I'm getting a low brake fluid notification on my iDrive. Can anyone tell me what brand or Dot I need for my 2007 530i and where I can get it besides the dealer. I do need front brakes but not for another 1000 miles, but I'm guessing maybe that's why my fluid might be low. I also checked my power steering fluid and that is also low but no iDrive warning. I went to Checker Auto Parts but I didn't see any low viscosity brake fluids there. Anybody have some info? Thanks.

 

The Power Steering fluid is Pentosin CHF11S. No stores local to me carry it so I ordered from AutoBarn.com.

Can't help you with the brake fluid as I have had no occasion to add any between the biennial flush that is recommended and I have my Indy do.

 

Brake pad wear can cause brake fluid level to drop.

I'd recommend replacing the pads before topping off or replacing the brake fluid. Otherwise, pushing the brake pistons back into their cylinders could push caustic brake fluid to flow out the top of the reservoir.

BMW's brake fluid spec is DOT4 ESL. Our older son is an indy Porsche and BMW mechanic, and he helps us with the maintenance on our E61. He specified Ate Type 200 DOT 4 for our car.

Ditto on Pentosin CHF11S for the PS fluid; check the label on your car's PS fluid reservoir. Check O'Reilly or NAPA for local stock.

HTH,
JIm / crewzer

 

Thanks I appreciate the info. I'll see if I can find the PSF locally.


I'd recommend replacing the pads before topping off or replacing the brake fluid. Otherwise, pushing the brake pistons back into their cylinders could push caustic brake fluid to flow out the top of the reservoir.

BMW's brake fluid spec is DOT4 ESL. Our older son is an indy Porsche and BMW mechanic, and he helps us with the maintenance on our E61. He specified Ate Type 200 DOT 4 for our car.

Ditto on Pentosin CHF11S for the PS fluid; check the label on your car's PS fluid reservoir. Check O'Reilly or NAPA for local stock.


Great thanks for the recommendations & the heads up. Based on this info I'm going to go ahead and replace the front pads, rotors, sensors and have the flush service done. I still have 10,000 miles on the rear pads so I think I'll wait on those.

 

you can also use pentosin chf202, which is backwards compatible.
and many brands beside bmw use it. odds are you can find it at a audi, porsche, vw dealer also.
some oreilly's stock it...usually in big cities.