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Thread: brake fluid in an ABS equiped BMW

  1. #1
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    Default brake fluid in an ABS equiped BMW

    Sorry to ask a basic question like this. However I am away from the car and cannot check the manual etc.

    What brake fluid do I use in a abs equiped bmw? I see dot 3 and dot 4 and some says for abs. Not sure which is appropiate for my 95 525i.

    Also, my indy changed my brake fluid about a year ago so I have a question on compatibility. I will check the invoice to see what they used.
    Thanks,

    1995 525i Auto, M50TU 2.5L, EAT chip, 1/95 build, USA, 205/65/15 tires, ASC+T, HID, lumbar, EC Mirror, BMW Alpine 5 radio with BMW-Pioneer CD Changer, abt 236k miles, Oxford Green/Parchment

  2. #2
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    dot 4, you can use the clear or blue, you usually want to use a different color in order to know when all the old stuff is out when you bleed it. Of your bleeding it you will also need a pressure bleed contraption. dot 4 is compatable with dot 3 and 4, he should have used the dot 4.
    95 E34 530I V2.37
    ===========
    Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.

    John F. Kennedy

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by Russell
    Sorry to ask a basic question like this. However I am away from the car and cannot check the manual etc.

    What brake fluid do I use in a abs equiped bmw? I see dot 3 and dot 4 and some says for abs. Not sure which is appropiate for my 95 525i.

    Also, my indy changed my brake fluid about a year ago so I have a question on compatibility. I will check the invoice to see what they used.
    it doesn't matter as long as it says dot 4 on the bottle...abs is irrelevant. if you are in a regular autoparts store, your choices will be castrol LMA or valvoline synpower brakefluid, either will work. ate is a dollar or two more but you'd need to go to a german parts place to find that. the blue ate is a dollar or two more on top of the ate price.

    ps..the napa dot 4 will be ok too, if you are in a napa.
    "..Torchinski v. Peterson that it is legal to carry a concealed weapon, so long the weapon is totally slick like a huge ass machine gun that you carry under a trench coat, like in the Matrix."


  4. #4
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    Jan 2004
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    Quote Originally Posted by Russell
    Sorry to ask a basic question like this. However I am away from the car and cannot check the manual etc.

    What brake fluid do I use in a abs equiped bmw? I see dot 3 and dot 4 and some says for abs. Not sure which is appropiate for my 95 525i.

    Also, my indy changed my brake fluid about a year ago so I have a question on compatibility. I will check the invoice to see what they used.
    If you're going to bleed it again, Bill R had a great post on the proper way to bleed... IIRC, use a pressure bleeder, yet still have a 2nd person sit inside and pump the pedal like the good old days. 12 pumps? 3 sets of 4? I don't remember exactly. Remember to bleed the clutch too for a manual trans.
    Robin

    72 Chevy K10
    01 E39 M5

  5. #5
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    Default Indy Put in DOT 4

    I needed to Know as I am going to change my front rotor/pads and may top off or bleed the brakes (if needed). However, Bentley says do not bleed brakes if you have ASC+T which I do. Bit puzzled with that?

    Thanks again.



    Quote Originally Posted by Russell
    Sorry to ask a basic question like this. However I am away from the car and cannot check the manual etc.

    What brake fluid do I use in a abs equiped bmw? I see dot 3 and dot 4 and some says for abs. Not sure which is appropiate for my 95 525i.

    Also, my indy changed my brake fluid about a year ago so I have a question on compatibility. I will check the invoice to see what they used.
    Thanks,

    1995 525i Auto, M50TU 2.5L, EAT chip, 1/95 build, USA, 205/65/15 tires, ASC+T, HID, lumbar, EC Mirror, BMW Alpine 5 radio with BMW-Pioneer CD Changer, abt 236k miles, Oxford Green/Parchment

  6. #6
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    Russell -- ASC requires a brake bleeder to get everything right. You can probably pick up a cheapie at autozone or the like. I would definitely bleed the brakes -- the entire system -- if it's been a year since it was done. Use super blue or type 200, depending on the color of the stuff currently in there, so you can tell when the new fluid hits the bleed screw.

    best, whit

  7. #7
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    my indy just did a brake flush for me today. It is Blue. Cost was $90

  8. #8
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    Oct 2004
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    Jesus...they charged you $90 for a brake fluid change and nothing else?

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