Help...Brake warning light

[Dino D]

I've just had the front pads (and sensors) on my e46 330 changed. The brake warning light coma on last week so I checked the fluid level and then the pads. The pads were definitely shot.

The rear pads were changed last month.

The problem is that the warning light won't go out. The garage that did it is an independent who have the BMW diagnostic gear but they aren't experts in BMW. So they called up the BMW dealer and they told them that the light will reset itself after a few miles. I've done 80 miles and still hasn't gone out.

Any ideas anyone?

[mmm-five]

Do you know if the brake pad sensor was replaced at the same time, as this will cause the same issue - it is usually replaced when the pads are replaced, but can be overlooked, or broken.

[r5gttgaz]

I'd say they have broke a wire on the sensor, not replaced it, damaged the sensor upon fitment or left it unplugged.

[Dino D]

That sounds like the only logical reason. They say they ordered new sensors and replaced them. Maybe they haven't fitted them correctly. They told me to bring the car back if it doesn't go our so Iguess I'll just have to take it back...

[mwy1964]

To reset brake warning light... Leave ignition, without starting engine, on for around 3 minutes max.

[Dino D]

mwy1964 said:

To reset brake warning light... Leave ignition, without starting engine, on for around 3 minutes max.

Thanks. I'll give this a try tonight. You a BMW Technician/Dealer then? We could always do with more of those on here!!

[Dino D]

mwy1964 said:

To reset brake warning light... Leave ignition, without starting engine, on for around 3 minutes max.

I did this for just over a minute and it did the trick. Thanks alot.

BMW could have easily told my garage this but instead they just said 'it goes away afer a few miles'.I'm sure they were hoping I would be back and the car would have to go them so they could charge me an hours labour!!

[mwy1964]

Dino D said:

mwy1964 said:

To reset brake warning light... Leave ignition, without starting engine, on for around 3 minutes max.

I did this for just over a minute and it did the trick. Thanks alot.

BMW could have easily told my garage this but instead they just said 'it goes away afer a few miles'.I'm sure they were hoping I would be back and the car would have to go them so they could charge me an hours labour!!

No problem... Happy to help... Have to agree with you on the stealer comment.... They quoted me £380+ to replace pads on my 330i... Pads and sensors £115 (Should have haggled this down) took 1 hour including tea break and without trying to hard, to replace...

[Dino D]

Did you pay that just for the pads?

I paid £90 inc vat, labour and sensors at my independent dealer. If you near Swindon they are called STS Cars.