My brake warning shows 1100 miles left on the the rear pads. This number does not change with additional mileage.

I'm a gearhead and do check the pads with a caliper and do understand that the light may or may not mean that the pads need to be replaced.

My question. The sensors are supposed to be two stage. Did I get a previous warning with a higher mileage and miss it? What is your experience with this light?

What mileages does it show? Does that mileage change? If so, in what way?

I'm trying to understand how this system works. Does the computer "care" about actual mileage?

Thanks!

 

OK, I studied my Bentley Manual and this is what I learned.

Orange light = OK, Yellow = Service Due, Red = Service Overdue.

I cannot reset my light (see top of post). Bentley tells me that is likely because the wear sensor wore through. I don't know if the second stage of the sensor will wear and indicate red, but that's what I think.

Again, I check my pads with a digital caliper, so really, I'm just trying to understand how this system works.

Here's how I think the system works.

Until a sensor wears, the brake pad monitor gives a guesstimate of miles left to replace based upon mileage, braking, sunspots etc.

When the first sensor breaks, you get a yellow 1100 miles left. That doesn't change until the second sensor breaks.

When the second sensor breaks, the warning turns red and continually counts down the mileage into negative numbers.

 

I know dual sensors exist, just haven't seen them mentioned on MINIs before.

 

Yes the sensors are a dual stage sensor so once you wear half way through the computer knows and est the mileage to try and make the next touch of the sensor more accurate on remaining distance.
But we still find they tell you that you need pads before you actually do.

 

I have this. And can’t reset!!!!! I think need new brake sensor ....

 

The sensor won't throw the "Brake" light. That would be low brake fluid, a leak in the system or the Emergency brake switch stuck on.

Have you checked the level of your brake fluid?

The lower light indicates that your rear brakes are crazy overdue to be replaced. Have you looked at them?

 

YES you need a new sensor. I drove my car for a year like that as it will turn on the brake light since it thinks you are really over due.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/brake-...5-r56-r57.html

 

I agree that you need a new sensor, but my point is that, unless your rear brake pads were replaced without the sensor being replaced, you are WAY overdue to replace the pads.

Make a check of the pads immediately.

I am not aware that the sensor would cause the "Brake" indicator to come on, only the lower display.

 

I just got new rear brake sensor today. Will replace it and let see if the light will gone.

 

What is the condition of the pads?