where is the brake fluid reservoir on an e39??

[94silverbullet]

I need to add brake fluid

[CABimmer]

its in the engine bay right in fron of the steering wheel, under the cabin filter.

[94silverbullet]

its in the engine bay right in fron of the steering wheel, under the cabin filter.

thanks, i'll check in the AM. is it pretty visable/easy to get to. I need to add fluid.

[PJB]

is it pretty visable/easy to get to. I need to add fluid.

It is indeed pretty simple. It sounds harder than it is, but you need to remove the driver's side cabin filter housing. Read the directions here:

http://www.beisansystems.com/procedu..._procedure.htm

Those directions are for the passenger's side cabin filter housing. The driver's side housing is the same, except that you also need to unplug the alarm hood sensor.

Once you have the cabin filter housing removed, the brake fluid reservoir is exposed and easily accessible.

[xveganxcowboyx]

Just an FYI, the brake fluid reservoir is *usually* above the master cylinder which is attached to the brake assembly. (so just the other side of the firewall from the brake pedal). If the reservoir is not there, it is likely remotely mounted in which case you can just follow the lines.

This is of course just for general application as you already know where yours is.

[94silverbullet]

thanks guys.

I wonder why they don't make it simpler, like unscrewing a cap like most cars.

[CABimmer]

They did make it easier. To change the cabin filter. Have you ever changed one on an e36?

[94silverbullet]

They did make it easier. To change the cabin filter. Have you ever changed one on an e36?

I havent.

[PJB]

thanks guys.

I wonder why they don't make it simpler, like unscrewing a cap like most cars.

Really, once you remove the cabin filter housing, all you do is unscrew a cap. In the two years of ownership of my e39 I've had to access the brake fluid once, but have changed the cabin filters maybe three times. Cabin filters should be changed yearly and they're accessed more than the brake fluid under normal maintenance schedules.

[bimmerfiver]

thanks guys.

I wonder why they don't make it simpler, like unscrewing a cap like most cars.

Here:

http://img377.imageshack.us/img377/5...dress01pl2.jpg

[94silverbullet]

Here:

http://img377.imageshack.us/img377/5...dress01pl2.jpg

you'll look nice in that driving your snail....

[craig9898]

apparantly the drains in the driver side air filter box were glogged. when it rained or went through a car wash water accumulated beneath the cabin air filter housing to the degree the water went into the brake booster and was even sucked into the engine via a vacuum house. the engine ran very rough and steam came out the tail pipe!! Morever, the brakes were locking up as the brake peddle was sucked to the floor right out from under my foot. has any one else experienced this? to make matters worse the garage thought the ABS unit needed to be replaced and now i think i have a perfectly good used ABS unit in the trunk for sale.

Regards,

[redlinevq]

do e39s use normal brake fluid or do I have to buy anything special?

[RXWLLMSS]

DOT4 Synthetic

[redlinevq]

DOT4 Synthetic

its synthetic for a 97? stock? I am just trying to top it off.

[teedub21]

Gotta watch the drains on the cabin filter housings, they clog easily, especially if you leave your car outside. The res has a sealed cap, like all I've ever seen. Not sure how water could get in there. The passenger side is another story though. If it clogs it can potentially flood the ECU.