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raywiebe · Posted: Sat Jan 02, 2010 4:26 pm Post subject: 2003 540i Brake Fluid Flush

I'm planning to flush the brake fluid on my 03 540i in a few days (96,000 kms), I've got the BavAuto Pressurized Brake Bleeding Bottle/Kit; the Bentley manual says that a ODB II needs to be connected during the flushing process, is it an absolute requirement or if I'm careful (by keeping the fluid reservoir topped up) can I get away with out one? Anybody have any experience with this situation?
Thanks, Ray

edjack · Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Posts: 3887 Location: San Jose, CA

I've flushed mine a couple of times.

I sometimes worry that the ABS pump is not cycled, but, the rest of the system gets new fluid, so it's not that bad.

Go ahead and flush.

I, too, have the BavAuto bleeder. Works great. As Griot says, "Have fun in your garage."
_________________

Ed BMW CCA member since 1987 (Nr. 62319).
'97 540i 6 speed Aspensilber over Aubergine interior.

raywiebe · Posted: Fri Jan 15, 2010 11:41 pm Post subject:

Thanks Ed, the fluid change w/ the bleeder kit worked slick, also changed the belts (needed to be done), changed the fuel filter (cut it open, original one, needed to be done), spark plugs (at 97K klms) still in very good condition, could of stayed in but changed anyway, changed trans oil and filter (very dirty, needed to be done, will do again in spring to get most of it out), diff oil (still looked very good). Will do the coolant in the spring.
Here's the little issue, we pulled the fuel pump fuse to relieve the fuel pressure before doing the filter, then after changing, the initial start up took a bit of cranking before firing up, understandable, however it still seems to take longer to fire up ever since, any particular reason that you might know of? I'm pretty sure it's the original battery so it might be on its last legs but have never had an issue with it. I haven't hooked up an OBDII reader yet but will in the next few days to see if there are any fault codes. Any thoughts what would cause the slow start up?
Thanks

edjack · Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Posts: 3887 Location: San Jose, CA

No idea, other than the fact that your filter has the integral fuel pressure regulator. If you didn't use an OEM filter, that may be the problem.
_________________

Ed BMW CCA member since 1987 (Nr. 62319).
'97 540i 6 speed Aspensilber over Aubergine interior.