brake wear indicator

[briansol]

Mine started to flicker on and off today.

Is there a set figure when this comes on at? like X% pad life left? just curious how long i have left roughly...

[BimmerBum]

The pad wear indicator on your ti (and your M3) is just a simple wire that is looped. It is clipped into the pad and when the pad wears down to almost the backing plate the loop is broken and your light goes on.

As for how long you have... never hit the brakes again and you are good to go for life! It all just depends on the kind of driving you do.

You will need to determine if you need front or (and) rear pads and you will need at least one new wear sensor as they are trashed when the light comes on.

[briansol]

hrm, the light isn't "on" though.

it will be off, then go dim, then go bright, then flicker various brightnesses, then off, etc.


so i guess its safe to say i need a brake job in the near future.

[1996 328ti]

It could also be a frayed wire if it's intermittent like that.

[J!m]

The best thing is to pull the whels and evaluate them first hand. The light is just a convenience, and does not replce a proper inspection.

I would get front and rear pads as well as the sensors, so you have everything on hand before you start. You can return the unused parts to the dealer. "Disc Brake Quiet" is a good idea as well, especially if you are upgrading to harder pads. Also, check the discs for proper thickness; you need a mic for that.

Also, you want to have a tube of dielectric grease (silicone grease) on hand for the connectors of the pad sensors. Water/salt in here can/does cause corrosion ans intermittent ligths etc. Not a bad idea to use it on every electrical connection you take apart and re-connect.

[BimmerBum]

Originally Posted by briansol

hrm, the light isn't "on" though.

it will be off, then go dim, then go bright, then flicker various brightnesses, then off, etc.


so i guess its safe to say i need a brake job in the near future.

Happens because the wire has not worn all the way through yet.

[Xenocide]

Originally Posted by BimmerBum

Happens because the wire has not worn all the way through yet.

and you should still replace it with a new sensor when you redo your brakes.

[CirrusSR22]

Mine just did this the other day. It flickered for a while, then stayed-on steady. I inspected the rear brakes (I knew the rears were low) and the rear pads have approximately 1 mm left. Very little! I'd suggest getting the pads (and rotors if needed) done ASAP.

I ordered pads, rotor retainer bolts, rotors and a rear brake sensor right away from AutohausAZ.

[John318ti]

Originally Posted by CirrusSR22

Mine just did this the other day. It flickered for a while, then stayed-on steady. I inspected the rear brakes (I knew the rears were low) and the rear pads have approximately 1 mm left. Very little! I'd suggest getting the pads (and rotors if needed) done ASAP.

I ordered pads, rotor retainer bolts, rotors and a rear brake sensor right away from AutohausAZ.

If you don't mind, would you share how much you paid for all? My light has started coming on, so I think I better get mine changed soon.

[CirrusSR22]

For the rear set it was $125.61. Mintex pads, Balo rotors, the rear sensor plus two rotor retainer bolts.

The fronts should actually be cheaper for those with solid front discs. They have the super-bagain on factory front rotors at bimmerworld.com. $20 for the pair!

[John318ti]

Originally Posted by CirrusSR22

For the rear set it was $125.61. Mintex pads, Balo rotors, the rear sensor plus two rotor retainer bolts.

The fronts should actually be cheaper for those with solid front discs. They have the super-bagain on factory front rotors at bimmerworld.com. $20 for the pair!

Oh wow $20!? I'll have to look into that! Thanks for the info Cirrus.

[CirrusSR22]

It's at the very bottom of the page.

http://store.bimmerworld.com/shared/...t=products.asp