Thanks for the great writeup and superb photos. I just completed the job on my wife's 2007 530xi.

This is about my cross-threading experience--a cautionary tale.

My experience varied from the writeup only where my Motive pressure tank screwed onto the plastic-threaded reservoir. The red, machined aluminum cap screwed on and held pressure with only minimal hand tightening--but only after 2 prior attempts to pressurize the system with a cross-threaded cap. The sharply machined aluminum threads will find a purchase in the relatively soft plastic if you're not careful. When the threads mate correctly, you'll get 3 or 4 satisfying turns of the cap--and the system will hold pressure. I found no need to wrench the cap on once I got the threads lined up. In fact I think with too much torque you could easily destroy the plastic tank.

FYI: I chose to use the pressure tank without filling it with brake fluid--air pressure only. That did make cleanup a cinch. I had to de-pressurized/re-pressurize between my 3 fillings of the reservoir. Just watch the fluid level. Keep it above "MIN". I used most of 1 quart(litre?) of Castrol synthetic DOT 4 fluid.

 

Anybody know if the Bavauto bleeder will accept different caps for the MC? I have two japanese cars that I would like to use it on. Or are there other bleeders out there that I can use on my 5er AND my other cars? ONLY interested in the pressure type bleeders.

 

Yes, you can "mod" it to accept the universal adapter from Motive. Just get creative .

 

"Motive"? a company that sells different caps for the MC? Is that the full name of the company, Motive? I'd like to look them up.

 

Got my motive bleeder on ebay. Best prices

 

Motive Products 1101 Universal Round Adapter Kit JEGS .

 

So let me make sure I have this: The cap made by JEGS and sold through Motive, will fit the pressure bleeder by BavAuto, and will fit the MC in my japanese cars properly? I want to be able to use my Bav bleeder on both my bimmer and my Acura and Toyota.

 

I don't think the motive cap will fit the bavauto ones without modifying it like someone earlier said. It is a motive cap sold by JEGS that fits the motive speed bleeders directly. You would have to make a conversion like Rizbel did, then you can use it fit Japanese cars.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MOTIV...item3a4a377070

This is all you need. Comes with the motive bleeder, european and japanese import caps for those who are looking for a complete setup.

 

So I can cancel my order to BA if the pressure bleeder from Motive comes with caps for both my bimmer and my japanese cars. I can use this one for both cars, a complete setup is correct,

 

Yup, just order the motive package I linked to. It comes with the European cap and Japanese cap. I've already used them on BMWs, Mercedes, Toyotas..