The brake fluid maintenance alert started on my 08 cooper s over the weekend and I was looking for any good resources on how this maintenance should be completed. I think I can handle it instead of taking it in. I did a quick search but did not see any good threads. Looking for information on:
- type of fluid to use and quantity
- any gotchas or instructions on how to perform the fluid flush
- steps to reset this alert in the computer
- any other items that are part of this maintenance

thanks!

 

You need any DOT 4 Fluid. I've always liked ATE Superblue.

Stay away from DOT 5 fluid as it's silicone based and not something to be used in the MINI brake system.

Can't really help on tips as I'm still in the covered maintenance period for mine and haven't had to do this job on a MINI yet. The hand-held brake bleeders are a big help though, as is the Superblue, because the blue color makes it pretty easy to see when you bleed them.

 

Just did this a couple weeks ago. Switched from ATE Superblue to Motul 600 only for the color change so I could easily see when I had flushed out the old fluid. Which was more challenging than anticipated as the blue mixed with the gold Motul to make green. That caused me to probably flush more than necessary, so I could have used a third bottle of the Motul. As noted though, any DOT 4 should work.

Search for R56 reset to find the instructions or refer to this sheet I put together.

 

Just make sure that if you live in FL not to use super blue it be against the law.

 

How is it against the law??

 

I do NOT recommend the ATE Blue, we've found over time it seems to damage the seals. Many other people have found this with German cars.
I do recommend the Motul RBF 600, plus it has a higher boiling point.

Also if your car is under warranty the blue fluid will void the warranty on anything that the fluid touches as MINI does not approve it.

 

Great informational post Way Motor Works.

That information may save someones bacon.

Kudos.

 

I dont mean any disrespect but, if you dont even know what type of brake fluid to use, you might want to leave that job to a professional. We all have our strenghts and weaknesses. If brakes are your weakness, just accept it and pay someone that knows what they are doing. You could be taking your life in your hands. Or if you cant stop... someone else's.

 

Way, is Motul RBF 600 ok to use with the stock braking system? I have not changed the stock brake lines, calipers, etc. I have only changed out the pads with your EBC green pads and Rotors from elsewhere. I have made an appt with the dealership because I don't feel like taking the time to flush my own system as I do not really feel comfortable doing so, I really haven't decided what I am doing even though I have place an appt for next wednesday. But I wanted to save myself some of the Dealer's price tag of $180 and purchase the Motul RBF 600.

 

Oh yeah you can use the Motul RBF 600 for street use, just need change it every 6months if going to the track

 

OK, cool. Now that I have to change my Turbo Oil Line because it is leaking, I have decided to just flush the system. Can't be that hard and I am sure I can find directions on here or just use the service manual. Can you recommend any flush systems or brake bleeders for performing a brake flush? I am sure I can just go on your site and see what you have, but if one is better than the other or one that you definitely recommend more than the other that would be greatly appreciated.

 

I believe the brake system is made by ATE (unless I am thinking of the Z3). I used super blue in my last car, and while it performed great, that blue coloring stained EVERYTHING forever, I will not use that again!

You can never go wrong with OEM fluid, either.

For the actual bleeding, I recommend the Motive Black Label pressure bleeder.
As seen here: http://store.bimmerworld.com/motive-...eder-p571.aspx

I got one on ebay for like $60. Works great for bleeding clutches and brakes (doesn't require two people). Also, if you have any other BMWs the caps are the same.

Follow the CBS reset procedure as posted earlier.

 

Also, don't accidently run air into the system as you will need access to BMW diagnostic software (DIS or ISTA or INPA) to put the DSC/ABS pump into the special bleed mode to clear it.

 

I did it on mine in January and I just used OEM MINI fluid. Like someone else posted, make sure you don't bleed the tank dry.

 

well the only way you would really bleed the tank dry would be by not putting fluid in the bleeder before pressurizing it or running out of fluid during the process. As long as you pay attention to when the new fluid hits the calipers than the 1L of fluid should do it.

 

I have decided to pick up the Bavarian Autosport Brake Bleeder Kit with Catch Bottle.

 

Thanks for everyone's help. Gonna save myself some $$ and do it myself.