How to Reset the Expired Brake Fluid Warning on a BMW?
3 Answers
First, start the engine and press and hold the black button at the bottom left of the instrument panel until the oil, brake pad, or brake fluid indicator appears. When a triangle symbol appears in the middle, continue holding the button. Release the button when the brake fluid indicator appears. Press and hold the button again until RESET or the reset confirmation appears. Release and then press and hold once more to complete the reset.
When I first drove a BMW, the brake fluid warning indicated it was expired, which made me really nervous, fearing brake failure. Resetting it isn’t actually difficult. The priority is to replace the old brake fluid—otherwise, resetting alone won’t solve the root issue. Sit in the driver’s seat, don’t press the brake pedal, and press the start button twice to enter ACC mode without starting the engine. Then, use the buttons on the right side of the steering wheel to scroll to the vehicle information menu, select the service items, and find the brake fluid maintenance or check control option. Hold the central confirmation button for a few seconds until the warning light turns off. The entire process can be completed on the instrument cluster without any additional tools. After resetting, take a short test drive to check if the brakes feel normal. If brake fluid is expired for too long, it absorbs moisture from the air, leading to softer or even failed brakes under high temperatures. It’s recommended to replace it every two years—this way, the reset will be safe and effective. Don’t overlook these small warnings during routine maintenance.
Resetting the BMW brake fluid warning is quite simple. After replacing the new fluid, get in the car, press the start button without starting the engine, and bring up the dashboard settings interface. Use the steering wheel control keys to navigate to the service menu, select the brake fluid reset option, and hold for three seconds to confirm and clear. The brake fluid expires because over time it absorbs too much moisture, lowering the boiling point and affecting braking performance. The BMW system is very sensitive and automatically alerts you. After resetting, the warning light will disappear—test the brakes on the road to see if they're responsive. If you're unsure about doing it yourself, visiting a professional shop is more convenient. Update the maintenance record system to ensure accurate reminders next time. The more you drive, the more experience you gain—these small steps become second nature with practice.