The owner of this 2017 BMW 340i planned to participate in a track day event, so we recommended a brake fluid flush and replacement to optimize brake operation and minimize brake fade.
Why Replace Brake Fluid
Regular brake fluid is alcohol-based and gradually absorbs moisture from the air. This increase in moisture content lowers the boiling point of the brake fluid. With heavy brake use, the brake fluid in the brake calipers can get hot enough to boil, causing air bubbles to form and resulting in a dramatic loss of braking power. This is a critical problem for vehicles used for track day and race competitions.
Moisture in the brake fluid can also cause internal corrosion and damage to metal parts of the brake system. Every part, from the brake master cylinder to the ABS control valves, can be affected. Replacing brake parts damaged by contaminated brake fluid is very expensive.
How often should BMW brake fluid be replaced?
BMW recommends the first Brake Fluid Service at 3 years from new car registration and every 2 years thereafter. With the high humidity climate found in Ann Arbor, MI, brake fluid should be changed every two years. The vehicle maintenance manual will specify the brake fluid type for your specific BMW model.
Brake Fluid Replacement
Brake fluid flush and replacement involves draining and refilling the brake hydraulic system with new brake fluid. This flushes all the old fluid from the brake master cylinder, ABS pump, ABS control valves, brake lines and hoses, and brake calipers.
Once new, clean brake fluid exits each brake caliper, it is bled to purge all air from the system. The brake fluid reservoir is filled, and a brake performance road test is performed to ensure the brakes function correctly. The final step is to reset the BMW brake fluid warning light for 2 years in the future.
Note: We use a brake fluid transfer machine that pumps brake fluid from a fresh, previously unopened container to the brake master cylinder. Brake fluid should never be used from a container that has sat open to the atmosphere.
Brake Fluid Replacement For Performance Cars
Brake performance depends heavily on having brake fluid with a high boiling point and low moisture content. Incorrect brake fluid or fluid contaminated with moisture will significantly decrease your vehicle's brake performance. How the brake fluid is replaced can also affect its performance and service life.
To get maximum performance and life from your brake system, the brake fluid must be replaced with care and awareness of how moisture can be unknowingly introduced. We use an electric pressure brake fluid bleeding pump to flush the old fluid out and replace it with new brake fluid from sealed containers. This pressure bleeder has an electric pump that does not contaminate the new brake fluid with moisture.
Most standard brake fluid pressure bleeders use shop-supplied compressed air to flush the old brake fluid out and pump the new brake fluid through the brake hydraulic system. The compressed air in the shop often has a very high moisture content, which contaminates the new brake fluid before it even gets to the vehicle!
Our electric pressure brake fluid bleeding pump is just one of the benefits of our high-quality, high-value German auto service in Ann Arbor.
Our customers tell us they can feel the difference in the brake pedal feel and response after a brake fluid replacement service with our electric brake fluid exchange machine and using a high-quality brake fluid like SRF Racing Brake Fluid.
Brake Fluid Replacement Cost
How much does BMW brake fluid flush and replacement cost?
The national average cost of a BMW 340i Brake Fluid Flush and replacement service averages $175 to $215, including Dot 4 brake fluid. This price varies depending on vehicle year, vehicle options, parts quality, and the location of the auto repair shop within the country. Problem diagnosis, additional labor, additional parts, shop supplies, environmental fees, disposal fees, and taxes are not included.
Recommended BMW Repair Service Shop in Ann Arbor, MI
Contact Stadium Auto Service for all BMW service and repair in the Ann Arbor, Michigan, area. Our BMW technicians have the skill and experience to correctly diagnose and repair your BMW 340i. We are BMW service specialists.
You can trust Stadium Auto Service for your BMW service. Located in Ann Arbor, MI, Stadium Auto Service also serves the surrounding areas, including Pittsfield, MI; Ypsilanti, MI; Saline, MI; and Dexter, MI.