Choose Your Tech Tip Category from this list: Select a Tech topic to view 00 Maintenance and General Notes 11 Engine 12 Engine-Electrical 13 Carbs/Injection 16 Fuel Tank and Lines 17 Cooling System 18 Exhaust 21 Clutch 23 Transmission 26 Driveshaft 31 Front Fork 32 Handlebar and Cables 33 Final Drive 34 Brakes 35 Pedal Assembly 36 Wheels 46 Frame/Bags/Bodywork 51 Paint, Locks and Mirrors 52 Seat 61 Chassis Electrics 62 Instruments 63 Lighting 65 Radio/Intercom 71 Tools

34 — Brakes

• BMW Lowers Cost of Ownership

BMW Lowers Cost of Ownership

Most people feel that the servo assisted Integral ABS system that was used on the 2002-2006 models (2003-2006 on the R-GS models) was an advancement over the older systems, but it has proved to be more expensive to maintain. The job is time consuming with multiple circuits and bleed points, and the ABS Hydro unit is not very accessible on some models.

BMW recently released a service bulletin reducing the frequency of the brake fluid change intervals for models which are factory equipped with the Stahlflex braided steel brake hoses. Field studies conducted by BMW concluded that moisture absorption by the brake fluid has been significantly reduced by the use of the Stahlflex hoses. As a result, BMW has changed the recommended brake fluid intervals as follows:

• I-ABS wheel circuit brake fluid change (Hydro unit to caliper): was required every year, has been changed to every 2 years.
• I-ABS control circuit brake fluid change (master cylinder to Hydro unit): was required every 2 years, has been changed to every 4 years.
• Non-ABS models with Stahlflex hoses: was required every year, now required every 2 years.

The change from one year to two years on the wheel circuit is only for models equipped with the Stahlflex braided steel hoses. I-ABS models equipped with standard rubber hoses must still have the wheel circuit fluid changed annually.

However the change on the control circuit brake fluid from two years to four years applies to all I-ABS models regardless of hose type.

Non-ABS models with rubber hoses or older models with ABS I or ABS II still must have the brake fluid changed annually.

This chart might help:

Although these are new official BMW recommendations, common sense should prevail. If it is determined that your brake fluid has darkened or shows other signs of contamination, it should be changed regardless of age. If you're not sure how old your brake fluid is, have it changed now, and start a regimen that will ensure the health of your brake system.

If this is confusing, or you're not sure which ABS or which brake hoses you have, contact your local dealer or give me a ring at the BeemerShop for further details.

Email Ted with technical questions you'd like to see addressed on this page!