Break Pad Warning Light

Try the tips shown at the link, it may help.

There can be so many different causes but mine was a faulty sensor.

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e30/brakes/e30_check_brakelights.html

 

 

I believe the sensor is just a simple device whereby a contact is broken when it is worn down against the disc. The light, therefore, indicates that there is no circuit through the sensor. If the sensor is OK, that suggests a loose/broken connection somewhere along the line.

I have an e30 and found that if you are not using BMW pads, the dash warning light stays on permenantly as there is no space for the sensor in the aftermarket pads.

The sensor works by detecting when the pads are low which allows the sensor to ground itself and switch on the light. I resolved this by simply pulling the sensor away from the bodywork and putting some electrical tape over the bare wire. Job done!

Hope this helps :-)

Hi Paul 325i,

 

I agree with you that GSF do great aftermarket pads,  have recently fitted Brembo Discs £16.50 + vat (not drilled, just vented) and textar pads (same as Pagid) @ £14 + vat.

That was only a jokey nonsense 325i_sports not serious, i know the ones you mean the cheap as chips rubbish so called brake clutch and suspension places like kwikFit fit where as in reality they are the last parts you'd ever want fitted to your car.

Your right there about taping up the sensor, i had the dash out at the time so i decided to do it that way not suggesting for one minute you should all rip out the dash to solve the problem.

Have you had any experience with up rated brakes? need a good set some of the companies that sell them out of demon tweeks etc are crap lots of my mates have had bad experiences with warping and cracking, so a set that has been tried and tested on a BM would be good.

On an e36 the sensor works by switching the brake wear light on when the wire is broken or earthed.

So in normal use the wire is in one piece creating a circuit. If fitted in its proper location, once the pad is worn it allows the sensor to be worn down by the disc, which will cause it to earth and finally break the wire.

It does not matter if the sensor is fitted to the pad or not, what matters is there is continuity within the wire and it is not being pulled down to a negative current.

I solved this by cutting the lead on the sensor just after the plug and joining the wires back together. If possible then test the continuity with a multimeter. This will tell you if the problem lies with the sensor or it is a problem within the vehicle.

One thing to remember is the reaction by the warning light is not immediate; I originally had dismissed the sensor being at fault due to the light not going off. It takes about 1-5 mins for the light to reset.

I hope this of some help.

Regards

Rory