Which brake fluid ?

T

The Saint

Member
 Worcestershire
I currently have the calipers off the M as i've just got them back from refurbishment.
The thread is here
http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=80783

I obviously need to bleed the brakes after putting the calipers back on and thought I might as well upgrade the fluid whilst i'm at it. It will be used for fast road and maybe a couple of laps of the ring but 99% fast road.
Which fluid do recommend and how much will I need?
Do I need to bleed the clutch at the same time?
 
Not so sure about the bleeding process but yes pretty sure the clutch is a good idea as well.

As for fluid, ATE type 200 is a good choice. Used to be called Super Blue but blue fluid isn't allowed on the roads technically so it's the same stuff but an amber colour now I believe. Marketed as a fast road/track fluid, look for reviews on Super Blue, generally excellent comments.
 
I've been using Motul RBF660 the past few years and am very happy with it. Great longevity and endurance.
 
I've used ATE Superblue and Motul RBF660. The latter is more expensive and looks better on paper. However, under extreme duress on the track, the ATE Superblue performed better. When next I change brake fluid I'll be going back to ATE.
 
i use AP racing formula. it came with the bbk so I've used it ever since, good price and performs well.
 
I'm using Performance Friction RH665 in both my Z4M and wifes Boxster, having had excellent performance from this fluid in the race car. I was about to say it's cheaper too, but the Motul stuff mentioned above seems very good value. I change my fluid at least yearly although this isn't really necessary in a road car.

This table was useful when choosing, https://www.lelandwest.com/brake-fluid-comparison-chart.cfm?startRow=1&SF=4&ST=2, comparing by the wet boiling point is probably most relevant if not changing on a regular basis, scroll to the bottom for helpful definitions.
 
I used this when I upgraded my brakes, no idea how much you'll need as mines not an M but 1l was enough for mine http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-69377-gulf-racing-brake-fluid-dot-51.aspx
 
Use the ATE superblue racing. It's blue. (duh)
That it's a different colour is really helpful.
When bleeding (or should I say flush), you have visual confirmation that the system is flushed as the fluid changes colour to blue.
And the next time use yellow again.
Begin with suching out the old fluid from the reservoir and topping up with blue.
Then begin at the caliper furthest away from the reservoir, then the next furtherest etc etc. Keep an eye on the reservoir level, topping it up regulary. You don't want to suck in air as you'll have to bleed the abs and that's a difficult job.

If you have INPA, you can force the ABS pump so you can bleed the ABS solenoids.

You can bleed the clutch at the same time but you'd have to be under the car.
 
I use Castrol SRF. Pricey at about £50 for a litre but it is supposedly the best out there. It does need to be changed every 12-18 months but that's no biggie for me as I do that anyway.
 
GuidoK said:
Use the ATE superblue racing. It's blue. (duh)
That it's a different colour is really helpful.
When bleeding (or should I say flush), you have visual confirmation that the system is flushed as the fluid changes colour to blue.
And the next time use yellow again.
Begin with suching out the old fluid from the reservoir and topping up with blue.
Then begin at the caliper furthest away from the reservoir, then the next furtherest etc etc. Keep an eye on the reservoir level, topping it up regulary. You don't want to suck in air as you'll have to bleed the abs and that's a difficult job.

If you have INPA, you can force the ABS pump so you can bleed the ABS solenoids.

You can bleed the clutch at the same time but you'd have to be under the car.
Click to expand...

Difficult to get super blue in this country now, I kept getting told I would be sent type 200 on most websites as it's the same thing but Amber due to blue not being road legal. If you get an arse mot tester pretty sure he can fail you for blue brake fluid.
 
Yes we have the yanks with their stupid FMVSS to thank for...
Blue brake fluid is such a safety hazard...
(this is afaik a US regulation only)
 
GuidoK said:
Use the ATE superblue racing. It's blue. (duh)
That it's a different colour is really helpful.
When bleeding (or should I say flush), you have visual confirmation that the system is flushed as the fluid changes colour to blue.
And the next time use yellow again.
Begin with suching out the old fluid from the reservoir and topping up with blue.
Then begin at the caliper furthest away from the reservoir, then the next furtherest etc etc. Keep an eye on the reservoir level, topping it up regulary. You don't want to suck in air as you'll have to bleed the abs and that's a difficult job.

If you have INPA, you can force the ABS pump so you can bleed the ABS solenoids.

You can bleed the clutch at the same time but you'd have to be under the car.
Click to expand...

it also bleaches the brake tank a blue colour which is why i don't use it..... but its a very good idea. minor but some people won't want the tank to end up being a blue colour, something to note anyway.
 
I use Castrol SRF on all my M cars. More than capable for daily duties and super durable on track days. It is a lot more expensive than others but simply the best.
 
Beedub said:
it also bleaches the brake tank a blue colour
Click to expand...

I'll see if that's right probably in the spring. Then it'll be about 2,5 years in and ready for a new flush.
 
I'll have a look at my brake fluid reservoir when I'm next in my garage. I used Superblue for years and I've not noticed any discolouration but I've not actively looked.
 
Clubber said:
I use Castrol SRF on all my M cars. More than capable for daily duties and super durable on track days. It is a lot more expensive than others but simply the best.
Click to expand...


insanely expensive stuff and theirs plenty on the market thats not even a quarter of the price and performs to the same standards.
 
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