Brake Pad Sensor Wires - BMW Forum

SuperFreaks 323is · 03-08-2005, 07:35 PM

im gettin ready to change my pads and rotors and was wandering if the sensor wires had to be replaced, or recommneded. or no as long as your careful and dont break or cut the wires. thanks

xsperf · 03-08-2005, 07:46 PM

actually, the sensor is a simple wire, the sensor triggers the light when the plastic wears down on it, creating a contact. so if the light is on, yes they need replacement, they are prolly less than a buck

tomctx · 03-09-2005, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by xsperf@Mar 8 2005, 09:46 PM
actually, the sensor is a simple wire, the sensor triggers the light when the plastic wears down on it, creating a contact. so if the light is on, yes they need replacement, they are prolly less than a buck

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There are people that say you don't have to replace the sensor. some say replace the sensor if the plastic is worn. Others replace sensors whether worn or not. Basically, whatever feels comfortable to you. I've seen prices from $8 to $15 dollars, still cheap to do.

BTW, when I changed my front pads, the sensor wasn't worn. So, I left it alone. No troubles, so far.

93 325i · 03-09-2005, 08:29 AM

I tied my sensor off so it is not attached...Im sure most of us here knw when it's time to do the brakes..

OldGuy · 03-09-2005, 09:02 AM

If you're gonna replace the pads and rotors you may as well do the wires unless you don't plan to hook them back up. If the plastic is suppsed to wear out and signal it's time to check and it's not actually monitoring pad wear you're gonna get a false signal down the road and need to replace them anyway..............Use em' for what they are intended for or disconnect em'...

CiscoKid · 03-09-2005, 09:23 AM

you dont need them if the light is not on... replacements are around 10-15

NeverLeaned · 03-09-2005, 09:26 AM

I was under the impression if your brake pad warning light comes on then you HAVE TO replace the sensor (its being worn down by contact to the rotor.)

If you haven't gotten the break warning light, then I would really on a visual inspection of the sensor and wire to determine if you need replacement. Its really a cheap piece of wire (meaning that it easily frays and will lead to false positives or not work at all if its worn and not replaced)

SuperFreaks 323is · 03-09-2005, 08:24 PM

Yeah, thanks for all the info and help. I think im gonna just disconnect them if i can. I can pretty well figure out when its time to change my pads. Since im doing it now it will be awhile. did you just take the whole sensor wire out or just unhook it and tie it off?!

CiscoKid · 03-09-2005, 08:59 PM

If the light is on when they are plugged in, they need to be replaced

i think the light will go on if you disconnect them.... just leave them connected, and zip tie them, or just dont let them wear down that much again

jllphan · 03-09-2005, 09:41 PM

Yeah, if you disconnect them, your light will be on for good. It's a simple replacement once you have the brake pads off, it will only take you a minute. You can get both the front and rear sensors at the dealer or your local BMW repair shop. They shouldn't run you more than $25 for both, eventhough your front sensor is probably the only one that needs changing (your front pads will wear down a lot quicker, thusly taking your front sensor with it).

Cruzin 323is · 03-09-2005, 10:19 PM

u should change them whenever u do your breaks!

kyle_baker · 03-09-2005, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cruzin 323is@Mar 9 2005, 10:19 PM
u should change them whenever u do your breaks!

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while i agree that we should all know when to change our brakes...i also think we should keep up our bimmers, i mean yeah its just some little wires that wear down and trigger a signal, but what is the point in have the ability of these things and not even using them. lol, i try to take advantage of all my bimmer has to offer over other vehicles on the road. just my 2 cents.