Results 1 to 11 of 11

Thread: Problem with red brake control/light - really hard case E46

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2018
    Location
    Poland
    Posts
    5
    My Cars
    E46 M43 118 HP 1998r.

    Question Problem with red brake control/light - really hard case E46

    Hi everyone!

    My car is BMW E46 318i M43 118 HP from 1998.04. The main problem is the red brake control appearing on my dashboard (clocks). I want to fix it for my safety.

    I have already checked:


    • Brake fluid is full (I bought used brake reservoir and replaced- nothing changed)
    • ASC and ABS is working perfectly (there is not any errors in INPA or orange ASC error)
    • The voltage on brake reservoir exist ~12V
    • Hard brake sensor is working (we can hear beeping while we move car when we manual brake applied)


    Do you have any clue what can I do ?
    I am asking you for any suggestions.

    PS. sorry for my english
    Last edited by K0J0T; 12-12-2018 at 06:24 PM.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2018
    Location
    Poland
    Posts
    5
    My Cars
    E46 M43 118 HP 1998r.
    Nobody can help?

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    Chicagoland area
    Posts
    4,372
    My Cars
    EXOTICS
    Check front&rear brake pad wear sensors, if they are ok and not worn down.
    Scan for codes with a scan tool/code reader that is also able to clear codes.
    Once codes/errors are cleared, the brake warning lamp should remain off.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2018
    Location
    Poland
    Posts
    5
    My Cars
    E46 M43 118 HP 1998r.
    Quote Originally Posted by MIKYZZ4 View Post
    Check front&rear brake pad wear sensors, if they are ok and not worn down.
    Scan for codes with a scan tool/code reader that is also able to clear codes.
    Once codes/errors are cleared, the brake warning lamp should remain off.
    Ok, but inpa does not shown any errors... E46 has separated control For pads (orange light) and hand brake (Red light control). So i have problem with red light, pads are Ok in my opinion and it does not matter- am i wrong ?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Location
    Arlington, VA
    Posts
    9,923
    My Cars
    2018 BMW M240i
    The switch for the parking brake could be bad, could have a broken or missing wire or it may need adjustment. Just pull the black leather parking brake cover off and check the switch.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    Honolulu, Hawaii
    Posts
    753
    My Cars
    '73 E9, '94 E34, '02 E46
    INPA not showing errors may mean there are no errors to be found, that everything is working as it should.

    Listen to MarcoZ above, he knows.
    Charlie

    Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to add value to these threads, either by pictures or by descriptions, so the next person with the same or similar problem stands on your shoulders.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Silver Spring, MD
    Posts
    130
    My Cars
    03M3 17M540 18A5SB
    The trick on the pad sensor is that they short to ground and turn on the pad wear light...the sensors are one-time use, they need to be replaced if they come on, i.e., if you wait to replace the pads at <2mm. Similarly, if the wire to †he brake pad wear sensor is compromised or shorted tø ground, the pad warning will come øn. Many people just cut the wire to the sensor and tape it up...I guarantee you you will know when the pad is worn †ø metal by the screech. However, it will score the rotor but the rotor is more than likely worn below its wear limit anyway.
    I replaced all four corner brake pads at around 66K on my M3 including wear sensors...it's kind of a hassle to go way to the chassis junction box for the connector on the pad wear sensor when many ø†her mfr's have the connector near the caliper.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2018
    Location
    Poland
    Posts
    5
    My Cars
    E46 M43 118 HP 1998r.
    Quote Originally Posted by Honolulu View Post
    INPA not showing errors may mean there are no errors to be found, that everything is working as it should.

    Listen to MarcoZ above, he knows.
    I forgot one thing: when i pull hand brake and I want to drive beeping is working. If that wire will be broken I will not get any sound... I have checked without wire - removed from switch and nothing changed - red control still light.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    Chicagoland area
    Posts
    4,372
    My Cars
    EXOTICS
    Try bleeding the brake system.
    Do a complete system flush by bleeding at each caliper,evenly distributing a new 1Liter of fluid among them.
    When bleeding the system bleed them in the correct order-rear right, rear left, front right, front left,
    and clutch if manual trans.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Dec 2018
    Location
    Poland
    Posts
    5
    My Cars
    E46 M43 118 HP 1998r.
    Quote Originally Posted by MIKYZZ4 View Post
    Try bleeding the brake system.
    Do a complete system flush by bleeding at each caliper,evenly distributing a new 1Liter of fluid among them.
    When bleeding the system bleed them in the correct order-rear right, rear left, front right, front left,
    and clutch if manual trans.
    Ok but is it necessary if I changed brake fluid a few weeks ago? I regenerated the rear brake callipers + changed brake shoes + new pads and discs. The red light was before...
    I regenerated the brake calipers

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    Chicagoland area
    Posts
    4,372
    My Cars
    EXOTICS
    You don't mention the front being bled.
    You have to be sure of the whole system.

Similar Threads

  1. Red brake pad light does not extinguish
    By drsides in forum 1992 - 1999 M3 (E36)
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 10-02-2011, 11:55 PM
  2. Dynamic Brake Control light on??
    By HIBANX in forum General BMW and Automotive Discussion sponsored by Intercity Lines
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 03-19-2010, 04:45 PM
  3. Problem With red "Tire" warning Light
    By Manny34102 in forum 2002 - 2008 Z4 (E85, E86)
    Replies: 14
    Last Post: 12-25-2008, 06:55 PM
  4. replace brake controle light is still on
    By whynot525 in forum General BMW Mechanical Help sponsored by RM European Auto Parts
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 07-13-2008, 07:08 PM
  5. Red brake warning light flickering under hard braking?
    By EvanUrS4 in forum 1991 - 1999 (E36)
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 02-16-2007, 10:46 AM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •