Quick brake question

Specific conversations and info for the BMW E28 M5 and M535i.
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milarsky
Posts: 521
Joined: Jan 26, 2013 11:19 AM
Location: NYC

Quick brake question

Post by milarsky »

Hello All,

Lately, and now and again, I have been getting a "Brake" light flicker on the dashboard. It usually occurs after some thrashing of the M5 on the back roads of NW Connecticut. Then it disappears for a few days. Brakes are in good shape, rotors, pads, etc. Is this a warning of a failing brake pressure regulator, master cylinder, hydro accumulator? Brakes feel tight and true. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

thanks,
jeff
Preyupy
Posts: 328
Joined: Jun 21, 2012 12:48 AM
Location: Issaquah WA

Re: Quick brake question

Post by Preyupy »

With the engine running at idle with the car stopped push the brake pedal 2-3 times quickly, hard. If the light flashes you might have an accumulator that is going bad.
jayjaya29
Posts: 207
Joined: Jul 30, 2014 12:53 AM
Location: Atlanta, GA

Re: Quick brake question

Post by jayjaya29 »

Your thrashing may be setting the brake fluid level indicator off. Maybe add some brake fluid to the reservoir so it doesn't trip the light.
milarsky
Posts: 521
Joined: Jan 26, 2013 11:19 AM
Location: NYC

Re: Quick brake question

Post by milarsky »

Thanks for these replies. I will start with these.

best,
jm
Randomg
Posts: 490
Joined: Jul 12, 2007 3:12 PM
Location: Seattle

Re: Quick brake question

Post by Randomg »

I had that show up when I took turns hard years ago. I remember it being the cap was missing that rubber/foam seal on the reservoir.
Philo
Posts: 2197
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: Long Beach, CA

Re: Quick brake question

Post by Philo »

I had this happen years back and it turned out being a brake pad sensor wire shorting out. My wires as they exited the fender well wall were all cracked so I just bypassed the wires and now run without pad sensors. Might not be your style though.
milarsky
Posts: 521
Joined: Jan 26, 2013 11:19 AM
Location: NYC

Re: Quick brake question

Post by milarsky »

Thanks guys. Philo, that brake light you are referring to is the "brake lining" light correct? Mine was just "brake". I think it signals different things? Thoughts?

best,
JM
Philo
Posts: 2197
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: Long Beach, CA

Re: Quick brake question

Post by Philo »

Sorry, but it's been so long ago I can't recall. But I found this diagram showing the warning indicators. Hope this helps.

Image
Randomg
Posts: 490
Joined: Jul 12, 2007 3:12 PM
Location: Seattle

Re: Quick brake question

Post by Randomg »

Brake lining is a different light.

Brake is either a problem with pressure or reservoir level.
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