[BlackedOutBimmer]

Quick ?

So i need my fluid replaced in my brakes (even though its been 2 years, and now bmw recommends 3 )

regardless, still is good to get the fluid changed...

Local BMW dealer quoted me $130.00-140.00 to do it..

does sound OK? seems reasonable to me, but just want to make sure im not paying the "BMW tax" that iI shouldnt be. Figured since the brake fluid is a little different on these cars that the dealer has all the proper tools, etc for getting all the fluid out. Not that my indy doesn't, but he seems better with the e46 models and older, rather than the e90s and up.


Also am getting my oil done for $80 which seems reasonable considering its full synthetic... and my local Indy BMW shop charges me 70-75.

thanks

[BlackedOutBimmer]

Also, how do I make sure the dealer actually flushes the system and refillls and just doesn't suck the old fluid out from the top and re-top off?

Guess it is hard to tell, but i would assume the "proper" way is a full flush and fill and that some dealers just take the shortcut way and suck it out from the top?

[bimmertt]

That is a reasonable price to replace the brake fluid. Brake feel should be more firm and precise after the fluid is changed.

The only way to 100% verify it was changed would be to re-bleed the system to see if clean fluid is coming out.

Btw, there is nothing really special that is needed to bleed the brakes on these cars. If your indy is cheaper, I'd just take it to the indy...

[1QuikWS6]

My local dealer charges $120 for brake flush/refill - so the price you were quoted is not bad. Should flush/refill every 2 years according to the 'old school' maintenance (which is what I do)

[BlackedOutBimmer]

Originally Posted by 1QuikWS6

My local dealer charges $120 for brake flush/refill - so the price you were quoted is not bad. Should flush/refill every 2 years according to the 'old school' maintenance (which is what I do)

actually "old school" maint is once a year.

then it was twice a year... e90 models..

and now i guess there must be a miricale breakthorugh again, because it's 3 years now

Yea, I agree 2 years is prob about right for regular use. if you track your car, then damn near every time after hard tracking.... if you track it once or twice, either after or at a min once a year IMO...

Going with the dealer I suppose.

and to the above poster.... i realize there isnt anything "special" with our cars other than the fact they are a PITA to get the brake fluid out, and if not done properly, then you really dont get all of it out. I know an indy might be able to do it just as well, but the dealer is more accustomed i suppose is my reasoning

[1QuikWS6]

Yeah, no tracking with my iX so 2 yr be good for me

When I asked dealer cost of auto tranny filter/fluid change (on my dime mind you) - they told me you NEVER change the tranny fluid/filter - its LIFETIME!

Yup, and I saw a gaggle of pigs fly by the other day...

They truly have changed a high quality car that was known for lasting 100,000's of miles, into a car that you keep 4 yrs, throw away, and get another

Good for the bottom line I guess

[davidkotok]

i paid $90 at an indy shop that i trust and it made a hell of a difference, make sure they truly flush the system at all four points. this is exactly the type of service that you should skip the dealer for if you are out of maintenance warranty.

cheers.

[SlickE90]

Does anybody know how much brake fluid is needed? I have a 328 if that matters.

[bimmertt]

Originally Posted by SlickE90

Does anybody know how much brake fluid is needed? I have a 328 if that matters.

About 2 bottles If you are using the oem fluid from BMW.

[Judge Dredd]

Dealer charged me $186.

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by AllBlackBimmer

actually "old school" maint is once a year.

then it was twice a year... e90 models..

Nope. E46 recommended brake fluid interval was 2 years, as was my E36 based Z3.

Tom

[N8N]

The price quoted is in line - takes about an hour, and "regular" shop rates at least around here start at $100/hour.

That said, if you have wrenches that fit the bleeder screws you can DIY for less than that, get a Motive Products power bleeder with the proper adapter and two quarts of brake fluid and have at it. I believe that E9x require special "low viscosity" brake fluid for the ABS/TC/Stability control to work correctly so probably best to buy that at the dealer. Get some clear windshield washer tubing or fish tank air hose and an old plastic soda bottle to catch the fluid that comes out. Total bill should be about the same as paying dealer to do it once, and then next time all you need to buy is more fluid.

[N8N]

Originally Posted by 1QuikWS6

Yeah, no tracking with my iX so 2 yr be good for me

When I asked dealer cost of auto tranny filter/fluid change (on my dime mind you) - they told me you NEVER change the tranny fluid/filter - its LIFETIME!

IMHO the lifetime of a car will be a lot longer if you change the fluids regularly... but I think we're all on the same page here.

[N8N]

Just thought, if you DIY don't forget to bleed the clutch hydraulics too

[mlifxs]

price is OK, especially if dealer will give you a loaner. I. once paid 100 at an Indy.

[BlackedOutBimmer]

I am taking it in tomorrow

actually, my local dealer is pretty legit.

they always give me a free loaner... last time they gave me a '13 528i and told me to "enjoy the car"... obviously trying to get me thinking on getting a new car but have always treated me fair and have always provider loaners... before mostly 328xi e90 sedans, a few e92s as well.

[///Mposter]

Paid $80 at korman in NC. Took about an hour or so while I waited in the lobby . There was a car before me otherwise I'm sure They would have knocked it out faster. Well worth it. Just not worth what the dealer was trying to at $135. Brake feel was firmer .

[juliano]

For DIY people that wanna change brake fluid they have to consider temporary REMOVING the filter which sits inside of the reservoir of braking system. If you don't do it all U are doing is mixing old fluid with the new one....
the whole idea of changing the fluid is that this is absorbing water for air that is humidity so the reservoire is the most exposed part to air ...