Brake fluid contamination test - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

UncleWede · 09-13-2005, 12:44 PM

Kinda

but on my other vehicle I got the front end aligned yesterday. They performed a free vehicle safety inspection and showed me this dip swatch that changes color to indicate the quantity of copper in the fluid. Mine was over 200ppm or something like that, and they told me I needed to do a complete line flush. Anyone have any info on whether this is a legit test, or just another way to try to squeeze my cash?

longtran · 09-13-2005, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UncleWede

Kinda

but on my other vehicle I got the front end aligned yesterday. They performed a free vehicle safety inspection and showed me this dip swatch that changes color to indicate the quantity of copper in the fluid. Mine was over 200ppm or something like that, and they told me I needed to do a complete line flush. Anyone have any info on whether this is a legit test, or just another way to try to squeeze my cash?

never heard of contminated brake fluid. but i have head of burned brake fluid. my honda prelude brake fluid turned black almost, like a brownish i guess you can coper color. they said it is fine. dont know if you have the same problem/.

09-13-2005, 11:18 PM

If you've never flushed it, its probably a good idea. Brake fluid does need to be flushed from time to time.

JBimmer · 09-14-2005, 12:13 AM

It means that the corrosion inhibitors in the fluid are breaking down. I wouldn't think anyone with an e90 would need their brake fluid changed already. If you think it's an issue, take it up with BMW under your warranty.

JBimmer · 09-14-2005, 06:07 AM

Another thought: It could be residual copper left over from manufacturing.

UncleWede · 09-14-2005, 12:23 PM

Not the E90, 2002 GMC Sonoma pickup with 35K miles. Said that the contaminants could cause pitting of the cylinders, corrosion in the llines, etc. The only time I have ever flushed a brake line was on the '75 "slovo" wagon, where we found sand in the master cylinder. I inherited the car from pops, who was doing some criminal divorces and we had to stay in the house a few times due to contracts on his life. . . He quit that line of work pretty soon after that.

09-13-2005, 12:44 PM	#1
UncleWede Long Time Admirer, First Time Owner Drives: E90 325i Arctic Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Oxnard, CA Posts: 2,189 iTrader: (0)	Brake fluid contamination test Kinda but on my other vehicle I got the front end aligned yesterday. They performed a free vehicle safety inspection and showed me this dip swatch that changes color to indicate the quantity of copper in the fluid. Mine was over 200ppm or something like that, and they told me I needed to do a complete line flush. Anyone have any info on whether this is a legit test, or just another way to try to squeeze my cash?
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09-13-2005, 11:18 PM	#3
CMD Guest Drives: Posts: n/a	If you've never flushed it, its probably a good idea. Brake fluid does need to be flushed from time to time.

09-14-2005, 12:13 AM	#4
JBimmer Enlisted Member Drives: Silver 325 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fla Posts: 25 iTrader: (0)	It means that the corrosion inhibitors in the fluid are breaking down. I wouldn't think anyone with an e90 would need their brake fluid changed already. If you think it's an issue, take it up with BMW under your warranty.

09-14-2005, 06:07 AM	#5
JBimmer Enlisted Member Drives: Silver 325 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fla Posts: 25 iTrader: (0)	Another thought: It could be residual copper left over from manufacturing.

09-14-2005, 12:23 PM	#6
UncleWede Long Time Admirer, First Time Owner Drives: E90 325i Arctic Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Oxnard, CA Posts: 2,189 iTrader: (0)	Not the E90, 2002 GMC Sonoma pickup with 35K miles. Said that the contaminants could cause pitting of the cylinders, corrosion in the llines, etc. The only time I have ever flushed a brake line was on the '75 "slovo" wagon, where we found sand in the master cylinder. I inherited the car from pops, who was doing some criminal divorces and we had to stay in the house a few times due to contracts on his life. . . He quit that line of work pretty soon after that.