Does anyone know of a method of activating the ABS while bleeding brakes without using the dealer tool?

I have heard of three techniques concerning the ABS, or anti-lock, circut. The first is not to worry about it; normal bleeding won't significantly impact your ABS. The second is to bleed the brakes with the engine running. The third is to bleed the brakes, activate the ABS during a couple of low-speed panic stops, and then re-bleed the brakes.

I have used the first technique in the past without problems. But now, I'm planning on removing all brake fluid as I rebuild my calipers, so I don't trust it. I don't believe the second technique would work. The third technique seems plausible, but I would rather activate the ABS without the need for driving it between bleeds.

The ABS is activated electronically. Isn't there a way to safely short a circut to activate them?

BTW, I have a 98 M3. Thanks.

First off, don't remove all the fluid. You will only need to remove one caliper at a time. Cap off the end of the line so that the fluid does not completely drain. And have the loose end higher than the rest of the line. Install that caliper when the rebuild is complete, bleed and then move on to the next.As for the ABS pump you don't want to run it dry or you will need to have it running to move oil through it to prime its chambers.

Just do the activation while driving method on a deserted street. Dirt roads work extremely well for this.

Did I forget to mention, don't let the system run dry!