[OG Style]

Do I have to use a computer to bleed them or can I bleed them with gravity or pressure?

[dragerboy]

I think its recommended you use BMW software to bleed the brakes whilst activating the ABS pump. However I recently changed my calipers to the F series blue Brembo's and did a gravity bleed and the brakes have been fine.

[OG Style]

Thanks. I have INPA but the section for bleeding is in German. I have access to a vacuum tool.

[Efthreeoh]

Use a pressure bleeder or an assistant. No need to use a computer to activate the ABS module.

[Bimmer_Engineer]

I used a pressure bleeder for the first time a few months ago...what a sucker I was to pump the brake pedal for all those years...

[matamua]

I just replaced the ABS pump and flushed all my lines. I used a pressure bleeder first. Pedal was a bit soft, so I did it again with the foxwell tool activating the pump. Pedal felt great after.

[fastboatster]

so even if TIS calls for pressure bleeder, vacuum bleeder should be fine, too, correct?

[OG Style]

Would a vacuum bleeder be ok to use?

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Originally Posted by OG Style

Do I have to use a computer to bleed them or can I bleed them with gravity or pressure?

The book procedure call for a regular pressure bleed on all corners then to bleed using the software.

[smass]

Originally Posted by OG Style

Thanks. I have INPA but the section for bleeding is in German. I have access to a vacuum tool.

Get ISTA+. It will step you through the process at each wheel. It wants the pressure bleeder hooked up and pressurized while it is activating the ABS pump with the software.

https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sh....php?t=1023698

[mweisdorfer]

According to the Bentley Repair Manuel:

- Have partner in the cabin
- you open the bleed screw and say "open"
- after you say open, your partner pumps the brakes (10x)
- on the 10th pump, he/she puts the brake pedal to the floor and says "hold"
- after you hear "hold", you close the bleed screw.

Start with Passenger Rear, Drivers Rear, Passenger front & finally Drivers front.

The brake fluid reservoir should be closed during this procedure. You should add brake fluid after every time you do this.

You will need a brake bleed bottle. Attach it to the nipple and then turn the screw. Do not, detach the nipple while the bleed screw is open.

I would say (3x) per brake to be safe.

INPA & ISTA D I "think" only have software for the ABS bleeding.

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by OG Style

Would a vacuum bleeder be ok to use?

I'm not a huge fan of brake vac's or pressure bleeders for "bleeding" the brakes. They do a great job of flushing the brake fluid and that's about it. I have a Miti-Vac. I've had it for 8 years or more. LOVE IT, but it's not good for bleeding brakes.

See my other post. Best bet with bleeding brakes is old school.

If you need to bleed the ABS, then use software.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

I'm not a huge fan of brake vac's or pressure bleeders for "bleeding" the brakes. They do a great job of flushing the brake fluid and that's about it. I have a Miti-Vac. I've had it for 8 years or more. LOVE IT, but it's not good for bleeding brakes.

See my other post. Best bet with bleeding brakes is old school.

If you need to bleed the ABS, then use software.

Why do you think old school is better than a pressure bleeder method?

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

Why do you think old school is better than a pressure bleeder method?

I have used pressure bleeders & brake vac's, over the last 8 years with my 335. Every single time, I still had to do an old school bleed. Basically, the only thing the vac & pressure bleeders are good for is flushing the system out, at least IMO.

[BSM n54iS]

FYI Schwaben scan tool can activate the ABS pump

Did my 4th, 5th and 6th bleeds yesterday with it

[nsjames]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

Use a pressure bleeder or an assistant. No need to use a computer to activate the ABS module.

this. motive pressure bleeder is like $60 on amazon with the correct 50mm cap. worth every penny.

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

I'm not a huge fan of brake vac's or pressure bleeders for "bleeding" the brakes. They do a great job of flushing the brake fluid and that's about it. I have a Miti-Vac. I've had it for 8 years or more. LOVE IT, but it's not good for bleeding brakes.

See my other post. Best bet with bleeding brakes is old school.

If you need to bleed the ABS, then use software.

I've done it all ways.
pressure bleeder is effective, even at bleeding a completely dry system.

you're doing it wrong if it doesn't work properly.

frankly it's about the only way to properly bleed a clutch.

and yes, I own a mity vac, a compressor powered vacuum tool, and I've done it old school and with speed bleeders.

pressure bleeder > than any other method

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

I have used pressure bleeders & brake vac's, over the last 8 years with my 335. Every single time, I still had to do an old school bleed. Basically, the only thing the vac & pressure bleeders are good for is flushing the system out, at least IMO.

I've been bleeding brake systems for an easy 35+ years. Never used anything but a buddy or my wife as old school method. Four years ago I switched to a pressure bleeder. Easier to bleed with a pressure bleeder and have never looked back. Both processes flush the system, hence it's called a "brake flush". What, in your opinion, does pumping the system do differently/ better to flush it vs. pressurizing it to flush it? I'm just curious.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by nsjames

this. motive pressure bleeder is like $60 on amazon with the correct 50mm cap. worth every penny.




I've done it all ways.
pressure bleeder is effective, even at bleeding a completely dry system.

you're doing it wrong if it doesn't work properly.

frankly it's about the only way to properly bleed a clutch.

and yes, I own a mity vac, a compressor powered vacuum tool, and I've done it old school and with speed bleeders.

pressure bleeder > than any other method

Pull the wheels off. Fill the bleeder with juice, pressurize the system, crack the bleed screws. Catch the old fluid in a bottle. Call it done!

[lowrydr310]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

I have used pressure bleeders & brake vac's, over the last 8 years with my 335. Every single time, I still had to do an old school bleed. Basically, the only thing the vac & pressure bleeders are good for is flushing the system out, at least IMO.

What's the difference between flushing and bleeding?

[fastboatster]

is this that brake pressure bleeder somebody was talking about?
https://www.amazon.com/Motive-Produc...%2C218&sr=8-11

[Emilime75]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

- Have partner in the cabin
- you open the bleed screw and say "open"
- after you say open, your partner pumps the brakes (10x)
- on the 10th pump, he/she puts the brake pedal to the floor and says "hold"
- after you hear "hold", you close the bleed screw.

Didn't realize the intent was to pump air INTO the system...

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by Emilime75

Didn't realize the intent was to pump air INTO the system...

I'm not sure of your intent.

I've bleed brakes this way more then just a few times this way and on more than just BMW's.

It works.