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Brakes and Fluid Change Questions

Specific discussion about the E89 2009 Z4 (sDrive35is, sDrive35i, sDrive30i, sDrive23i)
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DinosaurEyes
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Brakes and Fluid Change Questions

Post by DinosaurEyes » Thu Dec 14, 2017 2:17 pm

I'm going to get brake fluid and pads etc changed on my 2010 E89 35IS.

1. Any recommendations for brake fluids? This is my current choice. Motul RBF 600

2. How much fluid should I buy for a full flush? 1 litre?

3. Any brakes discs or pads recommendations? I've never bought new brakes before so have no clue on brands and so on, so any recommendations / personal opinions on the topic are welcome. Not sure I even need discs, but interested to know your thoughts.

Thanks in advance, and sorry for not reading the manuak, but I like getting up to date thoughts from the community. :)

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ph001
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Brakes and Fluid Change Questions

Post by ph001 » Thu Dec 14, 2017 3:48 pm

Any DOT5.1 fluid will be good. It has a higher boiling point than DOT4. Don't use DOT5 though - it's not compatible.

For brakes - have you ever suffered brake fade on your current setup? Your answer will make a difference to my recommendation.
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Kugaman1
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Brakes and Fluid Change Questions

Post by Kugaman1 » Thu Dec 14, 2017 4:24 pm

If dot 4 is factory standard, why isnt dot 5 compatible?

I was going to refresh mine in the spring and Ive got 2 bottles of dot 5 in the garage!

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jabber
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Brakes and Fluid Change Questions

Post by jabber » Thu Dec 14, 2017 4:53 pm

Dot 5 is silicone based and must not be mixed with other fluids
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ph001
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Brakes and Fluid Change Questions

Post by ph001 » Thu Dec 14, 2017 5:13 pm

jabber wrote: Thu Dec 14, 2017 4:53 pm Dot 5 is silicone based and must not be mixed with other fluids
Indeed. Plenty of people have made that expensive mistake in the past... which it sounds like we might have just saved you from :thumbsup: . DOT 5.1 is the right one to use if you want an upgrade from DOT 4..
2007 E85 Z4 3.0Si manual :driving:
19" CSL's | Eibach Springs | Aeroskirts | Z4M front bumper | Clear brake light | ZHP | RCH+| Stubby

2004 E46 M3 coupe manual - gone but not forgotten.

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Kugaman1
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Brakes and Fluid Change Questions

Post by Kugaman1 » Thu Dec 14, 2017 5:47 pm

WOW, had no idea, thanks guys!!!

Dodged a bullet there I think!

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Brakes and Fluid Change Questions

Post by mcbutler » Thu Dec 14, 2017 6:19 pm

Kugaman1 wrote: Thu Dec 14, 2017 5:47 pm WOW, had no idea, thanks guys!!!

Dodged a bullet there I think!
It should say on the tin/bottle!!
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Kugaman1
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Brakes and Fluid Change Questions

Post by Kugaman1 » Thu Dec 14, 2017 7:18 pm

Phew.....
Not as bad as thought.....just went out to the garage to check.....mines actually 5.1 so not the disaster it might have been....

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Brakes and Fluid Change Questions

Post by Scooba_Steve » Thu Dec 14, 2017 7:33 pm

ph001 wrote: Thu Dec 14, 2017 3:48 pm Any DOT5.1 fluid will be good. It has a higher boiling point than DOT4.
Not always true, some DOT4 have higher BPs than DOT5.1 the rating also includes a viscosity limit too, so if you want the highest BPs available don't confine yourself to DOT5.1.

That's assuming that DOT4 is an approvied fluid for the E89.
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Brakes and Fluid Change Questions

Post by DinosaurEyes » Thu Dec 14, 2017 8:43 pm

ph001 wrote: Thu Dec 14, 2017 3:48 pm Any DOT5.1 fluid will be good. It has a higher boiling point than DOT4. Don't use DOT5 though - it's not compatible.

For brakes - have you ever suffered brake fade on your current setup? Your answer will make a difference to my recommendation.
Nope no brake fade.

My mum just poured washer fluid into her brake fluid reservoir last night and it reminded me i need to get mine looked at, they are just soon to be due a service according to the in car info.

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Brakes and Fluid Change Questions

Post by Gaffa22 » Thu Dec 14, 2017 9:07 pm

Oops will need to get that out then
2010 E89 35i DCT
2017 Honda CBR1000RR fireblade
2016 Honda VFR1200F
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Brakes and Fluid Change Questions

Post by DinosaurEyes » Thu Dec 14, 2017 9:12 pm

Gaffa22 wrote: Thu Dec 14, 2017 9:07 pm Oops will need to get that out then
Yeh she had it towed to be fixed today! Luckily she hasn't driven with it so should be a quick fix.

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Brakes and Fluid Change Questions

Post by Gaffa22 » Thu Dec 14, 2017 9:35 pm

Yes just suck the fluid out with a turkey baster and re fill with brake fluid
2010 E89 35i DCT
2017 Honda CBR1000RR fireblade
2016 Honda VFR1200F
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Brakes and Fluid Change Questions

Post by ronk » Thu Dec 14, 2017 10:15 pm

Gaffa22 wrote: Thu Dec 14, 2017 9:35 pm Yes just suck the fluid out with a turkey baster and re fill with brake fluid
I would say have it changed from the calliper nipples - theres no telling how far down the pipes its gone!
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Brakes and Fluid Change Questions

Post by Gaffa22 » Thu Dec 14, 2017 10:22 pm

I'd still empty the res first. And yes a full fluid change would be best.
But if the car hadn't been driven would the fluid move round the system at all ?
2010 E89 35i DCT
2017 Honda CBR1000RR fireblade
2016 Honda VFR1200F
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