Check Brake Linings on 2000 BMW 540I - BMW Forum

My Silver 2000 540I · 05-08-2008, 11:15 PM

Ok guys -

Here is one for you. I got a 'Check Brake Linings' message on my 540 along with the Brake light being ON this past weekend. I noticed it after I had floored the car to show off...(pretty stupid, I know, gets worse - to my wife

), not when I was breaking - go figure!

Car seems to be stopping fine. All four rotors and brake pads were replaced recently, I am sure they are fine. Any suggestions on what to look for and how to fix it? Also, even if I were to fix it, how do I turn off the error message?

As usual, any suggestions and tips would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you in advance!

witeshark · 05-09-2008, 12:15 AM

Have the brake wear sensors checked

jeraldchrist · 05-09-2008, 06:06 AM

I am willing to bet that it hit the skid control, which is actually is linked to the abs.Try to disconnect the battery for a minute and let it reset. If it appears again you might have to take it to the man. Then again maybe the brake linings need checked. If it makes you feel any better I pulled the back wheel off of mine about two days after I bought it and the pads were down to the nub, no material left, and nothing from the brake sensor. good luck

Nick_318is · 05-09-2008, 07:10 AM

I agree with witey, Sounds like a brake sensor to me, especially if you just had the pads and rotors changed. I currently have a sensor that doesn't fit into my pad up front so I just have it tied off under the car so I won't throw any lights but I check my brakes more then most normal people.

winters97E39 · 05-09-2008, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick_318is

I agree with witey, Sounds like a brake sensor to me, especially if you just had the pads and rotors changed. I currently have a sensor that doesn't fit into my pad up front so I just have it tied off under the car so I won't throw any lights but I check my brakes more then most normal people.

Yep, I agree too. Try the simple things first, unplug the brake pad sensors, give them a dust off and replace, make sure connections are snug, then have your codes reset, see if it goes away.

My Silver 2000 540I · 05-09-2008, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winters97E39

Yep, I agree too. Try the simple things first, unplug the brake pad sensors, give them a dust off and replace, make sure connections are snug, then have your codes reset, see if it goes away.

Thanks! I was thinking about the brake sensor and will check them - left front and rear right, correct?

Once I do that, how do I get the codes reset? Could I just go to Autozone and ask them to that with their OBD II scans (used to do that with my 99 Passat) or do BMW's have special tools that only the dealers have?

Also, I read somewhere that once the sensor goes off, I need to get a new one (the old one pretty much burns). Does that sound right? If I decide to not connect them (I do check my brakes as well), would that trigger any other 'warning lights'?

Thanks again, folks!

Nick_318is · 05-09-2008, 08:58 AM

Yes the sensors should be in the right front and left rear. Autozone should be able to reset codes but I don't know how the older sensors work, on the e30 the light shuts off when you reconnect a fresh sensor.

If the sensor is dead you will probably need to replace but they are cheap. I don't think you will get other warning lights without them but i'm not sure how obd2 deals with that stuff.

drz · 05-09-2008, 10:10 AM

I think you will get a warning light without the sensors, but I also do believe that the current warning will go away once you plug in the new sensors.

My Silver 2000 540I · 05-11-2008, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drz

I think you will get a warning light without the sensors, but I also do believe that the current warning will go away once you plug in the new sensors.

Ok, Friday evening I floored the car again and the lights disappeared (both the brake light as well as the massage on the board computer). It seems like one does not need to reset those, just wanted to share with the group.

Sunday, the lights went off again (I have not done any stunts with the car...). That does seems like a bad connection somewhere. I did not get a chance to unplug and plug again the sensors due to the rain here but it seems like something is getting disconnected and then connected again...

If there are any other suggestions, I will make sure to try them as well.

As always - thank you in advance!

jeraldchrist · 05-12-2008, 01:08 AM

When I did the brakes on mine a week or so ago the sensor was to small for the cut out provided in the new brake pads. I am willing to bet there is some play between the sensor and the pad, losing contact with it and triggering the warning. It was enough that heat/ expansion might be enough to break the circut.