Brake pad service light reset

[TheOneAndOnlyTinTin]

I've started getting a warning for brake pads servicing coming on when i start up. Doesn't happen every time, but started a week or so ago.

I don't 'think' the pads need replacing but will check them over at the weekend if i get a moment.

However, checking the service indicator it shows 1100miles remaining. I tried resetting this but i can't get it to reset (the method works for all the other service indicators)

Is the miles remaining actually calculated from the sensor reading or should it reset?

 

[B21]

If the pad sensor has been triggered by burning through the elements then it needs a new sensor to reset it..check your pads..and sensor

 

[TheOneAndOnlyTinTin]

Thanks...will check when i get a bit of time off work!

 

[Chippie]

You may also need to disengage the handbrake when resetting the indicator

 

[Jasonn]

I had exactly the same a while back, didn't always come on, loads of wear visible on the rear pads.

Sometimes it appeared if I'd parked with two wheels on the kerb.

It was a duff rear brake sensor even though it hadn't worn at all, looked fine

 

[Pondrew]

Is the miles remaining actually calculated from the sensor reading or should it reset?

The pad sensor and 'computer' are not linked. The computer mileage 'guess' for pads is a pre-programmed generic estimate and uses mileage of the car and other driving data to give an idea.
The sensors are physical which make a circuit when they come into contact with the disc, so are your 'last line of defence' as it were.

Always find it best to ignore the computer and disconnect the sensors (but keep an eye on pad wear). More trouble than they are worth IMO.

 

[OculusPrime]

This morning I got the red warning light about brake pad wear. But the iDrive service menu says front brake pads due in 28,000km and rear in 13,000km.

Though this afternoon , red warning has disappeared. (My wife said she reset the warning? :headbang: possible ?) So is it a false warning? Faulty sensor ?

Nearly all our driving is in the city in traffic.

I need to take it into BMW for an overdue brake fluid replacement anyway. But will they try and replace the pads before they are ready? Is it possible to check the pad wear myself ?

Thanks.

 

[B21]

Pads can be visually inspected for wear..could be a loose wire in the sensor circuit..since the brake fluid is over due time to do the decent thing..

 

[Pickster]

I had the sam problem, pads were fine, intermittent warning. Every 3 or 4 start ups the warning would come up, if I turned off the engine and restarted it would clear !!
Took the wheels off and found this !!
Think the wheel had rubbed the sensor cable.
Replaced sensor and all fine.
Just strange it was intermittent when clearly there was an open circuit.

 

[OculusPrime]

Thanks very much for the replies.

I'll take it in for BMW for the brake fluid and to have a look and I'll report back.