Intermittent Red Brake Warning Light

[mal_by]

Hi all,

I've had a curious and rather non-descript error pop up on the dash. I've taken it to a dealer but they've informed me I need to book in for a proper diagnosis before they can ascertain the problem. In the mean time I thought I'd ask you lovely people in case you're familiar with the issue!

I've had a red "brake warning light" appear on the dash somewhat intermittently. There's no logic as to why/when/how it appears and disappears (yesterday it went on and off 5 times during a 15 minute drive to the shops). A quick lookup online (link below) indicates that apparently it's one of the following:
1. The handbrake is in the on position, please take the handbrake off.
2. The brake fluid level is too low, check your brake fluid level and top up of required.
3. The light can turn on with other warning light such as the ABS warning light, this is normal and indicates generally only an ABS fault.

Seeing as the handbrake is off and there's no ABS light it leaves only option 2. but the brake fluid was serviced 2 months ago... any ideas? Would love some pointers!

http://www.diagnostic-world.com/pages/bmw_z4_e89_dash_warning_lights_238042.cfm

 

[Nictrix]

Go with the easy one first and work from there.
You only have to pop the bonnet and take a look at the level.
It may be that during the service they didnt top it up properly.

 

[mal_by]

Good idea; thanks, Nictrix, I'll check it out as soon as I'm back with the car.

I think I'm just concerned that this error code could encompass some other sort of brake error that wasn't listed on that website!

 

[Nictrix]

Normally when a brake fluid light comes on and off while driving it is the level thats down.
Cant see the Z being any different.
It will come on and go off with the fluid moving around and sometimes leaving the sensor with nothing on it.

 

[mal_by]

Normally when a brake fluid light comes on and off while driving it is the level thats down.
Cant see the Z being any different.
It will come on and go off with the fluid moving around and sometimes leaving the sensor with nothing on it.

Turns out you were right, Nictrix; the BMW dealer short-changed me at my last service and didn't top the brake fluid up.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Marlon]

. . .

Turns out you were right, Nictrix; the BMW dealer short-changed me at my last service and didn't top the brake fluid up.

Thanks for the help!

That doesn't inspire confidence :thumbsdown:

 

[mal_by]

Tell me about it, Marlon!

I'm starting to become very disillusioned with main dealers of late. I've had two minor body repairs from Spire Kentish Town and both have needed me to go back because they didn't finish the job!

 

[MACK]

. . .

Turns out you were right, Nictrix; the BMW dealer short-changed me at my last service and didn't top the brake fluid up.

Thanks for the help!

That doesn't inspire confidence :thumbsdown:

No fan of Main Dealers that is for sure, but it could be you have a small leak somewhere so keep an eye on the level to make sure its still not going down over the next few weeks etc

 

[mal_by]

Fortunately there was no leak, it seems as though the main dealers just decided not to top it up in November!