BMWs are known for being sporty handling vehicles. Just as important as keeping up the maintenance on your powerful engine, the brake system is important for sporty driving and safety.
BMWs have dashboard warning lights that, when lit up, specify a brake system failure.
The anti-lock braking system (ABS) light
This light tells you the ABS is inoperative, or you turned it off. Each wheel has sensors connected to the ABS module. When incipient wheel lockup is noticed the ABS module applies and releases that wheel’s brake many times per second to avoid wheel lockup and prevent skidding in slippery conditions.
The dynamic stability control (DSC) light
This system selectively applies individual brakes to facilitate control on slippery roads to preventing your car from spinning or sliding out. If this light is on it means the system is not working or you turned it off.
The brake warning light
This indicator warns you of several possibilities. You may have left the parking brake engaged. The brake fluid reservoir may be low. Your brake pads may be worn out. There may be an electronic anomaly. If the brakes seem safe, bring your BMW to us and we will check out the system, do needed repairs, and reset the light.
BMW Power Brake Problems
Many BMWs made between 2019 to 2021 have a software glitch that may cause braking assist to fail. If this happens to you it will require great force to activate your brakes. We can remedy this dangerous condition in short order with a computer reflash.
Caliper Problems
BMW calipers are known to be vulnerable to caliper failure. Internal pistons in brake calipers force brake pads against the rotors, round steel parts bolted to the wheels. The pad/rotor interaction creates friction, causing your car to slow down.
Dirt and the high temperature of braking can gum up the pistons and even cause them to seize. A slow-acting caliper piston means less braking on that wheel than the others. A seized piston may stick on all the time or may not function at all.
This problem on one brake will result in a car that jerks to one side under braking. Uneven wear on the pads and rotors will also be the result of this condition.
A powerful burning smell may be a sign of stuck pistons in a brake caliper. If they are stuck in the “on” position you have a draggy brake which will overheat, and even set the brake fluid on fire.
If you find the brake warning light was set off by low fluid in the reservoir, you may have a leaky caliper. Calipers have rubber seals to retain the fluid that forces pistons against the pads. These seals deteriorate with miles and time. Leaking brake fluid is a hazardous condition; it can cause brake failure. A slow leak may or may not form a puddle under your car. A minor seepage may not be noticeable until you get the warning light. Bring your BMW in for repair without delay.
How We Remedy or Head Off BMW Brake Difficulties
Routine inspections and fluid flushes can avert expensive repairs. Your BMW’s calipers are less likely to stick or seize if we do regular brake fluid drain and fill service. We suggest this procedure every other year or 30 thousand miles. During this service we will remove contamination that may lead to caliper problems.
We have dedicated brake repair experts at our automobile maintenance facility. Call us or visit our website to get a quote and book an appointment for a brake inspection or any service you require.
Daly City, CA - Our Auto Repair Shop Specializes in Brake Repair for BMWs
SYNOPSIS: Brake inspections are a necessary means of ensuring your safety when you drive. When we inspect your brake system we check your pads and rotors for wear, inspect for sticking calipers.
We are Your Best Choice for BMW Brake Repair
BY: Henry Ma, M & R Automotive
BMWs are known for being sporty handling vehicles. Just as important as keeping up the maintenance on your powerful engine, the brake system is important for sporty driving and safety.
BMWs have dashboard warning lights that, when lit up, specify a brake system failure.
The anti-lock braking system (ABS) light
This light tells you the ABS is inoperative, or you turned it off. Each wheel has sensors connected to the ABS module. When incipient wheel lockup is noticed the ABS module applies and releases that wheel’s brake many times per second to avoid wheel lockup and prevent skidding in slippery conditions.
The dynamic stability control (DSC) light
This system selectively applies individual brakes to facilitate control on slippery roads to preventing your car from spinning or sliding out. If this light is on it means the system is not working or you turned it off.
The brake warning light
This indicator warns you of several possibilities. You may have left the parking brake engaged. The brake fluid reservoir may be low. Your brake pads may be worn out. There may be an electronic anomaly. If the brakes seem safe, bring your BMW to us and we will check out the system, do needed repairs, and reset the light.
BMW Power Brake Problems
Many BMWs made between 2019 to 2021 have a software glitch that may cause braking assist to fail. If this happens to you it will require great force to activate your brakes. We can remedy this dangerous condition in short order with a computer reflash.
Caliper Problems
BMW calipers are known to be vulnerable to caliper failure. Internal pistons in brake calipers force brake pads against the rotors, round steel parts bolted to the wheels. The pad/rotor interaction creates friction, causing your car to slow down.
Dirt and the high temperature of braking can gum up the pistons and even cause them to seize. A slow-acting caliper piston means less braking on that wheel than the others. A seized piston may stick on all the time or may not function at all.
This problem on one brake will result in a car that jerks to one side under braking. Uneven wear on the pads and rotors will also be the result of this condition.
A powerful burning smell may be a sign of stuck pistons in a brake caliper. If they are stuck in the “on” position you have a draggy brake which will overheat, and even set the brake fluid on fire.
If you find the brake warning light was set off by low fluid in the reservoir, you may have a leaky caliper. Calipers have rubber seals to retain the fluid that forces pistons against the pads. These seals deteriorate with miles and time. Leaking brake fluid is a hazardous condition; it can cause brake failure. A slow leak may or may not form a puddle under your car. A minor seepage may not be noticeable until you get the warning light. Bring your BMW in for repair without delay.
How We Remedy or Head Off BMW Brake Difficulties
Routine inspections and fluid flushes can avert expensive repairs. Your BMW’s calipers are less likely to stick or seize if we do regular brake fluid drain and fill service. We suggest this procedure every other year or 30 thousand miles. During this service we will remove contamination that may lead to caliper problems.
We have dedicated brake repair experts at our automobile maintenance facility. Call us or visit our website to get a quote and book an appointment for a brake inspection or any service you require.
