To not have any warranty issues when changing the brake fluid on my slightly less than year old MCS, I wanted to use BMW brake fluid. I called the dealer and they sell it for $6.38 for 12oz. That seams way high, doesn't it?

I Googled around and couldn't find any except for BMW motorcycle places. It is listed as DOT 4. Is that the same fluid used in cars? If so, I'll get it from one of those places (price was $4.00 per 12 oz). If it is not the same, does anyone know of an on line place with a better price?

 

I did a brake job on my 02 MCS over the past weekend and replaced the brake fluid with Valvoline Syntec. It exceeds DOT 3 and DOT 4. I've been using this fluid in my BMW motorcycle and my wife's BMW car for the past 4 years without any issues. It's available at most auto parts stores and claims to mix well with most modern brake fluids. I think it's good stuff. It's the same color as the fluid MINI uses. I don't think it could void your waranty as the dealer wouldn't be able to tell (without a lab test). It's affordable and comes in a quart bottle. Read the back of the bottle before you buy. The brakes on my 12 year old bike (4 piston calipers X 2 on the front wheel) work as good as new. The 17 year old BMW car just got replaced, but the brakes worked great on it as well. Like oil, it's not so much what you use, but how often you change it. I don't expect any issues with my MINI as I am sold on this product.

Good luck,
MB

 

You'll only be able to buy BMW brake fluid at a BMW dealer or at suppliers selling genuine BMW parts. If you absolutey have to have it, I suggest Classic MINI.

BMW does not make brake fluid (and a lot of other stuff). Somebody else makes it and packages it in a bottle with a BMW logo and a BMW part number. I don't know who makes it for them, but I've been using Ate for years with absolutely no issues at all in BMWs, MINIs, Chevy truck, etc, for years.

 

As long as the brake fluid meets or exceeds the DOT rating stated in the manual, MINI cannot avoid warranty due to its use.

 

Talk about memory failure, I'm home now and reading the bottle. This stuff is Valvoline SynPower synthetic formula brake fluid. Recommended for ABS systems and clutches requiring DOT 3 & DOT 4 fluids. Meets and exceeds specs SAE J1703, FMVSS No.116 and DOT4 Motor Vehicle Brake Fluid. Mixes with conventional brake fluids. Maximum dry boiling point above 500f and Minimum wet boiling point of 343f. I've been using this product for over 4 years and really put it to the test on my BMW R1100RS motorcycle. I just put it in my MCS last weekend, but feel quite sure it will work as good if not better than OEM. As Super Coop pointed out, BMW nor MINI makes the brake fluid for their vehicles. Try this, it's affordable and readily available. It has my "Deals Gap" seal of approval.

Motor On
MB

 

I figured BMW didn't make their brake fluid. I just wanted to play nice with the warranty.

Does anyone know if the BMW "branded" motorcycle DOT4 fluid is the same as the car fluid?

Thanks for all the info. I'll look into the Valvoline SynPower synthetic.

 

I like the term "synthetic brake fluid" that makes some labels. Makes you feel warm and fuzzy that it's somehow special.

As opposed to what? Organic?
Must be a brake fluid tree!

 

Toddtce,

I just viewed your web site. You have some very impressive brake products. I can't tell from your post if you're being sarcastic or just playing. I personally think ALL brake fluid is synthetic since as you pointed out, there is no brake fluid tree. Valvoline just happens to be one that prints it on the label. With your knowledge of brakes, what do you recommend for us normal everyday drivers? I recommend products that I have used with success, but I'm always willing to learn. I didn't see any brake fluid for sale to go with all of the hi-tech parts you sell. Please share some of that brake knowledge. What is our option to MINI fluid.

Thanks,
MB

 

I should think the use of the term 'synthetic' is just saying the fluid is not petroleum based. Just like synthetic motor oils.

 

This is what I use on everything, along with a Motive Bleeder. This includes our BMW, Viper, S10 and Mini. Please don't waste your money.