I'm going to do a brake fluid flush/bleeding job on my car soon...maybe this weekend. I've got a Motive Power Bleeder, so I don't have to rely on someone to pump the brakes.

I've also got a Bentley manual, however, and I figured I'd check it out to make sure there wasn't anything special I had to know for this car. The procedure in the Bentley manual it says to use the BMW Service Tester Bleeding ABS/DSC program. Is this really necessary? Or is the BMW tool doing essentially the same thing as the Motive Power Bleeder (ie, pressurizing the system)? Also, the Bentley procedure says that after the fluid runs clear, press the brake pedal to the floor 5 times. Is this necessary either?

I guess what I'm worried about is screwing up the ABS/DSC hydraulic control unit. I suppose that as long as I don't let air get into it then I should be okay. I just wanted to check with those more knowledgeable/experienced than I am before I go about causing serious damage.

Thanks!

Hi neighbor,

I think you only need to bleed the ABS system if you get air in the lines, and that is unlikely if you're using the Motive power bleeder. just follow the directions on the bleeder.

Personally, I loaded the bleeder up, went to the right rear wheel and bled it until clean. This will take longer than the other wheels. I guess that's because you're pushing out the old fluid that was in the reservoir. Then do the left rear, right front, the left front. You might be able to do it without jacking it up. To be complete, you should also bleed the clutch hydraulics, but I was lazy.

Steve

Thanks Steve.

Yeah, I was planning on doing that sequence of wheels...although I'll probably be jacking it up and taking the wheels off, just to check things out.

BTW, I've taken my car to German Motor Works a couple of times...Mike is a really nice guy who does great work. He's a really good alternative to the dealership if there's anything you need done. I think you recommended him in the first place, so I appreciate that.

There are two reasons for needing to place the ABS into bleed mode. One would be if air has gotten into the system between the ABS and master cylinder, which happens if the reservoir runs dry or the mater cylinder is replaced. The other reason is to flush out the fluid that is trapped in the ABS module. You can work around the lack of a diag system by getting into the ABS on an empty and wet parking lot, which will flush fresh fluid into the ABS.

I suck the old fluid from the reservoir and refill it with fresh. Then with the remainder of that liter in the pressure bleeder push 250cc through each rear, starting with the right rear, and 150cc through each front, ending on the left front. That's more than enough fluid through each caliper to completely replace all of the fluid in that part of the circuit.

I was wondering has anybody used the Auto Enginuity scan tool to open the ABS/DSC modules? I was reading up on this device and it might be do this with the bi-direction support along with the enhanced BMW module, ie. it not only reads but also can execute commands. However, I am not sure if it can open the ABS modules up. Has anybody used this device to assist in brake bleeding/flushing?

i use my motive at work on all kinds of bimmers from e36's to e60's, same procedure and takes 20min tops. as jlevie said, suck old fluid out of brake reservoir, refill with clean fluid, fill the pressure bleeder, attach to res and pump it up to 15-20psi(20psi max, i'd recommend), bleed in this order rr, lr, rf, lf, slave cyl(if equipped). no need to do anything else.

Thanks Steve.

Yeah, I was planning on doing that sequence of wheels...although I'll probably be jacking it up and taking the wheels off, just to check things out.

BTW, I've taken my car to German Motor Works a couple of times...Mike is a really nice guy who does great work. He's a really good alternative to the dealership if there's anything you need done. I think you recommended him in the first place, so I appreciate that.

Alex,

Good idea to jack it up and check everything out. It's a good time to really give the wheels a good cleaning, too.

Glad to hear you had a good experience at GMW. I haven't really needed any mechanical work, but I had Mike install a couple of tires for me. My impression is that he knows what he's doing, and it seems that you confirm this. I'll definitely go to him in the future.

Steve