2 questions that are probably easy for normal folks!

F

freddie

Member
 IL
Hey all,

1) My brake pad warning light came on. I know it completely depends on how hard you drive, etc., but 45k it isn't unreasonable for the pads to go, right? I wish I had more time to stop by my mechanic, but it's going to have to wait a couple of weeks. I've heard of other people having trouble with this sensor acting up when the pads are still good, but I guess I can assume I'll need pads...

2) I just saw some old review of an '05 Z4 that said it had two-stage brake lamps, i.e. the lamps activate normally unless you are in a panic stop and then additional lamps light up. I haven't seen any mention of this anywhere else, and can't find any documentation that my '04 has this. Just curious if anyone has this?

Thanks!
Fred
 
1) If you can get 45K miles out of your stock brakes, that's actually pretty good and nothing abnormal. The rotors will have to be replaced along with the pads as well. If your Z4's still under warranty, take it back to the dealer and you'll get new rotors/pads for free.

2) Your Z4 has the 2-stage brake lamps.
 
Wow, thanks guys. Blacksapphire, I'm going to look for your DIY right now!

Oh, and not under warranty unfortunately, so I better start saving up for pads/rotors.
 
Rotor replacement is only done in the US for some reason, on this side of the pond they are not replaced until they are worn out (after about 2 - 3 sets of pads usually).

Only production date after April 2004 has the brake force display on the lights by the way.
 
Only production date after April 2004 has the brake force display on the lights by the way.
Click to expand...

I hate to disagree, but my 2003 (prod date 10/2002) has this feature. It's on page 52 of my owners manual
with an illustration.
 
That is weird as for European cars at least, it was introduced after April 2004. My March 2004 car did not have it, nor do I know anyone who has it.

We are talking about the additional lights coming on when braking hard, right?
 
I think I may have spoken a little too soon, as I just read somewhere that it has been on all U.S. spec Z4's
since the begining of production, and not on the export models. So sorry!!
 
GP20 said:
1) If you can get 45K miles out of your stock brakes, that's actually pretty good and nothing abnormal. The rotors will have to be replaced along with the pads as well. If your Z4's still under warranty, take it back to the dealer and you'll get new rotors/pads for free.

Why do the rotors have to be replaced? Can they not be turned if need be, or new pads and sensors only? Just curious.
Click to expand...
 
pvr said:
That is weird as for European cars at least, it was introduced after April 2004. My March 2004 car did not have it, nor do I know anyone who has it.

We are talking about the additional lights coming on when braking hard, right?
Click to expand...

Wow that is strange. I never knew that. Both my US spec '03 and '04 (Mar, '04) Z4's had the 2 stage brake lights.
 
Wonder why they did not have it on Euro spec, and why did they add it later on ...
 
Sam said:
Only production date after April 2004 has the brake force display on the lights by the way.
Click to expand...

I hate to disagree, but my 2003 (prod date 10/2002) has this feature. It's on page 52 of my owners manual
with an illustration.
Click to expand...


Mine does too, or it did before I did the mod.
 
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