[Suvorovo]

Please help! Already spent a couple of hours browsing the web, not much out there for x-drives. I'll post up a detailed guide once I've figured it out.

Anyone have any tips/guide on doing a brake flush on a e90 xdrive? I would like to use INPA, but people have said that the INPA brake flush feature is bugged for x-drive and the pedal actuation process just loops. I have ISTA+, but I'm a bit afraid to use it, first time for everything. Do I risk breaking anything if I follow the instructions incorrectly? i.e. some steps require you to depress the brake pedal without actually specifying, is there a step further down the line that doesn't tell you to open the bleeding screw without actually specifying?

1. Does the ISTA+ brake flush only do rear left and front left since it assumes that you did a traditional flush (with/without pressure bleeder). The youtube link below for an F-series seems to only show rear left and front left.
2. Do I really need to pre bleed the system given that the DXC system will pump fluid out?
3. Is a pressure bleeder really necessary? I have one on order just incase.

I initially started the process out of curiosity and to read the instructions, but without warning, the bleeding process started (all bleeding screws were closed and the pump activated). I was able to break the process without damage or codes.

Is ISTA+ really necessary for a brake flush? Would doing a traditional flush every year clean out all the fluid from the ABS pump?

My ISTA Screen indicates this DSC flush process will be done on all four corners. Is this true or will the DSC flush process only do Driver's side calipers as specified in the video below.

View post on imgur.com

Guide in brake flushes using ISTA+ on a F-series

Issues with x-drive brake flushing on INPA:

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1726936

[Brian86]

Get a pressure bleeding kit and do it the normal way.

It's not necessary to cycle the DSC system to freshen up the fluid.

[Suvorovo]

Thanks again Brian, I have the Euro Motive pressure bleeder coming in on monday.

[Brian86]

It was nice when cars would gravity bleed but that's becoming less common. e90s don't flow without some help so you need the pressure bleeder.

Strongly caution against the vacuum bleeders with a nipple that hooks up to the caliper valve. I use a harbor freight vacuum bleeder to suck the MC reservoir dry.

Things get more... complicated... if you let the system run dry of fluid. Try to never let that happen.

But as long as your just pushing new fluid to displace old fluid... the pressure bleeder gets you where you need to go.

[Pittz1]

Takes longer to get the car in the air with quick jacks than it does to actually do a brake bleed with the Motive bleeder.

[Suvorovo]

Motive bleeder is arriving today. Thanks again everyone.

I've also read the DSC bleed is really only necessary if you've replaced some components.

[NorthernDancer]

If the brakes haven't been bled in a very long time, it may be wise to put a drop or two of penetrating fluid on the bleeder screw threads for at least ½ hour before opening them. And I tend to use a socket just to crack the screws.

Been doing my RWD 128 every year before my HPDE. Now also have a 330xiT; it's been done every two years by previous owners, most likely at BMW dealer.

[eljay]

Sorry, I just noticed your post on my profile.

I used the Motive Bleeder and followed the ISTA procedure. It works.
I see you got as far as activating the pump, so just follow the procedure and move through the calipers in the prescribed order in ISTA.
It made a difference for me and brakes have been great since. I'm coming up on doing it again soon.

[Suvorovo]

Yummy yummy brake fluid. Receipts show brake fluid was changed at a shop 4 years ago. This looks like a decade old!

I just pressure bled all four corners with the motive bleeder. PB blaster the caliper bleeder screws and pumped the motive bleeder to 15PSI/1 bar which is well below the 2 bar limit BMW specified. I used about 2 liters of brake fluid. About 500ml in the pressure bleeder went to waste. It’s cheap enough when buying the $63 12 pack 500ml of Liquid Moly DOT 4 fluid. Brakes firmer than ever.

Tip: don’t open your bleeder valves too much, you’ll get some bubbles but it doesn’t matter when there’s 15 PSI coming down the brake lines.

View post on imgur.com

[eljay]

Originally Posted by Suvorovo

Yummy yummy brake fluid. Receipts show brake fluid was changed at a shop 4 years ago. This looks like a decade old!

I just pressure bled all four corners with the motive bleeder. PB blaster the caliper bleeder screws and pumped the motive bleeder to 15PSI/1 bar which is well below the 2 bar limit BMW specified. I used about 2 liters of brake fluid. About 500ml in the pressure bleeder went to waste. It’s cheap enough when buying the $63 12 pack 500ml of Liquid Moly DOT 4 fluid. Brakes firmer than ever.

Tip: don’t open your bleeder valves too much, you’ll get some bubbles but it doesn’t matter when there’s 15 PSI coming down the brake lines.

https://imgur.com/a/Wbzmw3e

Great to hear you got it done.
That sure looks like it was needed!