2012 M56 with 15000 Miles Brake Fluid Change?

[LVApeMan56]

Bought the car not long ago. The previous owner traveled a lot and didn't drive much.

What are your thoughts on doing the "severe use" recommended Brake Fluid Flush at the 15,000 mile service, on a 3 year old car that might normally have 30,000 miles on it? Thanks.

[DougC]

My 2011 M56 with 45,000 miles (Tucson AZ) has never had a brake fluid flush and the brakes function smoothly.

[Ilya]

My 2011 M56 with 45,000 miles (Tucson AZ) has never had a brake fluid flush and the brakes function smoothly.

Mines at 62k and I've never changed the brake fluid. Probably should though...lol.

[LVApeMan56]

My 2011 M56 with 45,000 miles (Tucson AZ) has never had a brake fluid flush and the brakes function smoothly.

Mines at 62k and I've never changed the brake fluid. Probably should though...lol.

Thanks Guys

[Larz]

Most people either don't know when to change the brake fluid, or don't believe it's necessary. Neither my 07 not my 09 manual even mentions changing brake fluid specifically, just mentions having brakes "inspected" (and I reckon that means the shop will tell you if it's needed. I used to change mine when I get new brakes (2-3 years) and I have been told it's NOT necessary to do it that often. Mercedes says every 2 years/20k miles. GM says every 30k miles. Other companies say 100k miles.
Here is why you should eventually change it: Brake fluid is a lubricant and also a pressure carrying fluid. Over time (and nobody really knows how much time), the brake fluid will absorb moisture which decreases it's stopping power during repeated or prolonged braking - taking additional distance to stop from a high speed, etc. Moisture also causes corrosion in the system (ABS,etc) and lowers the fluid's boiling point which also reduces performance.
HOW OFTEN?
If you want to test your brake fluid, you can buy a tester for under $20 on Ebay or similar. I have ordered one and will wait until my brakes need servicing at which time I will test it and see if the fluid has degraded to the point where it needs to be changed. From the limited research I have done, some cars have gone as long as 10 years and the fluid still tests fine.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brake-Fluid-Tes ... 80&vxp=mtr

[SmoovC]

I may be the lone dissenter here, but I religiously follow the "severe duty" maintenance schedule.
Some may say that the Dealer would love a customer like me.
My reasoning is that should a warranty issue arise, there is full documentation that ALL maintenance has been performed on time, every time.

[InfinitiAce]

The manual actually says to replace the brake fluid every 15,000 miles. That seems pretty excessive to say the least. I drove my old QX4 over 160k and had no idea that the brake fluid ever had to be changed. I think it is a $90 service at my mechanic. I will probably change the brake fluid on my M37 every 50k.

[Ilya]

I usually do stuff like this every 60k. Which is why I should do it soon as I just hit 60k. I don't think anything bad will happen unless your fluid gets seriously compromised, but generally speaking it wouldn't hurt to do.

[Larz]

I agree with Smoov and Ilya. I just changed my power steering fluid and had the brake fluid changed at the dealer when they installed my brakemotive kit in Feb. I have a warranty to protect as well, and I want documentation that all fluids were changed on schedule (or earlier) to remove that as an excuse to deny warranty coverage for the expensive parts these fluids protect. Yes, it costs more, Yes it may be overkill, but NO, they cannot say the car was not maintained. I have also been getting the oil and filter changed every 4,000 miles at the dealer. It costs me about $20 more than the speedy oil shops, but I have hard evidence that the dealer is caring for my engine / car on a regular basis.
The funny thing is that by paying a little more at the dealer, and having work done earlier than needed, will probably ensure that I will never need to use the warranty that I am paying extra to protect, LOL.

[ibc]

Some relevant reading material: http://www.aa1car.com/library/bfluid.htm
It seems the age, boiling-point, and moisture/water content of brake fluid are the bigger issues, not miles driven.

[Larz]

Some relevant reading material: http://www.aa1car.com/library/bfluid.htm
It seems the age, boiling-point, and moisture/water content of brake fluid are the bigger issues, not miles driven.

I think you're on to something there. That's why I ordered the brake fluid tester. Supposedly, it tests for moisture, etc and lets you know when to change the fluid.

[szh]

I change my brake fluid every two years or so ... since I drive just under 15k miles per year, the change happens around the 30k mark ...

Perhaps overkill.

But, I'd always rather have brakes in excellent working condition - when you need them in a bad situation, it may be critical to stop in time! I.e., I'd rather spend the money than worry about running somebody over because my brakes were in bad shape - forget the litigation, the human toll would be enough reason.

Z