Brake Squeal from Pad Wear Sensor
Problem Status:
Depending on the driving conditions, the occasional brake squeak and/or squeal is normal. The condition listed in this bulletin occurs during all light to moderate brake applications and is caused by contact between the brake pad wear sensor and the brake rotor/disc. This situation can occur on the front or rear axle brakes.
Reason:
The geometry of the brake wear sensor, combined with individual driving habits, can result in a particular wear pattern which causes a squeaking and/or squealing noise whenever the brakes are applied with light to moderate force.
Road test the vehicle to determine the source of the noise. If the noise is coming from the brake system, inspect the brake pad wear sensor of the affected axle. If the sensor is in contact with the rotor/disc, remove the sensor and drive the vehicle.
If the noise is not eliminated, further diagnosis is required to determine the cause of the noise.
If the noise is eliminated, replace the brake pads and wear sensor of the affected axle.
Measure and record the thickness of each of the brake pads to be replaced. Refer to the Warranty section of this bulletin for important information regarding the correct usage of warranty defect codes based on brake pad thickness.
Refer to the appropriate Repair Instructions:
With its heavy-lidded, serial-killer eyes, the latest BMW 5-series looks like a scowling jack-o'-lantern-styled with a paring knife that might have nicked a finger or two. Not bungled, just Bangled.
We tested the new 530i last January with its 225-hp inline six. Now comes what really engorges the salivary glands: the 32-valve, 4.4-liter V-8 lifted from the 7-series. It produces 325 horses versus the previous 540i's 290, but those 35 bonus ponies come at a cost. The 545i automatic carries a base price of $55,695. With the manual six-speed, as tested here, the sum climbs to $58,995. That's $13,400 beyond the 530i's attractive base, or, uh, $6700 per additional cylinder.
Problem Status:
Depending on the driving conditions, the occasional brake squeak and/or squeal is normal. The condition listed in this bulletin occurs during all light to moderate brake applications and is caused by contact between the brake pad wear sensor and the brake rotor/disc. This situation can occur on the front or rear axle brakes.
Reason:
The geometry of the brake wear sensor, combined with individual driving habits, can result in a particular wear pattern which causes a squeaking and/or squealing noise whenever the brakes are applied with light to moderate force.
Road test the vehicle to determine the source of the noise. If the noise is coming from the brake system, inspect the brake pad wear sensor of the affected axle. If the sensor is in contact with the rotor/disc, remove the sensor and drive the vehicle.
If the noise is not eliminated, further diagnosis is required to determine the cause of the noise.
If the noise is eliminated, replace the brake pads and wear sensor of the affected axle.
Measure and record the thickness of each of the brake pads to be replaced. Refer to the Warranty section of this bulletin for important information regarding the correct usage of warranty defect codes based on brake pad thickness.
Refer to the appropriate Repair Instructions:
With its heavy-lidded, serial-killer eyes, the latest BMW 5-series looks like a scowling jack-o'-lantern-styled with a paring knife that might have nicked a finger or two. Not bungled, just Bangled.
We tested the new 530i last January with its 225-hp inline six. Now comes what really engorges the salivary glands: the 32-valve, 4.4-liter V-8 lifted from the 7-series. It produces 325 horses versus the previous 540i's 290, but those 35 bonus ponies come at a cost. The 545i automatic carries a base price of $55,695. With the manual six-speed, as tested here, the sum climbs to $58,995. That's $13,400 beyond the 530i's attractive base, or, uh, $6700 per additional cylinder.
