brake pad sensor won't reset

[ryan2017]

hey i was wondering if some one could help, my friend fitted drive tec pads to his bmw 430 he used the old sensor, even tho i said he needed a new one would a bmw genuine sensor work on non genuine pads

[va1o]

What does it say on the iDrive? If the brake pad sensor has already triggered (i.e. the car is saying to change pads now) then you will have to replace it.

If it is still counting down (i.e. X miles to brake service) then you *should* be able to reset using these instructions:

1. Without pressing the brake/clutch, press the start/stop button
2. Wait for the service reminder to disappear
3. Press and hold the odometer reset button. You will notice your trip meter reset and then go back to the value it once was. Keep holding for a couple more seconds

At this point, service values that can be reset will come up. Use the odometer reset button to scroll through the menu.

4. At the value you want to reset, press and hold the odometer reset button. "Reset possible" will change to "Reset?"
5. Press and hold odometer reset button again until value is reset
6. Press the start/stop button to start car or turn off car

[ryan2017]

it says they need replacing and when pressing the service reset button it comes up with 0 miles on the count down i know its going to need a new sensor but not sure can you get non genuine sensors or is there only ones from bmw

[F355GTS]

ryan2017 said:

it says they need replacing and when pressing the service reset button it comes up with 0 miles on the count down i know its going to need a new sensor but not sure can you get non genuine sensors or is there only ones from bmw

We fitted an aftermarket sensor on my Son's E89 at the weekend and it won't reset, should have known better really having had the same problem before, it best to stick to original sensors, sensor doesn't know what pad is fitted to fine with aftermarket

[SebringMan]

F355GTS said:

We fitted an aftermarket sensor on my Son's E89 at the weekend and it won't reset, should have known better really having had the same problem before, it best to stick to original sensors, sensor doesn't know what pad is fitted to fine with aftermarket

My mechanic has noticed this a few times. Many aftermarket brake sensors are hit and miss.

[Locknut]

There is a lot on the web about re-setting brake sensors. There are two wires in each pad and it seems that the computer looks for two unbroken wires in each pad and will not re-set if they are not found. So if you want to re-set the frond pads and the rears are part worn, the computer will not allow the re-set.

Here is a link that explains that, go to post 8.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=618...

I have driven for over 40 years without brake sensors and I don't think I need them now. When my time comes to change the pads I will just join the wires to mimic new pads and carry on.

[Fox-]

Locknut said:

I have driven for over 40 years without brake sensors and I don't think I need them now. When my time comes to change the pads I will just join the wires to mimic new pads and carry on.

Or you could just fit a new sensor, they are like 9 quid and you only need them every 50,000 miles..

[Locknut]

Fox- said:

Or you could just fit a new sensor, they are like 9 quid and you only need them every 50,000 miles..

Yes I could, but let me remind you that this thread (and many others on the 'net) is about the trouble fitting sensors and getting them to re-set. Furthermore the BMW system only moniters two of the eight pads fitted so I could save myself a lot of trouble and not be much worse off by not bothering with the sensors.

[jgega]

Hi there , I did change the front brake pads on my F10 and the sensor had 350 miles to go before triggering
I did change the sensor anyway not genuine bmw but from Euro car parts
Now when I tried to perform the reset it comes as reset unsuccessfully , I even took the wheel off and did double check if I he sensor was fitted he right way but all seam ok there
Anyone have any ideas similar case ?
Thanks

[CorradoTDI]

jgega said:

Hi there , I did change the front brake pads on my F10 and the sensor had 350 miles to go before triggering
I did change the sensor anyway not genuine bmw but from Euro car parts
Now when I tried to perform the reset it comes as reset unsuccessfully , I even took the wheel off and did double check if I he sensor was fitted he right way but all seam ok there
Anyone have any ideas similar case ?
Thanks

Hi, was it a Pagid part? if not maybe try and swap it and check you have the right sensor...

You could also try unplugging / plugging back in again and check everything is seated correctly.

[Ed.Neumann]

I have found on our F11 the reset is properly hit and miss.

Often resets and says 3500 miles till they need doing.

Even with the old sensor back in and the wires twisted together it still says 3500 miles.

[AlexGSi2000]

I found this with my F11.

I think it must measure the slightest resistance on the wire to make sure you actually have replaced the sensor!

My good old trick of twisting the wires and keeping an eye on the pads no longer works.

[Ed.Neumann]

Even with new BMW sensor it would still show 3500 miles till next change.

Very annoying.

[stevemcs]

jgega said:

Hi there , I did change the front brake pads on my F10 and the sensor had 350 miles to go before triggering
I did change the sensor anyway not genuine bmw but from Euro car parts
Now when I tried to perform the reset it comes as reset unsuccessfully , I even took the wheel off and did double check if I he sensor was fitted he right way but all seam ok there
Anyone have any ideas similar case ?
Thanks

You can reset them with diagnostics, and I think there is also something random like make sure the parking break isn’t on.

[jgega]

Hi,Guys Thank you for tha advice . The reset did worked successful. With having parking brakes off.