BMW Check Brake Fluid Level | Reset Brake Warning
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Does your Brake Warning Light appear on your BMW dashboard? Learn how to fix it by following the procedures below.
At a Glance
- Message: Brake fluid! Stop vehicle carefully, or a red brake light
- Fluid: BMW approved DOT 4 (low viscosity on many models); use a sealed bottle
- Location: reservoir under the cabin filter cover at the back of the engine bay on many models
- Light still on: reset it in the cluster or with a scan tool once the level is correct
- Soft pedal: do not drive; find the leak first
Symptoms
- Brake Warning Light on Dashboard
- Brake Fluid! Stop Vehicle Carefully
- Brake Fluid message on iDrive
- The brake fluid level is too low. It can cause reduced braking efficiency. Stop the vehicle carefully. Please contact the nearest BMW dealer.
Why Is the BMW Brake Fluid Low?
- Worn pads: the level drops slowly as pads wear. A low level plus a pad wear warning usually means brakes are due.
- Leak: a fast drop, wet spots near a wheel or a soft pedal means a leak. Stop driving until it is fixed.
- Brake fluid service due: BMW tracks brake fluid replacement by time (often every 2 years) and shows a separate service reminder.
Do not drive if the message says Stop vehicle carefully and the pedal feels soft or sinks.
What you will need
- BMW Brake Fluid
- Do not use brake fluid from an open container. Brake fluid can absorb moisture and degrade; therefore, using brake fluid from a container with a broken seal is not recommended.
- Gloves
- Clean Rag
- Funnel
Procedure
- Open the hood of your BMW by pulling the hood release under the dashboard.
- Locate the plastic cover on the back of the engine. You can see the brake reservoir in older models, but newer models have a plastic cover that needs to be removed. This is known as microfilter housing.
- Remove the plastic retainer and twist the nuts to unlock the cover.
- Remove the rest of the plastic trim. Once the plastic trim is removed, you notice the brake fluid reservoir.
- Use a clean rag to remove any dirt accumulated around the brake fluid reservoir cap. Remove the cap. Check the fluid by looking at the side of the reservoir. You will notice a MIN and MAX mark on the side of the brake fluid reservoir.
- Add brake fluid to the reservoir until it is just below the MAX mark if the level is below MIN. Do not overfill above the MAX mark.
- Follow the instructions below to reset the brake level warning light on the dashboard.
If you overfill your BMW brake fluid reservoir above the MAX mark, use a clean syringe to remove the excessive brake fluid.
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Reset the brake fluid light
- Insert your key into the ignition.
- Press the START button without pressing the brake pedal. Ensure your ignition is turned on, but the engine has not been started.
- Once your dash lights are on, press and hold the odometer reset button for about 5 seconds. A yellow triangle will be displayed. Continue pressing the reset button until the triangle disappears and the Oil Can or Cabin Air Filter symbol shows on the cluster. Now, you have entered the service menu.
- Toggle the reset switch a few times until you see the brake symbol.
- Press and hold the reset button again when the brake fluid symbol shows on the screen.
- After pressing the reset button for about five seconds, you should see RESET. Or OK?
- Release and press the reset button again for another five seconds.
- Cycle your ignition on and off, and the rest should be completed.
Helpful links
Reset BMW Service Warning Light CBS FSM
How to Reset BMW Brake Fluid Warning Message using a Scan Tool
An alternative method to reset the BMW brake fluid warning message is to use an OBD2 scanner. The YOUCANIC Full System Scanner can reset the brake fluid warning message on your BMW,
A BMW OBD2 scanner will allow you to reset many services and diagnose BMW problems from various modules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Recommended BMW Brake Fluid?
Recommended: Genuine BMW Brake Fluid
Alternative: ATE Type 200 Super Blue
The most commonly used BMW brake fluid is DOT4. Always check your owner’s manual to determine what brake fluid is compatible with your BMW.
How can I tell if the mechanic/dealer changed my brake fluid?
Old brake fluid will be dark in color. Fresh brake fluid is a clear color or bright blue or yellow.
Can I test the condition of my brake fluid?
Yes. You can use test strips to measure the water contamination in brake fluid. Or you can use a tool that measures the specific gravity of the brake fluid, which also can measure the percentage of water in the brake fluid.
Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your BMW.
