MINI2

maggiepearl90 · Aug 20th, 2007, 08:15 PM

Hey Folks,

Help! The brake sensor tripped at 44,5K miles on my 2004 MINI. It's out of warranty, so the dealer suggested getting quotes from reputable brake shops instead of using MINI dealer service. (One dealership quoted $1,000; the other $1,100 for replacing the front and rear brakes, including pads, rotors and sensors.)

So I've got several good quotes in the $675-$750 range, using genuine BMW/MINI parts. But one shop asked me if I need to have the brake fluid flushed and replaced...do I, should I?

I'd appreciate any advice...Thanks!

Jo
Charlotte, NC

beken · Aug 20th, 2007, 09:47 PM

You're supposed to have your brake fluid changed every two years regardless of whether or not you need brake pads (it's in the service manual). I just had my MINI's brake fluid changed today.

Though probably not really necessary, the reason BMW/MINI prefer you to flush your brake fliud every two years is because if there are impurities in it, the boiling point of the stuff changes and could be a factor in the case of brake fade, particularly after a long hot run.

So I would recommend you have your brake fluid changed, especially if you've never changed it since you bought your car.

Brake fluid is cheap anyways (less than $20), but the labor part is about an hour.

maggiepearl90 · Aug 21st, 2007, 01:02 PM

I had my last scheduled service (still under warranty) in March of this year. Don't know for sure if the brake fluid was replaced then or not. Will definately do so when I get the brake job done. Thanks again for your help!

Richard Crofts · Aug 21st, 2007, 01:44 PM

2 years or 40k I believe. Personally I flush and change mine every year on the JCWs. But I rag mine and I do a full service every 12k including belts etc

beken · Aug 21st, 2007, 04:57 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by maggiepearl90 (original)

I had my last scheduled service (still under warranty) in March of this year. Don't know for sure if the brake fluid was replaced then or not. Will definately do so when I get the brake job done. Thanks again for your help!

Brake fluid is considerd a "wear and tear" item. But (in Canada), a brake fluid flush is not considered "routine maintenance" so is usually extra charge.

Aug 20th, 2007, 08:15 PM	#1
maggiepearl90 04 MINI Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC USA Local Time: 02:28 AM Posts: 2 Offline	Brakes Hey Folks, Help! The brake sensor tripped at 44,5K miles on my 2004 MINI. It's out of warranty, so the dealer suggested getting quotes from reputable brake shops instead of using MINI dealer service. (One dealership quoted $1,000; the other $1,100 for replacing the front and rear brakes, including pads, rotors and sensors.) So I've got several good quotes in the $675-$750 range, using genuine BMW/MINI parts. But one shop asked me if I need to have the brake fluid flushed and replaced...do I, should I? I'd appreciate any advice...Thanks! Jo Charlotte, NC

Aug 20th, 2007, 09:47 PM	#2 (permalink)
beken 05 MCS BEP Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Delta, BC, Canada Local Time: 12:28 AM Posts: 1,174 Offline	You're supposed to have your brake fluid changed every two years regardless of whether or not you need brake pads (it's in the service manual). I just had my MINI's brake fluid changed today. Though probably not really necessary, the reason BMW/MINI prefer you to flush your brake fliud every two years is because if there are impurities in it, the boiling point of the stuff changes and could be a factor in the case of brake fade, particularly after a long hot run. So I would recommend you have your brake fluid changed, especially if you've never changed it since you bought your car. Brake fluid is cheap anyways (less than $20), but the labor part is about an hour. 05MCS BEP - Alta 22mm rear anti-swaybar, Madness CAI

Aug 21st, 2007, 04:57 PM	#5 (permalink)
beken 05 MCS BEP Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Delta, BC, Canada Local Time: 12:28 AM Posts: 1,174 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by maggiepearl90 (original) I had my last scheduled service (still under warranty) in March of this year. Don't know for sure if the brake fluid was replaced then or not. Will definately do so when I get the brake job done. Thanks again for your help! Brake fluid is considerd a "wear and tear" item. But (in Canada), a brake fluid flush is not considered "routine maintenance" so is usually extra charge. 05MCS BEP - Alta 22mm rear anti-swaybar, Madness CAI

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Aug 21st, 2007, 01:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
maggiepearl90 04 MINI Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC USA Local Time: 02:28 AM Posts: 2 Offline	I had my last scheduled service (still under warranty) in March of this year. Don't know for sure if the brake fluid was replaced then or not. Will definately do so when I get the brake job done. Thanks again for your help!

Aug 21st, 2007, 01:44 PM	#4 (permalink)
Richard Crofts THE STICK Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Worcestershire WR15 Local Time: 08:28 AM Posts: 3,001 Offline	2 years or 40k I believe. Personally I flush and change mine every year on the JCWs. But I rag mine and I do a full service every 12k including belts etc

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