Red brake light and lift image. Need your help.

BrazilianBimmer · 05-24-2012, 02:31 PM

While driving on the highway these lights came on. I know it means to change front brake pads and sensor, but do I need to change rotors too?how can I tell?
I have 2006 e90 325i.

BKV122 · 05-24-2012, 03:21 PM

You probably dont have to change the rotors, but to know for sure youd have to get the thickness of the rotor

Meeni · 05-24-2012, 03:35 PM

If your rotors have a significant "lip" over the pads, they are probably due. Usually they are done around 80k miles, so about 2 pads.

BrazilianBimmer · 05-25-2012, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meeni

If your rotors have a significant "lip" over the pads, they are probably due. Usually they are done around 80k miles, so about 2 pads.

Not trying to be a noob,well I am, what do you mean, by significant "lip" only pads and brake sensor would have to be changed? no rotors?

Brad from the OC · 05-25-2012, 11:52 AM

A significant "lip" on the outside edge of the rotor face might be somewhat of an indication that there is wear, but the true test is to read the minimum rotor thickness stamped onto the rotor and measure your rotor to see if it is worn down to the minimum. If there are grooves or ridges on the rotor face, you have to take that in account as when the rotor face is machined smooth, it might leave the rotor thickness below the minimum. Are you replacing the pads yourself or taking it to someone else?

BrazilianBimmer · 05-25-2012, 03:16 PM

I plan to do it myself. It doesn't seem that challenging to change them. There's a special machine to measure the rotor's thickness?

Brad from the OC · 05-25-2012, 06:56 PM

Most mechanics will use a micrometer. A caliper can be used also, but they are not as accurate. If you've never used either of these, I suggest you get one with a dial or digital readout.

hboss1217 · 05-30-2012, 01:20 PM

how do you reset that light?? cuz i changed pads and sensors and the light is still there.

Brad from the OC · 05-30-2012, 11:27 PM

Place a key in the ignition switch and press the start button. Wait until all check lights and beeping goes out. Put your foot on the brake pedal and hold odometer reset until yellow triangle comes up. As soon as that happens; release it (odometer reset button) and use scroll on left side of steering wheel to find an icon that you want to reset service light for. Press the top button (BC button) on left control handle and reset “light” will come on. Press again and hold it for few seconds. That should do it. You can keep scrolling until you reset all that needs to be done. Once you are done take keyfob out and you are ready to go!

05-24-2012, 02:31 PM	#1
BrazilianBimmer Captain 42 Rep 822 Posts Drives: Black e90 325i Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Alexandria, VA iTrader: (0)	Red brake light and lift image. Need your help. While driving on the highway these lights came on. I know it means to change front brake pads and sensor, but do I need to change rotors too?how can I tell? I have 2006 e90 325i.
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05-24-2012, 03:21 PM	#2
BKV122 Major 47 Rep 1,160 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NY iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330xi [9.50]	You probably dont have to change the rotors, but to know for sure youd have to get the thickness of the rotor __________________ Monaco Blue 330xi - Terra Interior/6-MT/Sport/Premium/Cold/CSL's/M3 Spoiler Lip/Black Kidney's
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05-24-2012, 03:35 PM	#3
Meeni Gateropode 329 Rep 2,848 Posts Drives: BMW 330i 06 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: TN iTrader: (0)	If your rotors have a significant "lip" over the pads, they are probably due. Usually they are done around 80k miles, so about 2 pads.
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05-25-2012, 11:52 AM	#5
Brad from the OC Private First Class 15 Rep 153 Posts Drives: 325Ia Alpine White Join Date: May 2006 Location: Southern California iTrader: (0)	A significant "lip" on the outside edge of the rotor face might be somewhat of an indication that there is wear, but the true test is to read the minimum rotor thickness stamped onto the rotor and measure your rotor to see if it is worn down to the minimum. If there are grooves or ridges on the rotor face, you have to take that in account as when the rotor face is machined smooth, it might leave the rotor thickness below the minimum. Are you replacing the pads yourself or taking it to someone else?
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05-25-2012, 03:16 PM	#6
BrazilianBimmer Captain 42 Rep 822 Posts Drives: Black e90 325i Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Alexandria, VA iTrader: (0)	I plan to do it myself. It doesn't seem that challenging to change them. There's a special machine to measure the rotor's thickness?
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05-25-2012, 06:56 PM	#7
Brad from the OC Private First Class 15 Rep 153 Posts Drives: 325Ia Alpine White Join Date: May 2006 Location: Southern California iTrader: (0)	Most mechanics will use a micrometer. A caliper can be used also, but they are not as accurate. If you've never used either of these, I suggest you get one with a dial or digital readout.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-30-2012, 01:20 PM	#8
hboss1217 Private First Class 5 Rep 130 Posts Drives: BMW 335i Coupe 6 MT Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Ft Lauderdale, FL iTrader: (4)	how do you reset that light?? cuz i changed pads and sensors and the light is still there.
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05-30-2012, 11:27 PM	#9
Brad from the OC Private First Class 15 Rep 153 Posts Drives: 325Ia Alpine White Join Date: May 2006 Location: Southern California iTrader: (0)	Place a key in the ignition switch and press the start button. Wait until all check lights and beeping goes out. Put your foot on the brake pedal and hold odometer reset until yellow triangle comes up. As soon as that happens; release it (odometer reset button) and use scroll on left side of steering wheel to find an icon that you want to reset service light for. Press the top button (BC button) on left control handle and reset “light” will come on. Press again and hold it for few seconds. That should do it. You can keep scrolling until you reset all that needs to be done. Once you are done take keyfob out and you are ready to go!
	Appreciate 0 Quote