodzelewski]

Its time for my 2 yr brake fluid flush and this is the first time I will be doing it myself since the car is no longer under warranty/maintenance.

The car is a daily driver. Regular stop and go during rush hour traffic on the interstate. Never on the track.

My question is... Should I use the standard BMW brake fluid or should I switch to another brand for better protection? Or would that not be necessary?

Any input on this would be great. Thanks.

[ENINTY]

All modern BMWs use DOT-4 brake fluid. Sometimes it is hard to find, or you will only find DOT-3/DOT-4 synthetic. I bought some Pentosin (German) brand DOT-4 ("Super 4) at an auto parts store that caters to foreign cars. I paid $16 for a 1L can and a 1/2L can.

A lot of people also use ATE brand either ATE super-blue or ATE200 (gold colored).

[bmodzelewski]

thanks. I was looking the ecs tuning website and found both of the ate fluids you mentioned.

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E92-335...Braking/Fluid/

are there any major differences between the 2 fluids? also does anyone have any comments about the ATE SL6?

Would 1L be enough to flush the entire brake system?

[F32Fleet]

Nothing wrong with OEM.

[bmodzelewski]

Thanks. I guess that was really my main question... is there any real reason for me to switch from OEM brake fluid? especially under my normal driving conditions. Would I have any noticeable advantages of an aftermarket fluid?

[CirrusSR22]

There will be no advantage to ANY DOT 4 over another in a daily driving situation. I've used Valvoline DOT3/DOT4 for about a decade in many BMWs. Easy to find (AutoZone) and cheap.

1 liter/quart should be enough if you're not wasteful. Wouldn't hurt to buy two and have extra around for top-off or next time around.

[ENINTY]

Originally Posted by CirrusSR22

There will be no advantage to ANY DOT 4 over another in a daily driving situation. I've used Valvoline DOT3/DOT4 for about a decade in many BMWs. Easy to find (AutoZone) and cheap.

1 liter/quart should be enough if you're not wasteful. Wouldn't hurt to buy two and have extra around for top-off or next time around.

Agree with this too. I have Valvoline in my E90 and Z3 right now. I just wanted to switch to something new. I figured Pentosin is the OEM power steering oil, so their brake fluid should be suitable for the brake system. The price wasn't bad either.

I believe BMW's OEM is Castrol LMA. I was told that by a parts guy at Tischer BMW many years ago and used it in my E30 for a long time.

[ECSTuning]

Originally Posted by bmodzelewski

Thanks. I guess that was really my main question... is there any real reason for me to switch from OEM brake fluid? especially under my normal driving conditions. Would I have any noticeable advantages of an aftermarket fluid?

Under normal driving conditions we suggest staying with the genuine BMW fluid (found HERE).

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by ENINTY

All modern BMWs use DOT-4 brake fluid. Sometimes it is hard to find, or you will only find DOT-3/DOT-4 synthetic. I bought some Pentosin (German) brand DOT-4 ("Super 4) at an auto parts store that caters to foreign cars. I paid $16 for a 1L can and a 1/2L can.

A lot of people also use ATE brand either ATE super-blue or ATE200 (gold colored).

+1 on ATE, alternating between blue and yellow makes flushes a bit easier. But ATE's price is pretty good for a high temp fluid, but nothing wrong with OEM for daily/street driving.

[Titanium3Series]

I use ate super blue and have used super blue in my e90, e46, and 3 of my bikes I have had.

I have had good experience with ate fluid, mainly I like it cause it is blue.