This bulletin applies to 2009-2013 BMW vehicles. The yellow “Service Due” warning light may illuminate in the instrument cluster, even though the brake pad thickness is more than 4.2mm (above the thickness at which the pad sensor intervenes). The calculated remaining service life for the brake pads (front or rear) from the condition-based system (CBS) data does not match the actual brake pad thickness.
A software update is required to avoid this incorrect information. Update vehicle software using ISTA/P 2.50.2 or later. Programming must be started under the conversion menu item “Brake pad correction CBS conversion.”
After programming, the vehicle CBS data must be corrected as follows: Using ISTA, perform vehicle CBS data correction. In the diagnostic menu item “Front/rear brake,” select “Reset forecast to 50.000km” and then reset the forecast distance. Check the remaining brake pad thickness using special tool 34 1 260. In the diagnostic menu item “Front/rear brake,” select “Set availability, enter the brake pad thickness” and enter the pad thickness measured in millimeters.
About the Author
Information courtesy of Mitchell 1
Information for Technical Service Bulletins comes from ProDemand, Mitchell 1's auto repair information software for domestic and import vehicles. Headquartered in San Diego, Mitchell 1 has provided quality repair information solutions to the automotive industry since 1918.
Mike Mavrigian
Motor Age Editor
Mike Mavrigian has written thousands of automotive technical magazine articles involving a variety of specialties, from engine building to wheel alignment, and has authored more than a dozen books that crisscross the automotive spectrum. Mike operates Birchwood Automotive, an Ohio shop that builds custom engines and performs vintage vehicle restorations. The shop also features a professional photo studio to document projects and to create images for articles and books.