[swissguy]

My X7 has informed me that it needs a brake fluid service. How much should I expect to pay for this. It seems like it is kind of unnecessary.

Thanks

[Wtfitzvi]

is it calling for a full service or check fluid because it might be low fluid?

[sharp]

One dealer quoted me $320+taxes, another one - $370+taxes for the brake fluid flush. Then I called a local BMW indy shop, they quoted me $120. When I went to the indy shop, they evaluated the brake fluid with a device and said it is in a great condition and doesn't have to be replaced. Then they just reset the maintenance alert and sent me home 🙂

Hope that helps.

[Orient330iNYC]

Originally Posted by swissguy

My X7 has informed me that it needs a brake fluid service. How much should I expect to pay for this. It seems like it is kind of unnecessary.

Thanks

brake fluid degrades over time vs mileage
as it ages it absorbs moisture, and the boiling point drops.
this is critical as if you end up in a situation where you end up generating alot of heat into the brake system, like a long downhill, or any other situation with extended braking, the brakefluid can boil and since steam is compressible, boom, no brakes.

the other issue is, once the fluid saturates with moisture, corrosion will start inside the brake system. failed dsc/abs unit is about 2500 replacement cost.

[Orient330iNYC]

Originally Posted by sharp

One dealer quoted me $320+taxes, another one - $370+taxes for the brake fluid flush. Then I called a local BMW indy shop, they quoted me $120. When I went to the indy shop, they evaluated the brake fluid with a device and said it is in a great condition and doesn't have to be replaced. Then they just reset the maintenance alert and sent me home ��

Hope that helps.

they probably tested the moisture content with a pen like device? only downside is, they can only meter the fluid in the reservoir.
the flex hoses at the wheels are the most permeable of the system. rest of it is steel tubing.
theres not alot of movement from the fluid in the calipers back to the reservoir, so while the reservoir might be fine, the ends where it matters, the fluid in the calipers might have moisture in it.

bmw has the factory interval at 3 years, then every 2 years after that.

with a pressure bleeder its very simple and cheap insurance. used to do it back in the day when ATE sold both blue and normal amber fluid, very easy to do, just wait for the color to change at each corner. for 120 its almost not worth diy.

[sharp]

Originally Posted by Orient330iNYC

they probably tested the moisture content with a pen like device? only downside is, they can only meter the fluid in the reservoir.
the flex hoses at the wheels are the most permeable of the system. rest of it is steel tubing.
theres not alot of movement from the fluid in the calipers back to the reservoir, so while the reservoir might be fine, the ends where it matters, the fluid in the calipers might have moisture in it.

bmw has the factory interval at 3 years, then every 2 years after that.

with a pressure bleeder its very simple and cheap insurance. used to do it back in the day when ATE sold both blue and normal amber fluid, very easy to do, just wait for the color to change at each corner. for 120 its almost not worth diy.

Thanks for your response. Now I know a bit more about this particular aspect. I will ask the shop to flush the brake fluid next time.

And yes, they tested the moisture level in the reservoir with a pen-like device.

[Fooksdaddy]

Just completed yesterday at a local shop/not BMW and paid $170.