Brakes- Check Light

wheelspin1967 · 10-09-2002, 03:30 PM

In the mornings, after I start my '87 325i, the light in the middle of the dash that reads "Check" comes on, however, if I tap the breaks, it goes immediately. What is causing this?

Any help greatly appreciated.

Rob Herrera
New Mexico

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Not sure - could be brake fluid pressure, like they have on the ATE master cylinders that are used on the Porsches. Also, brake fluid as well.

How are the brakes? Firm, or squishy? How's the fluid level?

I'm not super-familiar with the brake light protocol on the E30s. Has it always been on?

-Wayne

Jared at Pelican Parts · 10-09-2002, 03:56 PM

This is normal on the 325i.

It is designed as sort of a visual reminder to check your brake lights prior to driving.

Matt Smith · 10-13-2002, 07:20 PM

I second that. It's a normal part of the startup. The 'puter measures te resistance (?) in the brake bulbs. It goes on initially before you jabb the pedals.
More interestingly, mine would flash on during driving, which is annoying. Followed some advice posted elsewhare and installed BMW original bulbs back there. No more problems.

Jeff at WallWerks · 10-13-2002, 08:34 PM

My 87 325i does the same thing! Even though none of my
bulbs are out, Im going to change them and see if the lower
resistance of new bulbs changes this.

My 85 has the brake light and the windshield washer light on
and they are both ok. Any clues on this anyone?

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

I'll have to check Tom's car to see if it does this. I don't remember seeing it when I borrowed it a few days ago...

-Wayne

SuperWheel · 10-13-2002, 11:09 PM

My old girlfriends E30 used to do that too. I thought it was like a check on startup, kindof like on my Nissan pickup.

Matt Smith · 10-14-2002, 01:19 PM

There was a big debate on one of the other e30 forums about this. Apparently you don't need to use the dealer bulbs, as long as they were golden tipped xxxwatt ones etc.
Sounded too complicated to me. A quick trip to the local BMW dealer, USD $1.50 x 2 later and I had a nice couple of boxed, authentic bulbs. These are stupidly easy to fit and produced a total result.
That warning board is a pain though. I've had it tell me that my washer bottle level is low, that my oil is low and that my coolant is low. Wiggle the connections on the sensors themselves and hope for the best next time you spark her up!

I've found that neglect (as in doing nothing but waiting) and a jolly good thrashing seem to cure most of the intermittant problems on this car. Suits me fine

SuperWheel · 10-14-2002, 01:30 PM

Hah, that advice can be applied to my girlfriend too!

Matt Smith · 10-14-2002, 01:45 PM

Ha! Super, in a way that's how my new policy came about. I have basically been forbidden to spend any more money on cars for a while. In her defence, she's been pretty good for 5 years or so, but now she wants sensible things like kitchens and bathrooms rather than Porsche upgrades or Beema mods. I suppose I can indulge her a bit.
Just a bit though...

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Okay, here's a depressing list for you:

- Wife's 325is (broken head gasket)
- My 318is (tranny out for clutch blowup)
- Nissan Pathfinder (dead in street after starter motor won't kick this morning)
- 356 (barely running, bad breaks, no speedo, exhaust leak - death trap good only for runs to the Post office)
- 911SC (in storage, not running too well)
- 944 Project car (been in storage for two years)
- 914 (engine being rebuilt)

*sigh*

-Wayne