[lulummk]

Hey guys, my car was checked this morning and I was told that I might need a brand new vacuum pump to fix the stiff brake pedal problem. It is hard when cold start in the morning, due to pressue loss?

I read some posts from this forum and it seems that not everyone chose to replace the vacuum pump for this problem.

What do you think I should do for this problem? It is expensive to get vacuum pump + gasket cover replaced.

[Blackhawk36]

The conditions you are describing, cold start in the morning, indicates a vacuum check valve problem. That is usually attached to the brake booster and easy to replace. I am out of town and can't check my vehicle til Monday. One fear is that BMW puts the check valve in the pump and it isn't serviceable by itself.

[lulummk]

Originally Posted by Blackhawk36

The conditions you are describing, cold start in the morning, indicates a vacuum check valve problem. That is usually attached to the brake booster and easy to replace. I am out of town and can't check my vehicle til Monday. One fear is that BMW puts the check valve in the pump and it isn't serviceable by itself.

So, do you think I still need a brand new vacuum pump? The dealer gave me a quote of about AU$1600 + GST for change of vacuum pump and gasket cover.

[GMWNashville]

If its only on startup check the check valve..if its all the time it could be a vac pump but I've never had to replace one..

[lulummk]

Originally Posted by volkswackin

If its only on startup check the check valve..if its all the time it could be a vac pump but I've never had to replace one..

yeh plus it's too expensive.

I'll get the gasket cover replaced first >.<

[mAdTYzz]

First try spraying some start gas in the area where the booster is and listen if your engine is reving up. Then you clearly have a vacuum leak, probably the plastic hose/pipe from the booster. It's very common and I don't see why BMW would be an exception.

[Josh1a1h]

I didn't realize this was a problem :/

I have this issue nearly every time, but my car still runs flawlessly and once the car is started, the pedal returns to normal.

What should be done? Is it urgent? I have no codes or problems.

[DJtoad]

Originally Posted by Josh1a1h

I didn't realize this was a problem :/

I have this issue nearly every time, but my car still runs flawlessly and once the car is started, the pedal returns to normal.

What should be done? Is it urgent? I have no codes or problems.

The "hard brake pedal after the car sits overnight" is a common problem which most people just learn to live instead of fixing and the culprit is usually a leaking check valve. As long as vacuum is immediately restored once the car is started (brake pedal immediately feels normal) it's really nothing to worry about.

[Josh1a1h]

Thanks bud. That's a relief for the time being. But as I know there is a problem that néeds to be rectified, I will ask my Indy to look into it next time around.

Cheers

[fun2drive]

The part in the US is not that expensive or hard to replace. Go to realoem.com and check the line there...

[username604]

I had the dealer replace mine twice, and the third time I went in for it, they told me it was NORMAL.
it's whatever

[Paulito]

after market t to fix this?

[MrRetep]

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=589753

[kaydee]

Originally Posted by Josh1a1h

Thanks bud. That's a relief for the time being. But as I know there is a problem that néeds to be rectified, I will ask my Indy to look into it next time around.

Cheers

@Josh1a1h-- curious, did you end up bringing the brake issue up to your indy? Did you get that resolved or you're just dealing with this stiff brake? Thanks!

[DASHOCKER]

my rav 4 does that sometimes.

[Josh1a1h]

Originally Posted by kaydee

@Josh1a1h-- curious, did you end up bringing the brake issue up to your indy? Did you get that resolved or you're just dealing with this stiff brake? Thanks!

Actually no...
But as you have mentioned it... my car is due to go in for some warranty repairs, and i may raise this issue with them

I will keep you posted

Josh

[JuppiOne]

here you go:

SI B34 06 07
Brakes November 2007
Technical Service

SUBJECT
Additional Effort Required to Press Brake Pedal Prior to Engine Initial Start
MODEL
E90, E91, E92, E93 (3 Series) produced up to 9/07
SITUATION
A customer may report increased brake pedal effort prior to engine start. This situation can occur if the vehicle sits for extended periods of time. Although the brake pedal can be depressed, the customer may note a change in pedal feel.
CAUSE
The vacuum check valve, fitted at the brake booster, may leak due to component tolerances within the valve assembly.
CORRECTION
Replace the vacuum valve and hose assembly for the brake booster; refer to Repair Instruction RA 34 33 051.
PARTS INFORMATION
Part Number
Description
Quantity
34 33 7 577 336
Vacuum Pipe
1
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Please refer to the latest KSD for all applicable labor operations and allowances.
If the appropriate labor operation is not contained in KSD, then a work time labor operation should be used.
Defect Code
34 33 00 14 00
[ Copyright © 2007 BMW of North America, LLC ]

[NEFARIOUS]

Wow, just saw this thread and didn't think anything of the problem at first, much less one that is covered by a TSB. Bringing my car to dealership while under warranty, thanks guys!

[bob.g]

i have this in the winter from time to time. been like that for years.

[roadkillrob]

Had mine fixed under warranty twice, first time fix worked for like a year, second time it worked for a week, never bothered to go back, figured I would do it correctly myself at some point and just learned to live with it!