Brake Change Pads & Sensor

[Jedi_5ive_11ven]

Hey Guys,

This morning I had a new light smile at me when I turned on my beamer.

Kinda looked like -------> =O=


So from what I could dig up on the internet, it seems likes thats the brake pad sensor light and its time for new brakes. Okay, thats cool. I was looking around online for some tutorials (I've done brakes before, just never on a BMW) and didn't find anything. I also was looking for any good prices on parts.

I'm not too worried about replacing the pads, I'm guessing its similar to most disc brakes. However this sensor that I need to buy, do I need one for each disc, or is just one in the front and one in the rear? I ask because I see that most places sell them individually and I wanted to make sure. Also, are they pretty easy to install or could someone give me a quick link or advice on this job?

Thanks a million everyone!

Jedi

 

[Kirby]

It's really no different from any other front disk brake job.

Check this out:

http://m3.madrussian.net/diy_front_brake_pads.shtml

 

[Jedi_5ive_11ven]

Thanks Kirby!

 

[vegas325]

Ihad the exact same thing happen to me this morning. My quartion is since I am not very handy how much can I expect to pay someone to do the brakes?
I doubt my local just brakes can do the job so I am expecting to spend some money but I hope the damage is not to bad.

 

[Kirby]

There is probably no damage at all. The purpose of the sensors and light is to warn you BEFORE damage occurs. If it's just the pads and the rotors are not worn too thin, you can figure $100 - $150 in parts, and maybe $200 - $300 in labor at a BMW dealer, less at an independent. A chain like Midas or Just Brakes can do the job, but I personally would never use an outfit like that.

If rotors do need replacing, it could be $500 - $800 depending on what all is needed an who does it.

 

[Detrich]

there is a brake sensor cable that you have to replace as well, i believe. when the brake pads get worn down, the cable is designed to break, thereby triggering the warning light on the dash. so, u have to replace both the brake pad and the sensor cable, which i believe is a bmw-only part- ie no aftermarkets equivalents available. make sure u check all the connections are firmly in place, then drive around a bit, and the brake warning light will go out by itself, cuz sometimes it doesn't turn off right away...

 

[Kirby]

Your pretty close in the description. It's actually a small "probe" (lower left in picture) that wears thru the plastic to expose a metal contact. It shorts on the rotor, triggering the light.

Usually only one wears thru first, you just have to replace the one that has worn thru.

 

[vegas325]

Thanks for all the info.

 

[SDGAP]

Brake Wear Sensors

Is there only one sensor on the drivers side front? If so, if you were to cut the existing sensor and tie the lines together would that cut off the light? Just curious on how that actually works. Thanks fellas.

 

[Big Daddy]

Try this as well: http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/E36-Brake_Pads/E36-Brake_Pads.htm

 

[Section_8]

Is there only one sensor on the drivers side front? If so, if you were to cut the existing sensor and tie the lines together would that cut off the light? Just curious on how that actually works. Thanks fellas.

Yes and No. There is only 1 sensor - in 2 places, Front left (driver side) sensor, and rear right (passenger) sensor. Cutting the line sets the sensor off, just as if you'd worn down the sensor itself from the pad wearing down. You can't 'fake' it out, it'll trigger again as soon as you wipe the ECU code if the line is broken or if the sensor has worn down.


I've been running with a pad sensor on for over a year - it went off when I had my battery unplugged at one point (redoing brakes last year and some other goodies that I needed power off for) - but came on as soon as the car was fully cranked. I'm too lazy to jack it up for just a sensor, just gonna swap that cable out in a few months when I redo the brakes again.

brakes on a 3 series are as easy as any car out there to do on your own, and on a scale of 1-5 for 'difficulty' I give it a 2 - just for the fact you have to jack the car and make sure it is secure.

GL!