So I just picked up my brand new MCS two hours ago with only 6 miles on it! YEE HAW! I'm super excited, but at 30 miles...the brake malfunction light came on and the emergency brake is released. I tried shutting off and turning the car over, but it still stays on. The Owners' Manual says it's the brake fluid level, but how does one check this?

I'm over at a friend's house showing the car off, so another question is: Would it be safe to drive the 25 miles for me to get back home with this issue?

Ugh!

 

My apology for creating an unnecessary thread.

I suppose the first thing that I should've done was open up the bonnet and check the level. It was, in fact, low.

I'm gonna take my chances and drive it for another approximate 40 miles before taking it in to the dealership that I didn't order from. (In fact, I actually cancelled my order with them.)

 

I think the real question is how did the car get off lot with low brake fluid level or if there is a leak you may not have anything, I'd stop at an auto parts store and have some fluid with you, last thing you want is to loose all braking a ability in a new car and end up hurting someone or something. I'd also be checking everywhere you park to see if you can locate a leak.

 

Great suggestion. It doesn't appear to have gone down after getting home. However, on my drive to get here...the DSC light turned on and has stayed on. It's not the toggle, and I've turned off and on a couple of times. I'm planning on taking it in tomorrow. Ugh!

As far as how it left the lot with low brake fluid levels, I'm not sure. I ordered from the east coast and picked it up at the trainyard, so I didn't go through the detailed delivery process. It'll all work out, I'm sure...I hope.....

 

The DSC is part of the braking system, if that light cam on too, I think you may have lost even more fluid, prsonally I'd call MINIUSA first thing in the morning and have them come and tow the car to the nearest dealer and service it all on BMWs bill. I'm almost certain you have an active leak, and it isn't worth it to get in an accident in the first week. option B is hurry up and fill the system (with any DOT 4 fluid), take it in inform them of the problem and have them bleed the brakes to get out all the air (which by the sound of things if you so much as craked open the cap the is bound to be air in the system. If the car was transported, the saftey check was almost certainly done before and a line may have worked itself loose, which it shouldn't have but probably did.

 

Thanks, motor on. I'll do just what you're suggesting and call MINIUSA in the morning.