Brake Indicators Reset Issue

[FrazM865]

Apologies if answered elsewhere but I could not see anything particularly for the E82.

My issue is that I have replaced my front discs & pads on my E82 as they needed done plus the car was telling me I had under 1000 miles to left on the countdown.
I did not replace the sensor as it visually looked ok plus it had not ‘tripped’.
Following this I went through the normal procedure to reset the countdown but i’ve now been left with a _______ reading.
As I wasn’t sure what happened I foolishly tried to reset my rears also see if they reset ok but I now get the same reading for them - they are fine and nowhere close to needing replacement.
In addition to these readings I’m also receiving warnings on the dash - the car on ramp and (!). From reading the manual I see this means brake pads are worn.
I see suggestions elsewhere that replacing the front sensor will allow the reset to work, can anyone confirm this?
If my old sensor is ok, can I just unplug & replug this to allow the reset?
Finally, will resetting the fronts allow the backs to also be reset or would I have to follow a similar process for them?

Thanks

[dtla1]

[FrazM865]

Originally Posted by dtla1

That’s the reset procedure I followed and has left me with the _____ readings & warnings.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by FrazM865

Apologies if answered elsewhere but I could not see anything particularly for the E82.

My issue is that I have replaced my front discs & pads on my E82 as they needed done plus the car was telling me I had under 1000 miles to left on the countdown.
I did not replace the sensor as it visually looked ok plus it had not ‘tripped’.
Following this I went through the normal procedure to reset the countdown but i’ve now been left with a _______ reading.
As I wasn’t sure what happened I foolishly tried to reset my rears also see if they reset ok but I now get the same reading for them - they are fine and nowhere close to needing replacement.

Once the pad light is RED, you will need a new sensor.

In addition to these readings I’m also receiving warnings on the dash - the car on ramp and (!). From reading the manual I see this means brake pads are worn.
I see suggestions elsewhere that replacing the front sensor will allow the reset to work, can anyone confirm this?
If my old sensor is ok, can I just unplug & replug this to allow the reset?
Finally, will resetting the fronts allow the backs to also be reset or would I have to follow a similar process for them?

Thanks

Nope. The car on the ramp or lift means your car is due for it's bi-yearly service. Some cars have this set to every two years. So dealers when they did the PDI did not activate this service light. You can turn it off via the iDrive or by using an App or OBDII code reader or the BMW software.

No, unplugging the sensor won't reset the light. Some have had luck using a jumper wire where the sensor plugs into the car and THEN trying to reset the brake pad light. But most find that you need a new pad wear sensor.


DIY resetting service "due" lights…
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=415111



Using an App like Carly might also work. There is another app too that's better but I forget its name.

Dackel

[Rmtt]

Has anyone "jumped" this circuit by just wiring it in series with no issues?

I haven't had to do brakes yet, but from what I've read it's just a sensor looking for continuity.

I don't need a sensor telling me when something like this is due.

[rowsdower]

Originally Posted by Rmtt

Has anyone "jumped" this circuit by just wiring it in series with no issues?

I haven't had to do brakes yet, but from what I've read it's just a sensor looking for continuity.

I don't need a sensor telling me when something like this is due.

Yes, my rear sensor tripped so I cut the sensor off the wires, soldered the two wires together and zip tied to a control arm, then reset and have had no problems since. That was years and at least 20k miles ago.

[JimD]

I did the back but not the front and still couldn't reset the indicator. When I did the brakes I bought two new sensors, put the back behind the inner fender and installed the front (didn't see any place to tie it up that I had high confidence in). I thought the front sensor was OK but when I replaced both it reset fine. The sensors can be pretty cheap (I got pads and sensors from Rock Auto). It is unfortunate that they are so thick. They trigger when you have quite a bit of pad left. But if you are doing brakes, replacing them doesn't add significant time or expense. I tied the back one up because I do not think I really need these sensors. My 1 is a manual that doesn't see track duty so my brakes last a really long time. I also know how to inspect them and would rather my car not give me premature "warnings".

But cars trying to out think us is becoming more and more the norm.

[GuamX1]

Originally Posted by rowsdower

Yes, my rear sensor tripped so I cut the sensor off the wires, soldered the two wires together and zip tied to a control arm, then reset and have had no problems since. That was years and at least 20k miles ago.

This is what I will do I dont need a sensor to tell me when pads are due for replacement